***A/N: Edited, plus added some additional content.***
Act II
Chapter 9: A New Hope Emerges
Dantooine
The ship was quiet when Ashla awoke. She noticed that both Mission's and Bastila's bunks were already made as she dressed for the day. Since she had little in the way of outfits, Ashla settled for her standard black pants, with a white long sleeve undershirt and a black jacket. The life support system on the Ebon Hawk maintained a constant temperature of about nineteen degrees Celsius, which was a bit cool for her, but was agreeable for most of the others.
Ashla picked up her vibroblade to clip onto her belt out of habit. She changed her mind at the last moment, placing it back in the footlocker instead. She headed toward the cockpit to see how much longer they had until they landed. Dantooine loomed large as Carth steered the ship closer to the planet. Ashla sat down in one of the navigator chairs behind Carth as they prepared to land, since Bastila was in the copilot's seat. Teethree rolled into the cockpit behind her to assist with the landing.
As they flew over forests and grasslands, Ashla admired the lushness of the land. Something about the planet felt familiar to her but she couldn't place what it was. She tried to remember if she had ever visited Dantooine, but drew a blank. She could feel Bastila watch her closely, as if scrutinizing her reactions. Unsure of what the Jedi was watching for, Ashla gave her a weak smile, and then went back to gazing out of the view ports at the scenery below. She was quiet as Carth circled around the Jedi enclave, preparing to land the Ebon Hawk.
Teethree beeped happily as Carth set the ship down gently, and extended the ramp.
Bastila unbuckled and rose out of her seat. "I must brief the Council regarding the mission. I need their advice regarding recent developments."
Ashla nodded to Bastila as she exited the cockpit.
Teethree beeped a question to Carth as the little droid swiveled his dome shaped head. T3 + Pilot = work on ship repairs?
"Hang on, Teethree," Carth said as he laughed at the droid. "We'll get started on the repairs as soon as I've had some breakfast. Come on, beautiful. Have you eaten yet?"
Ashla shook her head. "No, not yet."
Carth patted Teethree on the droid's head as he passed, motioning for Ashla to follow. Ashla stared out over the farmlands past the enclave's enclosure, still trying to pinpoint the nagging familiar feeling. The rolling pasture lands lulled her senses. Ashla closed her eyes, and opened herself up to the Force. She felt a warm glow wrapping around her, like a warm blanket on a cold winter's night.
Teethree whistled wildly as he began to slowly float up off of the floor.
Carth turned around to see what the little droid raving about. Teethree was slowly floating in front of Ashla, waving his multi functional arm. Her eyes were closed. A serene look covered her face.
"Uhh, Ash?" Carth said gently, trying not to startle her.
Ashla could vaguely hear Carth saying her name through the warm haze. She opened her eyes to see the little droid levitating before her.
Ashla gasped. The droid slammed heavily to the floor as her connection to the Force had been cut short.
"Oh, no! Teethree! I'm sorry, little guy!" Ashla said as she knelt in front of the droid. "Are you alright?" Ashla patted the droid while she scanned him for any malfunctions.
"Dwooo bwwooop?" Teethree beeped. T3 = unharmed. Jedi = alright?
"Yes, Teethree, I'm fine. I'm sorry. I didn't mean for that to happen." Ashla replied, chagrined. "But, Teethree, I'm not a Jedi. You can refer to me by my name. I'll program the rest of the crew member's names in your database later."
Teethree beeped happily as he rolled out of the cockpit. T3 = Best Crew Member!
Ashla laughed as the droid rolled down the corridor.
"I can't have you causing everything to float around on the ship at random, beautiful." Carth teased her. "So, breakfast?"
Ashla nodded as she followed him toward the galley, feeling slightly embarrassed that she lost control so easily.
#
Bastila strode through the sunlit courtyard as she left the council meeting. She paused under the sheltering limbs of the uneti tree, a type of tree that held a strong connection to the Force, that grew in the center of the courtyard as she considered the Masters' council meeting. The debriefing went as well as to be expected. While the Masters hadn't been very pleased with her report, they were immensely happy that she had been able to return unscathed. They were very curious about Ashla and her connection to the Force, and requested an audience with her. Pushing the thoughts of the debriefing aside, she left the serenity of the Force tree behind her as she hurried back to the Ebon Hawk to inform Ashla of the Council's request.
Carth was climbing down from the hull of the ship where he had been helping Teethree with repairs as Bastila wandered through the ship, searching for Ashla.
"Carth, have you seen Ashla?" Bastila asked as she looked down the narrow corridor towards the cockpit.
Ashla ceased searching for a keyboard attachment to use while programming Teethree. She leaned out of the communications room when she heard her name. "Did you need to speak with me, Bastila?"
"Yes. The Jedi Council is requesting an audience with you. We should leave at once."
Ashla came out of the communications room, dusting her hands off on her pants.
Carth paused on the last rung of the ladder leading down from the hull. "The Jedi Council wants to meet with Ash? That's highly unusual, isn't it? To request a meeting with someone who isn't a Jedi? What's this about, Bastila?"
"I'm sorry, Carth. I'm not at liberty to say." Bastila replied, somewhat stiffly.
Carth finished climbing down the ladder, and stood beside Ashla. "You're not at liberty to say? What the…" Carth planted his hands on his hips, clearly annoyed when the Jedi didn't add any further comment. "Fine, Bastila. I get it. The Jedi and their secrecy. Listen, I don't like being left in the dark, but we'll do things your way for the time being."
Why would the council not want to meet with both of us? Ashla wondered. Weren't they both instrumental in rescuing Bastila? She frowned as she glanced back and forth between Carth and Bastila. "Sure. Tell Teethree, his programming will have to wait until I get back."
"He'll figure it out. I'm coming with you." Carth said abruptly. "At least to the council chamber." Carth replied after Bastila gave him a stern look, holding his hands up in front of him.
Ashla had an uneasy feeling at the thought of meeting the Jedi Council. Pushing aside her nervousness, she followed the pair out of the Ebon Hawk.
As she followed behind Carth down the narrow hallway that led deeper inside the Jedi enclave, several other Jedi she passed nodded politely to her. A few stared openly at her in curiosity, while one or two of the older Jedi she passed, looked away as soon as she met their gaze. That's very odd, she thought as she frowned.
"You there! Why are you not wearing your robes? Do you mock our time honored traditions?" A female Jedi addressed her abruptly as she entered the small sunlit interior courtyard.
Ashla stopped in surprise as she stood under the large tree, which stood protectively in the courtyard's center. "Me? I'm not a Jedi."
"You say you are not a Jedi? That's difficult to believe. The Force is strong with you. I can feel it's presence surrounding you. Are you joking? The Jedi Order is no place for jests, I assure you." The woman chastised her.
"No, I am telling you the truth. I'm here with Bastila, and the Jedi Council is waiting for me. If you'll excuse me." Ashla nodded politely to the Jedi before walking past her.
Ashla looked around, realizing that the encounter with the woman had caused her to lose sight of Carth and Bastila. She felt a gentle tug in the Force towards a corridor on the far side of the courtyard. Trusting her instincts, Ashla headed in that direction. She saw Carth standing in front of a doorway, looking disgruntled.
"They are waiting for you inside." Carth nodded toward the council chamber doors.
Carth stood silently as the large double doors closed behind Ashla, barring him from watching the meeting. He leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest in frustration.
#
Before her was a large circular chamber. Bastila stood at the far end of the chamber beside four Jedi Masters. Ashla noted the two trees which flanked the Jedi were smaller versions of the large tree which graced the outer courtyard. She stood, as if rooted to the floor, in front of the closed chamber door. She shook her palms out, trying to dispel the nervous feeling that was bubbling inside her. She wanted to run out of the chamber, and go back to the ship.
Bastila motioned for her to come stand in front of the Jedi Masters who were lined up beside her. Ashla turned to look back at the door. No, I can not go back. I have to keep going forward. It is the only way. Her footsteps echoed across the grey tiled floor as she strode stiffly to stand in front of the assembled Jedi.
"Greetings, Ashla. Bastila tells us you were the one who rescued her on Taris. I'm Zhar, a member of the Jedi Council. With me is Master Vander, Vrook and Dorak. " The Twi'lek Jedi master greeted her with a small bow.
Ashla bowed to the Jedi Masters and Bastila. "It's an honor to meet you, Master Jedi. However, I worked with a team, surely Bastila informed you of this. Carth Onasi deserves to be recognized for his part, as well as Mission Vao, Zaalbar, Canderous Ordo and Teethree. We couldn't have accomplished all that we did without working together."
"Your humility serves you well. However, we are not here to discuss Bastila's rescue. Rather, we are here to discuss your very special case." Master Zhar replied.
"My special case? What do you mean?" Ashla looked at Bastila in confusion.
"Ashla, the council just wants to talk to you. There is a lot to discuss." Bastila spoke soothingly, projecting calm through the Force.
"Alright, very well." Ashla nodded, as she resisted the urge to cross her arms over her chest.
"Bastila tells us you are strong in the Force. We are considering you for Jedi training." Master Zhar informed her.
Ashla glanced around at the other Jedi Masters. Master Dorak, an older male with a dark complexion and warm green eyes, smiled at her and nodded. Master Vandar, a small green alien, whose species she could not recall, also nodded respectfully at Master Zhar's declaration. Only Master Vrook, an older male with very fair complexion, gave her a look that revealed his indecision as he frowned slightly at Master Zhar's words.
She swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. "I'm not sure that I'm ready for this."
"Yes, most would say that, I think, however, I feel you are ready." Master Zhar replied.
Master Vrook frowned as he interjected, "Perhaps Master Zhar speaks too hastily. Before any decisions can be met, we need indisputable proof of your strong affinity to the Force."
Bastila gasped. "Master Vrook, you can't be serious! Proof? Surely, you can feel the Force within her! Besides, I have already related the events that took place on Taris."
Master Vrook scoffed at her. "It could have been sheer luck."
Zhar shook his head. "No, there is no luck. There is only the Force. We all can feel the power flowing through you, Ashla. It is wild and untamed, but it is strong."
The Jedi Masters argued back and forth. So, this is what it's like to be a Jedi? Listening to the older masters talk a subject into the ground? Ashla thought as she listened to the older Jedi debate amongst themselves.
"Besides, she's much too old to begin the training." Master Vrook objected.
Ashla groaned inwardly. "What does my age have to do with anything?" Ashla asked.
"Traditionally, Jedi do not accept adults into training. When the mind is young, it is more… open, and readily able to receive our teachings. However, there have been exceptions within our history." Master Dorak explained.
"We have lost many Jedi to follow the Sith teachings. We need recruits to stand against Malak. With Revan dead…" Master Vandar said, as his pointy green ears twitched slightly.
Master Vrook's eyebrows rose. "Master Vandar."
Master Vandar nodded and raised his small green hand toward Bastila. "Yes, perhaps we should continue this discussion in private. Bastila, you and Ashla must go now. This is a matter for the council to discuss alone."
#
They didn't speak after they left the meeting. Bastila strode quickly in front of her, opening the large double doors of the chambers with a gentle push through the Force. Carth was leaning against the wall and snapped to attention as the doors swung open. Ashla followed silently with Carth behind her as they made their way back through the enclave to the ship.
Ashla climbed up the ladder to the hatch opening to the hull of the Ebon Hawk. She climbed up onto the hull and sat down with her legs dangling over the edge of the cockpit. She looked out of the rolling pasture lands and let the serenity of the surrounding nature sooth her raw nerves.
The council meeting left her feeling unsettled. Something tugged at the back of her mind. She couldn't tell if it was because something was actually wrong, or if she had just been listening to Carth's suspicious rants for too long. She stared at the cerulean sky and white puffy clouds while she replayed the council meeting in her mind.
She heard the hatch open, then felt footsteps on the hull. She knew without looking it was Carth. He lowered himself down in a seated position beside her.
"So, are you going to tell me what in the blazes is going on? Just what was that council meeting all about? Bastila won't tell me anything." He grumbled.
Ashla glanced at him briefly while she debated on whether or not she should tell him about the meeting. Bastila would be upset with her if she told him, but she wasn't a Jedi... yet. She wasn't bound to the rules like Bastila was. She took a deep breath and told him what the Jedi Masters wanted to discuss the possibility of training her.
"They want to train you? Isn't that a little, I don't know... odd?" Carth asked.
"I agree. It is, but, Carth? How can I refuse if they offer to train me? Wouldn't it be dangerous to continue without at least some sort of training?"
"You're right." Carth looked down at her. "But something isn't adding up, beautiful."
"I know." Ashla rested her head against his shoulder. "I don't think I have a choice but to see how this will all play out."
Carth mumbled, "let's hope that it plays out in our favor then."
#
Ashla tossed and turned in her bunk as she tried to fall asleep. The council meeting weighed heavily on her mind. When she closed her eyes, she could hear the master's voices echoing in her head. Just when she was about to drift off to sleep, another thought would rise to the surface. She finally fell into a deep and troubled sleep.
The ancient temple was cold and musty from having been sealed shut. Two Jedi worked tirelessly at removing the rubble which had closed off the temple opening. Using the Force, the Jedi concentrated on lifting and moving the large rocks away from the opening so that they could enter the inner sanctum of the temple.
One Jedi was tall and broad shouldered. His head was shaved, showing off blue tattoos which striped along his skull. He wore a tightfitting black and brown suit.
The other Jedi wore long black flowing robes. Their voluminous nature made it difficult to tell if it was man, or a woman. The Jedi wore a black and red mask, with a large cowl pulled over his or her head.
The two Jedi entered the ancient temple and paced in indecision.
"The Dark Side is strong here. I can feel its power!" The taller Jedi said.
The cloaked Jedi remained silently pacing, deep in thought.
"Are you sure this is this wise?" He asked.
The cloaked Jedi strode toward a sealed interior archway.
"The ancient Jedi sealed this archway for a reason. If we pass beyond this door, we can never go back. The Order will surely banish us this time..."
Extending one lone arm, the cloaked Jedi used the Force to open the sealed archway. The two Jedi walked further into the ancient temple.
"Are the secrets of the Star Forge so great? Is its power worth the risk?" The taller Jedi asked as they walked down the long stone corridor.
Ashla woke with a start as she sat up in the bunk. Even though she was covered in sweat, she felt chilled down to her bones. She pulled the gray blanket tighter around her and laid back down, huddled in the warm security it offered. She clenched her eyes closed, and willed the images away. The temple she had been dreaming about was old. Incredibly old. Ancient. In the dream, she could feel a cold dark power creeping inside of her.
So cold…
Shaking from the cold, Ashla pulled the gray blanket tighter around her, trying to warm herself. She hadn't had a nightmare in a while. Not since waking up on Taris. Thinking of the vision she had when she touched Bastila's lightsaber, she now wondered if these were just dreams at all. Were the dreams she had believed were nightmares actually visions?
Ashla pushed the blanket away. She shivered as the cold air hit her bare skin. Wrapping the blue robe around herself, she grabbed a set of clean clothes and her tall black boots. Ashla tiptoed toward the refresher, not wanting to touch her bare feet to the cold metal grates. After cleaning up in the refresher and changing clothes, Ashla hoped that they had left her some caff. After pouring a cup of caff, she strode toward the exit ramp to drink the dark hot brew in the warm sunlight.
Carth stood at the end of the exit ramp. He had his hands planted on his hips as he stared into the empty docking area surrounding the Ebon Hawk. He turned around as she walked down the exit ramp, and sat in the sunlight.
"This morning is getting weirder by the minute. First, Bastila storms out of here like she saw a ghost or something, and now you!" Carth exclaimed as he took in Ashla's pale countenance. "Ash, you're very pale. Are you alright?" He asked, in concern as he sat down beside her.
"No. I had a really rough night." Ashla held the mug in between her hands, hoping it would help warm them.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. I haven't been sleeping that well too." Carth mumbled. "And, here I thought things would get better once we escaped Taris."
Ashla tried to puzzle out what Carth was meaning. She was about to ask him what he meant when he spoke first.
"Bastila did say that the Council was expecting the both of you first thing this morning. You probably shouldn't keep them waiting."
#
Carth waited outside of the council chamber room. He watched Ash walk closer to the Jedi Masters assembled further in the room as the double doors closed slowly behind her. He had a bad feeling that over the next several weeks, he would be stuck standing here waiting. He hated waiting. He leaned back against the wall, crossing his ankles over each other while crossing his arms over his chest. He looked at the closed doors again, as if willing it to open.
This isn't like when Saul joined the Sith, he reminded himself. The Jedi are the good guys here. Revan and Malak were the exception. Not all Jedi turn to the dark side. He closed his eyes as he became lost in thought.
Ashla saw that Bastila was already in the council chambers when she arrived. She gave a last look to Carth before entering the chamber alone. Bowing respectfully to the masters assembled, she waited for one of them to begin.
Master Vandar Tokare bowed his small green head in return. "Ashla, Bastila has told us of a most unusual development. She says you and she shared a dream of Revan and Malak exploring an ancient temple here on Dantooine."
Ashla looked at Bastila in astonishment. "Bastila? How do you know this?"
Bastila remained silent and wouldn't meet her eyes.
"She says she felt your presence in the dream. The presence she has felt within you ever since Taris. She has described the dream in great detail to us. We believe it is more than a dream... that it is a vision. The Force is acting through you, as it acts through Bastila. It's not unheard of for this to happen between two people who are strong in the Force." Master Vandar explained.
Ashla frowned in confusion. "Are you saying that Bastila and I are... linked in some way?"
"Yes, your fate and hers are tied together in the Force. Together, you two may be able to stop Darth Malak and the Sith." Master Vandar nodded as he glanced between Bastila and Ashla.
Ashla's eyes grew huge. She placed a hand on her brow, massaging her temple. Her fingertips traced lightly over the scar. How could we be linked? I've never met her before Taris. She looked to Bastila for clarification, but the other Jedi glanced away quickly, still refusing to meet her eyes.
Master Vrook stepped forward. "The way of the light is long and difficult, as you will learn. Are you ready to bear such hardships?"
Ashla looked from master to master in uncertainty. She considered the questions they were asking. Was she ready to become a Jedi? Tied to someone who she barely knows? There was no going back, remember? Only going forward...
"Across the galaxy, our numbers dwindle. The Sith are hunting us down ruthlessly. We fear that in time, the Sith will find even this hidden refuge." Master Vander replied, his pointy green ears twitching as he spoke.
"Our hope lies in the dream shared between you and Bastila. Once you have finished your initial training, the Council has decreed that you and she will explore these ruins, and will uncover what it was that Revan and Malak discovered years ago." Master Vrook said.
Master Dorak continued where Vrook left off. "Perhaps you can find some clue, any evidence of what corrupted Revan and Malak. It might be the key to learning how we can defeat the Sith."
The small green Jedi master smiled kindly at her. "You can not deny what you are, nor can we deny your power in the Force. It is only a matter of time before the Sith sense your presence." Master Vandar said.
"Yes, it's inevitable. Soon, Malak will be able to sense your presence growing in the Force. He will hunt you down mercilessly. Learning the ways of the Force is the only way to save yourself." Master Zhar replied.
Ashla swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. "It seems that I have no choice, but to say yes."
Master Zhar walked forward and pressed a small brown bundle into her hands. "Your training robes, padawan."
Ashla nodded as she pressed the brown bundle into her chest.
"Go change into your robes, and return. Then, your training shall begin." Master Vandar ordered.
Ashla bowed her head solemnly. "Yes, master."
#
Ashla's hands shook as she lifted the robe in front of her. She wished Bastila had accompanied her to help make sure she had the robe adjusted correctly. She laid the robe on her bunk as she stripped off her black jacket, laying it beside her belt. She buried her face in her hands. How am I supposed to defeat the Sith? This is craziness! I can't defeat Malak!
Teethree rolled into the dormitory. He scanned Ashla, who stood silently staring at the robe on the bunk through her fingertips. He analyzed her bio scan. All of her vital signs were within the normal range.
"Doo woo?" Teethree beeped. T3 = Ash not feeling well?
"No, I'm not." Ashla said as she sat down on the floor with her back pressed against the wall.
"Dooo wooooo," Teethree beeped sadly. T3 = help Ash? Teethree extended his multi functional tool arm and patted her gently on the shoulder.
Ashla placed her hand on top of his tool arm, and patted it in thanks. "No, Teethree. There's nothing you can do. I have to do this myself. I'll be alright, my little friend." Ashla wrapped her arm around the droid. She leaned her head against his cool metal plating.
"Ash? Carth says you need to hurry, that they're waiting for you." Mission called out as she entered the dormitory. She paused in the doorway when she saw Ashla sitting on the floor hugging Teethree. "Ash? What's wrong?"
Ashla stared at the robe lying on her bunk. She released the breath she was holding as she stood and picked up the robe. "Nothing's wrong, Mission. I'm fine. You can tell Carth that I'll be right out."
"You sure you're okay?" Mission asked as she leaned against the metal doorway.
Ashla nodded as she pushed her arms into the sleeves. She wrapped the inner fold of the robe around her waist and secured it with the interior tie. Then she wrapped the outer fold, holding it in place while she fastened her belt around her waist.
Teethree rolled behind Ashla as she headed for the refresher to check her appearance.
"Dwoooo," he beeped. T3 = Ash Jedi now?
Ashla smiled down at the droid. "Supposedly, Teethree. I start my training today."
"Dwoo bwooop dwwooo!" Teethree exclaimed in an excited series of beeps as he rocked back and forth. T3 = Wants to be a Jedi too!
Ashla studied her reflection in the mirror. She brushed out her long auburn hair. Gathering it to one side, she braided it in one long braid which hung over her shoulder, nearly reaching her waist. Her pale skin looked like alabaster. She pinched her cheeks to bring some color into them. This is crazy. I can't do this. She thought as she leaned against the cool metal sink.
She found Mission, Canderous and Zaalbar in the common area. Canderous and Zaalbar were playing a game of dejarik. Mission watched with rapt attention. Canderous looked up as she paused by the table.
"Canderous, do you think you get that swoop bike running?" Ashla asked. She enjoyed riding the swoop bike on Taris, and had been looking forward to riding the one in the garage.
Canderous took in her brown Jedi padawan robes, and nodded. "Jedi now, huh? Can't say I'm surprised." He looked back down at the dejarik board. "Yeah, we can get it working. That won't be a problem." Canderous said gruffly, as he moved one of his pieces to block Zaalbar. "Ha! Beat that, Wookie!"
Zaalbar roared in anger, while Mission laughed.
"He made a fair move, Big Z. Screaming about it won't help you any!" Mission said.
Ashla shook her head at the group. She ran her hands down the front of the robe as she paused at the top of the exit ramp. Carth stood at the bottom waiting for her. Teethree rolled behind her, following her down the ramp.
"Alright, Teethree. You can come along, as long as you're quiet and don't interrupt. It wouldn't do for me to get in trouble on day one of training."
Carth turned around at the sound of her voice. The brown robe hugged her curves, showing off her slim waist as it flared out over her hips. Her white undershirt peeked out from under the vee neck of the robe. He thought the robes suited her much better than the ill fitting jacket or the bulky armor that she had worn while on Taris. Her hair was pulled to the side in a long single braid. The look was a lot softer than the severe bun he was used to seeing.
"Well, do I look like a Jedi?" Ashla asked as she turned around in a circle after she stepped off of the exit ramp.
Carth nodded. "You look great. Ahem, I mean... yes, you do." He tried to distract himself by zipping up the well worn orange flight jacket. "The robe suits you, beautiful."
"Thanks." Ashla blushed lightly at the compliment, her cheeks taking on a rosy hue. Jedi aren't supposed to have relationships, remember? Her smile faltered as she proceeded towards the enclave.
#
Ashla met Master Zhar back at the council chambers. He motioned for her to follow him to one of the small meditation rooms to begin her training.
"Today, we will begin with learning the Jedi code. It is fundamental to the teachings of our order. Please listen as I recite the code:
There is no emotion, there is Peace.
There is no ignorance, there is Knowledge.
There is no passion, there is Serenity.
There is no chaos, there is Harmony.
There is no Death. There is the Force."
"Your first lesson will be to meditate on the code to gain understanding and insight to its deeper meaning."
Master Zhar sat down on the lightly padded tan floor with his knees under him. Ashla followed his example and did likewise. The room was bare of furniture. There was a stack of meditation mats against one of the walls. Natural light seeped through the windows. A few potted green plants added a splash of color to the other monochromatic room.
As she closed her eyes, she heard him speaking softly.
"Reach out. Feel the Force as it surrounds us and binds us." Master Zhar softly intoned.
Ashla felt the walls of the meditation room slowly melt away as she felt the ebb and flow of the Force around her. As she sat in meditation she listened to Zhar's words as they rocked gently in the Force.
"There is no emotion. A Jedi learns to let go of his or her emotions, becoming a being of peace and calm.
There is no ignorance. A Jedi walks the path that will bring forth Knowledge. This path may be long and twisting, even arduous at times.
There is no passion. This is a form of attachment. You must learn to let go of your attachments, leaving you in peace, calm and serenity.
There is no chaos. A Jedi does not seek to destroy or cause chaos, instead they seek the path that leads to balance and Harmony in the Force.
There is no Death. Jedi do not see death as an end. We are luminous beings, and when we pass, we become one with the Force.
I'm one with the Force, and the Force is with me…"
#
Time passed quickly for Ashla as she focused on her training. She was hardly ever in the ship, besides to sleep. It seemed as if it was dark when she left the ship in the mornings before sunrise, and then dark when she returned. Some days it felt as if she was running on caff and fumes. The Jedi masters pushed her to learn as much as she could in what seemed to be such a short time.
In the mornings, she had lightsaber practice with Master Zhar. After a quick lunch break, she reported to Master Vandar to study Jedi philosophy. Then more combat training with Bastila, followed by Jedi history lessons with Master Dorak, who told her of a little of Revan's history in hopes she could learn from the Sith Lord's fall to the dark side.
Master Vrook watched her training closely. Sometimes, she thought she saw fear in the older man's eyes as he studied her. On her breaks, he taught her about the history of the Mandalorian Wars, and the Jedi's reluctance at joining them.
Her favorite part of the day was meditation. Master Zhar taught her breathing techniques and how to use meditation to connect with the Force. Where once she had felt emptiness, now she felt the Force.
It felt as if she was coming home.
#
Mission studied the note on her datapad that Ash left her sometime in the night. Please review our supplies and replenish what is needed. See Carth for creds. Thanks. ~ Ash. Mission nodded at the note and opened a new tab screen on her datapad and headed off to the cargo hold to count ration bars.
As she counted and made tally marks, Mission's mind wandered back to Taris. Oh, man, I hope that Gadon made it out. Big Z said we couldn't help everyone, but I really miss some of my Bek friends. At least, I have Big Z with me! And, Teethree!
After checking the food synthesizer to see what provisions it needed, and the supply of caff, Mission took her list to Carth for approval and the credits to cover the lengthy list.
"What's this miscellaneous fee for, Mission?" Carth asked as he reviewed the list.
"Uh, that's for toothpaste for Big Z. Have you smelled his breath lately? Phew!"
Carth frowned. "Yeah, his breath has been bad recently. Alright, I'll let that one slide. Next time, just put it under hygiene."
"Thanks, Carth! See ya when I get back!" Mission waved as she dashed down the exit ramp.
Carth called out to Zaalbar. "Big Z... Go with Mission to pick up supplies."
Zaalbar nodded, and moaned in agreement.
"And don't let her get into trouble in the cantina, will ya?" Carth grinned as he watched Mission skip down the exit ramp.
#
Canderous looked up from the broken swoop bike to see Carth walking through the garage. "Hey, Republic, wanna lend me a hand finishing this bike up for Ash?"
"Sure. I've finished with the repair list for the ship." Carth replied. "What was wrong with it? It looked almost brand new."
"Some lug nut didn't put it together right for Davik. I've had to take the whole blasted thing apart!" Canderous grunted with effort as he tightened the bolt. "Now, we just have to put it back together."
"Hmph. After we finish getting it put back together, we might have to sell it to cover expenses." Carth grumbled.
"I wouldn't tell Ash that, Republic. I think she wants to ride this beauty."
Carth didn't reply. He focused on getting the swoop bike finished instead.
"So, Carth. You fought in the Wars. What battles were you in? We may have faced one another in combat." Canderous asked as he handed Carth a cold Tarisian ale. Canderous found a case hidden in one of the cargo compartments, which he placed in the refrigeration unit in the galley.
Carth nodded his thanks as he accepted the ale. "I don't really like talking about the War. I try to not think of my past battles very often."
"Why is that?"
"I'd rather not relive the horrors of war."
"The horrors of war? My people only know of the glory of battle. It brings honor to your clan. A warrior like yourself should understand this."
"I'm not a warrior. I'm a soldier. Warriors conquer and attack the weak. Soldiers defend and protect the innocent, mostly from warriors." Carth said grimly.
"Nice speech, Republic. I bet you tell yourself that every night so you can go to sleep. I know what I am. I don't try to deny it. I don't have to justify my actions with empty words. Victory is justification enough!"
"Hmph. So, what happens when you lose? You know, like you did to us?"
"The Republic had us outnumbered. You had more ships, more troops, and more resources. Not to mention, you had the Jedi on your side. Yet, still we made the Republic tremble before we fell!"
Carth grabbed his bottle of ale. He'd had enough of Canderous' war talk for one day. "Nice speech, Ordo. I bet you tell yourself that every night so you can sleep. The war is over. We won. I'm done with this conversation."
#
Pitching his empty bottle into one of the bins marked for recyclable materials, Carth wandered down the corridor leading into the enclave. A few of the Jedi nodded to him as he passed. He heard Teethree beeping excitedly in the distance. He followed the droid's sounds to one of the training rooms to see him rolling in a circle. Bastila shushed the little droid. As he came further into the room, he looked around for Ash. He hadn't seen her very much in the past several weeks. She had been devoting all of her time to her training. At times, he saw her when she came in at dark, looking exhausted, going straight to her bunk. And, she was usually gone when he got up for breakfast.
Ashla sat in the middle of the floor on a meditation mat. In front of her lay the pieces of a deconstructed lightsaber. She breathed in deeply, as she breathed out, she felt like the Force flowing around her. Peace and calm, she thought as she focused on her breath and sent her intent out into the Force. In her mind, she saw the pieces of the lightsaber. Harmony and serenity, the pieces floated up and began rotating slowly in front of her.
Carth nodded to Bastila when she motioned for him to remain silent. He returned his focus to the woman seated in front of him. He had never before seen a lightsaber as it was being constructed. He watched, captivated, as the lightsaber pieces slowly floated in front of her. They rotated around as the components began to fit together, sliding into place, like the pieces of a puzzle coming together. The last piece was a small crystal.
Ashla's chest rose with each breath as the crystal levitated in front of her as she focused on her intent. I'm one with the Force, and the Force is with me. Slowly, the crystal lowered into the socket inside the lightsaber hilt. The pieces rotated again as all the components lined up and came together. The lightsaber hilt slowly floated in front of Ashla, hovering for a moment, before landing gently on the mat in front of her.
It was finished.
Ashla stood and called the saber hilt to her hand using the Force.
Carth thought for a moment that he saw a flash of blue light radiate off of her. He closed and rubbed his eyes. When he opened them, the blue light was gone.
Ashla opened her eyes as she raised the lightsaber in front of her. Pressing the button, she ignited the saber. As she did, a brilliant blue beam of plasma burst from the hilt.