Our masters were already waiting for us as the broad doors of the refinery entrance opened, and I saw to my immense relief that both Master Plo and Master Koth were alive and well. I could not help the relieved sigh that escaped me, taking a moment to reassure myself that we were all reunited once more before hurrying towards my master. "Koh-to-ya, Theca. It appears you have been busy." He said to me warmly as I urgently scanned him for any visible evidence of injury or discomfort.
"Koh-to-ya master, I have done as you asked. Padawan Kenobi and I successfully found the evidence of the Jin'ha refining cortosis here." I reported to him, making Master Plo chuckle as he placed his hand upon my head and congratulated me on my success as Master Koth smiled to me and also offered me words of praise for my hard work. I was about to ask what had happened to them both after they had been taken captive inside the Jin'ha facility when a loud rush of sound hit our ears, drawing our attention to the skies above which were clear enough that we could see the massive ship which sailed above us, dark and looming like a bad omen.
"What was that?" Obi-Wan questioned as it passed over, seemingly paying us no mind at all.
"A Trade Federation gunship." Master Jinn recognised, causing me to share a concerned glance with my master. The presence of the Trade Federation here of all places was not reassuring in the least, and I worried that they were here to purchase the cortosis weapons that had been made here. The implications were worrisome, so we all decided to return to the Jedi High Council as swiftly as we were able in order to make our report and turn over the evidence Obi-Wan and I had gathered. The return journey was mostly quiet, the masters talking amongst one another quietly, and I took to meditating to calm myself as despite having left that planet, my heart was still racing anxiously.
Master Plo and Master Jinn wanted a detailed account of what had happened in the refinery, and Obi-Wan took the lead in recounting all we had seen and experienced, as well as how we had fought the Jin'ha. He made a particular note of how well I had handled myself, ensuring to memorise every passage and route as we had moved down in order to remember the way out, as well as my demonstration of my battling skills. He made no mention of my panic attacks, or my complete blackout whilst living through a terror, which made me feel both grateful and guilty at the same time. He was praising me too much, so I endeavoured to remind him that he had been the one to lead the way, had defeated scores more opponents than I had, repeatedly saved my life whenever I had become cornered due to my own inexperience, and also informed his master that if it were not for Obi-Wan being there, I doubted that I would have been able to complete the mission on my own. If anything, the mission only succeeded because of him, as numerous times I was incapacitated by my own mind.
"Your honesty does you credit, young padawan. Do not feel so discouraged about yourself, you have a lot yet to learn, and a great deal more growing to do before you can undertake these missions with confidence on your own." Master Jinn said to me kindly, even smiling to me as Master Koon nodded his head in agreement. My master assured me that we would continue to work on improving my skills, and that over time I would accumulate the experience I needed to ensure that I did not get myself cornered as I had done, so I trusted in his teaching that he would prepare me for whatever might come next.
Soon enough we were before the Council, having given our report and the evidence which was already being thoroughly analysed as the Council brooded over the implications of this new information. "Excellent work, all of you. The Jin'ha were indeed using technology well beyond their means to produce weapons especially effective against Jedi Knights. The implications are disturbing, to say the least." Master Windu spoke as my master took his seat on the Council whilst I stood with Master Jinn and Obi-Wan.
"During our imprisonment, Master Koth and I saw evidence of a large-scale production facility, in addition to the large cortosis mine that my padawan and young Obi-Wan discovered." Master Plo reported as I continued to stand in my place, listening to everyone speaking around me in silence. It was not my place to speak here.
"The Jin'ha will be dealt with by the Council directly. We thank you, Obi-Wan and Theca, and recognise your bravery and resourcefulness." Master Windu finally concluded, and with a simple gesture of his hand, allowed us to leave. I glanced over my shoulder back to my master as I left, seeing him signal for me to go and that he would find me later, so I left with Master Jinn and Obi-Wan, who was set to face Master Koth as well as Master Plo in combat training. I sensed a slight nervousness from him as we left the Council room together, but I made no comment on it. Instead, he jokingly asked me for tips on how to defeat my master, but I did not pick on the humour and thought he was asking me seriously.
"I have never defeated my master in combat, so I can offer no advice nor reassurance. In all likelihood, he will defeat you." I answered truthfully and monotonously, which made Master Jinn laugh deeply as Obi-Wan's face fell. "Oh, you were joking. I apologise, I am certain you will do your best either way." Recognising my mistake, I clumsily attempted to fix it and the effort seemed to amuse Obi-Wan, who smiled and assured me that he was not deterred in the slightest and set his mind on defeating my master, as well as Master Koth. I wished him the best of luck and stayed in order to watch the training beside Master Jinn from above on the viewing balcony, unable to hide my curiosity.
"From what my padawan tells me, you have a very strong defensive when in battle, young padawan." Master Jinn spoke to me, which at first surprised me as I had not expected him to make conversation with me at all, not when his own padawan was facing such important challenges.
"I am not naturally talented when it comes to lightsaber forms." I responded politely, keeping my voice low so that it would not carry through the training chamber and distract Obi-Wan, who was doing remarkably well against Master Plo. "Therefore, I practice longer and harder than most, and favour a stronger defence rather than employing an all out attack. I think it wiser to save my strength, and pick the right moment to change to an offensive, for I am not very physically strong, but have a high level of endurance. This style suits me best, I have found."
"Indeed. You are very mindful of your strengths and weaknesses, young Theca. It is good to have an awareness of these things, as accepting weaknesses are a part of who you are allows one to fully recognise themselves, and their true strength." Master Jinn said to me, and I immediately began to wonder at his words before he then looked down at me, and I saw a great deal of understanding and empathy in his expression as I turned my face up towards his. "There is a great deal of strength in you, little one, that you yourself do not realise you possess. I look forward to the day where you come into your own." Puzzled and greatly mystified at such strange words, I nonetheless thanked Master Jinn for his wisdom and guidance before we both then returned to observing the sparring match.
Obi-Wan proved the victor, much to everyone's pleasant surprise, and the senior padawan immediately turned in order to grin at me with such mischievous that I could not help but smile back. We were friends ever after, and I always appreciated his company when it was offered, and his counsel when it was sought, for Obi-Wan was sensible in a way that made him more approachable than the older, wiser masters. Obi-Wan understood what it was like to be a padawan, and to be intimidated by one's own shortcomings and seeking to overcome them. Seeing him as wiser than myself, but yet not so wise as to speak in so many riddles, we often talked with one another about a great many things, and more than once were joined on a mission together at the Council's direction as my life as a padawan continued, now wearing gauntlets made from the cortosis as part of my preferred uniform which often helped protect me from danger.
It had now been several years since the day I had been lost by my first master, and having found peace with him, I felt more myself than ever before. We often passed one another, and a familiar sense of kinship often blossomed briefly whenever our eyes met, for to him I was still his once dear padawan that he had lost, and to me, he was my first master. Having healed the rift that I had erected between us out of anger, there was now only peace and familiarity between us. His other padawan, Darsha Assant, was nearing the time of her Trials, and was eager to become a fully recognised Jedi Knight. I wished her luck, and even saw her off on her mission with Master Bondara at the Temple platform where she was to leave.
"Do you think she will pass?" I asked Master Bondara as he sighed deeply, studying the disappearing figure of his apprentice with a heavy gaze.
"Darsha is eager to prove herself and has the capability to pass this Trial, however I fear she may become overzealous in her endeavour and her confidence will shake her objectivity." Looking up at my old master, I placed my hand on his arm to offer my silent confidence that his padawan would do well. "I hope that I may see you pass your own trials soon, dear Theca. You are improving day by day, Master Koon tells me that he is impressed with your progress, and have healed greatly since the time of your return to us." This naturally made me flinch out of habit, but I brushed it off smoothly by answering Master Bondara with a calm, steady voice.
"I am only sixteen years old, master, and still have a great deal to learn. There is no rush, I shall ascend to knighthood once I am ready." Humming in agreement, Master Bondara and I turned away in order to return to the temple where we then parted ways, as I was scheduled to meet with Master Plo in order to continue my training, though I struggled to focus. For the entire day, something continually seemed to eat away at me, dragging my concentration away from what I was meant to be doing until it was almost unbearable. The constant gnawing sensation drove itself through me, and several times I was overcome with shivers as a cold dread swept through me. This was different from the night terrors and relapses. It felt more fixated in the present.
Master Plo encouraged me to meditate on the Force and allow it to help me understand what it was I was sensing, and so we meditated together for the rest of the day. We meditated, and as my understanding of the Force deepened, I could sense Master Bondara through it. He was far away from the temple where I expected him to be, and something seemed to be wrong. I could feel his emotions as he focused on an enemy with whom he was engaged in lightsaber combat. Alarm gripped me but I maintained focus, and as my presence reached him, I also sensed his acceptance of what was to come next, what needed to be done. His decision to sacrifice himself rang through me and caused a powerful clenching sensation in my chest which made it impossible to breathe, like drowning in an endless ocean. Already I could feel tears rising to my eyes, but being so close to Master Bondara, I decided that I would not leave him, or send him off with my feelings of sadness. Instead, I tried to reach through to him, to show him that I was with him and that he was not alone, to thank him for all that he had done for me and that I would never forget him.
All of these thoughts and feelings were poured into the Force, and at the moment that Master Bondara drove his lightsaber into the repulsor drive of a crashed speeder-bike, I sensed him recognise me. I was with him, and in his last moments as he became engulfed in flame, I found he was at peace. It were as if our hands were securely clasped around one another's, the Force allowing the connection between us to strengthen until it were as if I could see him directly in front of me, murmuring my name. Tears flowed down my cheeks as I bid my final farewell to my master before I then felt his death resonate through the Force like a ripple, hitting me several times whilst my chest ached bitterly.
"Theca?" Recognising my pain and grief, Master Plo sat up as I opened my eyes and processed all that I had felt, barely able to comprehend it. I had become one with the Force, and it had shown me Master Bondara's death. It was a most cruel ploy, but I worked to accept that Master Bondara had now passed on and was a part of the Force, where we would all one day join him. Steeling my heart and my nerves, I lifted my gaze to meet Master Plo's, and dutifully informed him of the death of Master Anoon Bondara. His shock was expected, however he recovered quickly in order to take my hands and help me to my feet in order to bring me before the Council to report my knowledge. Darsha Assant had also failed to return to the temple from her mission, and I continued to sense that she was in grave danger.
I was dispatched alongside Obi-Wan in order to investigate the disappearances of both Jedi and also confirm the death of Master Bondara, as Master Windu had proved sceptical of my conviction. "Theca, I understand that Master Bondara was once your master. I cannot begin to think how you must be feeling. Are you sure that you are ready to do this?" Obi-Wan asked me as we prepared to leave together. I felt hollow and bitter, grieving for the loss of a once most beloved master, however I held it in so that I could focus on the task at hand, for I could not allow my emotions to hold sway just yet. I had to discover the truth, and once I have learned the facts and brought back my old master's body to be buried, then I could grieve quietly and come to terms with his passing.
"I am well, Obi-Wan. You need not worry for me. I owe it to my old master to learn the truth, and to bring him home if he cannot bring himself back." Nodding to me with understanding, Obi-Wan took command of the speeder so that we could both descend to the lower levels. My instincts led me forwards and Obi-Wan allowed me to take charge of the investigation, as the Force seemed to be guiding me towards what I needed to find. We followed a path that had been seemingly carved out of destruction and lightsaber combat, showing evidence of the foe that I had mentioned to the Council. We both remained highly alert, expecting this mysterious enemy to attack us at any moment as a hounding feeling continued to pound at my insides, my instincts drawing me to look up and come to a halt as I sensed death swiftly approaching. "Darsha."
Her name arose from my lips like a soft prayer, and as the Force trembled with her death the same moment an explosion arose with a bright burst of flame and tumultuous sound, both Obi-Wan and I looked to the chaotic burst with the same sense that someone had perished amongst the flames. I knew it to be Darsha Assant, but Obi-Wan was determined not to accept this until he had seen for himself what had happened and who had been caught within the blaze. The fire was too intense to approach immediately, and Obi-Wan was eager to return to the temple in order to report our findings to the Council, however I refused to leave until I had recovered at least something. We agreed then to part ways, with Obi-Wan warning me to be careful and even left the transport for me to take back to the temple once I was ready.
I helped to put out the fire before then going inside to investigate alone, stepping carefully as I reached out through the Force, trying to be mindful of the past in order to receive indications of what had happened here. Very little remained, however I was able recover the charred, blackened remains of Darsha Assant's lightsaber. I picked it up carefully, testing the metal to ensure that it was not hot before lifting it from the ash ridden ground. It was completely destroyed, and even upon attempting to activate the yellow blade, it sputtered and whirred before giving out altogether. I found no remains of Darsha Assant, the fire stemming from a chemical explosion which I sensed she had purposefully initiated had completely burned her away. There was nothing left.
Not giving up until I had also found the remains of Master Bondara, I collapsed to my knees beside him where he lay on the very same rooftop where he had given his life to try and protect his padawan. I mourned him, clenching my hands over his burned body which had been caught in the explosion of the speeder-bike, of which I could still find pieces lying in broken, smouldering remains. My heart ached, and I wept for my old master, wishing that I could have been here to protect him, and wanting more so to know who was responsible for this senseless death. Two lives lost, and for what? A shadowy figure, an unknown enemy, what had they been after? I could make no sense of this at all, and it hurt all the more knowing that it had been for nothing. Master Bondara was dead, as was Darsha Assant.
Both had now passed into the Cosmic Force, no longer amongst the living, so I meditated on that knowledge, repeating to myself the Jedi Code that there was no death, only the Force. It comforted me enough to be able to draw in a deep breath, to find strength within myself to at least raise my head once more before I then clasped my old master's hands in mine and bowed over them, pressing my forehead in a bid of farewell. "May the Force be with you." I murmured in a soft flutter of sound before taking the body of Master Bondara back to the temple in order to be mourned and buried with honour.
Already Obi-Wan was gone, sent on his next mission with his master Qui-Gon Jinn to negotiate peace between the Trade Federation and the planet of Naboo, as the former had formed a blockade around the planet with seemingly nefarious intentions. I stood at the funeral of Master Bondara, still holding Darsha Assant's destroyed lightsaber in my hands. I had cleaned it up as best I could before I was then allowed to place it in the tomb of Master Bondara, so that her memory may be at peace alongside him. I no longer cried, and although I still felt like I was wallowing in a cold emptiness, I sought to respect Master Bondara's memory and seek to become an exemplary Jedi. I had his teachings with me, so a piece of him still lived on. In a way.
Master Plo Koon came to me then, asking me how I felt, seeking to comfort me and offer me counsel if I required it, but I could honestly say that I was at peace. My master and I in the end had come to an understanding, and I had forgiven him for giving up on me before, which meant that we had resolved any animosity between us before he had passed. He regretted that he had not believed me to be alive, and had apologised many times for not having more faith in me and coming to my rescue, and I forgave him for it. "He is transcended into the Force now, as has his student. I am only sorry that she died so soon before she could truly live."
Silent and contemplative over my words, Master Plo then reached out in order to place his hand on my shoulder and elected to remain with me in silent vigil over Master Bondara's shrine where I sought to pay my respects to him, as was owed. I remember that he had taught me to always be true to my feelings, so I held no shame in the fact that I mourned and missed him, but in the end, the sensation of peace was the greatest comfort to my acceptance of his demise. As well as Master Plo's fixed presence beside me. We never found out the culprit behind their deaths, as other events soon took precedence and soon enough, their deaths were swept away under the rush of plots and subversions which began to cause large waves throughout the galaxy, beginning with the blockade of Naboo.
We awaited the news from Master Jinn and Obi-Wan, however no communications came from them concerning the negotiations between the Trade Federation and Naboo for a long time since their departure, causing a sense of friction in the air around me. I sensed that something was amiss, an unsettled feeling descending upon me that did not lift for a very long time even after they returned with not only the Queen of Naboo and her entourage, but also a young boy from the planet Tatooine, who had an extraordinary midichlorian count in his blood. He was strong with the Force, and I happened to meet him as I passed through the temple. He was young, but too old to begin training by far, being almost ten years of age, and he was shivering seemingly from cold so I paused in order to greet Obi-Wan, who was taking him up to meet the Council with his master, as I was curious about the shivering boy.
"Obi-Wan, who do you have here?"
"This is young Anakin Skywalker. My master brought him here from Tatooine." Obi-Wan introduced so I smiled at him as the boy frowned at me.
"I've never met a blue person before." He announced rather tactlessly, causing me to blink at the crass manner the boy had spoken in but then before I knew it, I laughed without even realising. The brusque and blunt tone was highly amusing, and Obi-Wan looked at me in shock, not having heard me laugh in all the time that we had known one another. Smiling broadly down at the young boy, I reached out my hand in order to lightly hold his chin in a friendly manner as I leaned down towards him, meeting his eyes directly so that I might peer closer into them, and see the bright vibrancy that he carried unwittingly within.
"You are a delight to behold, little Skywalker. Go now, I will not hold you any longer." Giving a smile to Obi-Wan I then squeezed the boy's shoulder and went on my way to visit little 'Soka, glancing over my shoulder at the boy to find he was looking back too. I smiled and nodded my head before turning away, wondering what Master Qui-Gon Jinn could be thinking in bringing the boy here. Surely he could not mean to have the boy trained, for he was far too old, even if he was strong with the Force. He would not have the same kind of discipline as a youngling half his age, I do not believe there has ever been a student in recent centuries taken on as a new learner at such a stage of life by human standards. It varies with the species, after all, some mature swifter or later than others.
Still, it appeared to be true that Qui-Gon Jinn's wish was for the boy to be trained as a Jedi and the news quickly spread, rumours circulating about the boy he claimed to be the Chosen One. Aayla and I discussed it together as we trained, practicing our lightsaber tactics against one another whilst talking about the boy. She had not met him, but I received the sense that he was a boy with a great deal of raw power and natural talent, but was largely unstable and undisciplined in his manner due to lack of training, and I was concerned that it may be too late for him, delightful as I found him. Our discussion concerning young Anakin Skywalker lasted little more than a few minutes before he was then set aside for a greater deal of focus in order to train against one another, and I believed then that I would never hear that child's name again for the rest of my lifetime.
My simple life continued within the temple, though outside this sanctuary of mine the galaxy continued to move and spiral into a web of chaos that seemed to accelerate without even taking a moment to pause or slow, events moving forward that would soon propel all life forms onto a path that we would be unable to retreat from once it was too late to stop. These events were passed swiftly within the temple like words upon a breeze, carried across to all and I heard them directly from my master as he informed me about the events on Naboo, all of which he was privy too on account of the fact that he sat on the Council. He told me personally how Master Jinn had lost his life in the battle for Naboo's freedom, and that Obi-Wan had been raised to the rank of Jedi Knight and had taken Anakin as his padawan. "So the boy will be trained then."
"Indeed, though some on the Council remain uncertain of the wisdom in this decision. Still, only time will tell, and Kenobi will be a good teacher for the boy. He has inherited his master's best qualities, and has honed a great deal of his own." I hummed thoughtfully as my master and I strolled together, mulling over the news as I sensed that there were things that I was not seeing as I should. Master Bondara's death and the blockade of Naboo, I could not help but feel that they were connected. Something had moved within the shadows to manipulate all of this, and upon further questioning, Master Koon admitted that there had been a perpetrator involved, the one who had killed Master Jinn being suspected as a Sith Lord. This was grave news indeed.
"When it comes to Sith, they abide by the law of two. One master, and one apprentice. Do we know which one was killed?" I asked quietly so that we would not be overheard, fully aware of the fact that Master Koon was relying on my discretion by sharing this information with me to not repeat it aloud to others.
"No Theca, we do not know, but we must be on alert. I only tell you this because your senses are one of the best in the Order. You can sense danger more acutely than anyone. Have you felt anything recently?"
"Only since Master Bondara's death, and I cannot shake the feeling. It is like a cold chill residing at my shoulder, making me constantly want to turn and look behind me but there is never anything there." I admitted, so Master Koon placed his hand upon my shoulder and replaced the feeling with his warmth, and I was grateful to him for it. "I also heard that Master Sifo-Dyas has been voted off of the Council, is that to do with any of this?"
"Some of the Council felt that Master Sifo-Dyas was eliciting a sense of war-mongering. Insisting that we needed to be preparing for a war that will soon be upon us. For this reason, he was made to give up his seat upon the Council." Master Koon told me, making me frown all the more. "Theca? Is there something you wish to tell me?"
"When I was on that hostile planet, I sometimes received visions myself of a great war. I thought nothing of it at the time, but my senses tell me that it is important. I do not think Master Sifo-Dyas is far wrong, though I hope that we are. I do not wish for there to be a war, as I would prefer not to be drawn into conflict or danger ever again, I do not think I could handle it." I admitted truthfully, able to be open and honest with my master as I trusted him above all others. "I saw visions of an army with the same face, thousands upon thousands of them standing together, and a great age of suffering to follow." Master Koon was silent, contemplating my words as I hastened to continue. "But these visions came to me in some of my darkest moments, when I touched upon the Dark side of the Force, where I almost lost myself to it. I doubt they mean anything, at least, that it is what I hope."
"I hope so too Theca, for war is a business not for peace keepers such as us Jedi, but for generals and commanders. War means that the peace has failed, and that would be a gravely sad day indeed to think we as Jedi were unable to sustain our purpose in the galaxy." Master Koon murmured before placing his hand on my head. "Do not trouble overmuch with these visions. If they have passed, then perhaps you are right and they were mere reflections of your deepest fears in moments where you were almost lost. Focus on building yourself up once more, and reflect upon the light." Bowing respectfully and promising I would follow his suggestions, Master Koon and I spoke no more of the troubles that had passed, or of the possible ones to come, instead going to visit little 'Soka, who had grown yet again.