4
Leia's Message
It was morning. But it was too early to get up yet. Zeph didn't even open his eyes. He tried only to fall back asleep. Pointless. He lay there for what seemed like an hour. He knew he would not fall asleep again. He should probably get up, but something kept him from doing so.
Instead, Zeph lay there and thought about the conversation he had with Master Skywalker. He had to admit. He did not expect Luke to say what he did. At the time he did not understand what Luke meant. He lied when Luke asked if he understood. But as he replayed the conversation in his head, he thought it obvious what Luke had meant.
Zeph started to drift off when he noticed a soft light through his eyelids. Zeph had been curious about this method of waking up the students when he first came to the academy. He had done a study of the original Jedi Temple. It had been around for a long time before the Clone Wars. When the Empire began to control the galaxy, it was no more. This method of waking the students was actually a simulation of the sunrise. Luke obviously liked the idea and integrated it into the students' daily routine.
Zeph opened his eyes and sat up. Each student had his or her own quarters. They were simple and small, but cozy and relaxing at the same time. Zeph had his quarters perfectly clean. He did not like sloppiness. His lightsaber was on his nightstand, so he could use it at a moment's notice.
The students first went to the morning meal before their lessons. Zeph put on a training tunic and headed out. He made sure to look for Wotapuk and Vendalla. He had not seen them since the meeting last night. He wanted to tell them what Luke had said.
Zeph continued searching for them and finally spotted Wotapuk, who was eating alone. Vendalla was probably still meditating. He went to the serving area of the mess hall and got his breakfast. The food at the academy was usually very nutritious. All Zeph had on his plate was an apple. He wasn't hungry.
He sat down next to Wotapuk. "Where is Vendalla?" he asked. Wotapuk looked around for a second and pointed. Vendalla was getting her food.
When she sat down, she immediately asked, "What are you waiting for? What did he say?" "He told me how he thought Kye was clever and that we need to do stuff like what Kye did."
Wotapuk made an irritated grunt. Zeph hadn't yet told them what how Kye won their duel. "He used two lighsabers when at first, he was only using one. He cheated."
Vendalla thought for a moment. "I get it."
"What?"
"What Luke said. Two lightsabers is actually a style of combat. I've been thinking about trying it out. I studied it, and it would give me an advantage."
"Oh." Zeph felt even more foolish. "When is the next meeting?"
Wotapuk made some noises in answer. He didn't know. Zeph thought about his schedule. The students usually had only two or three lessons a day. The Jedi used most of their time in study or in meditation. Zeph had Lightsaber Teams and Force Studies. Zeph enjoyed most of his lessons. He looked forward to lightsaber teams. This lesson only had four people at a time; most lessons usually had around ten or more.
Half an hour later, the three walked off into the main corridor. Wotapuk turned down a smaller corridor towards his first lesson. He expected Vendalla to go down different corridors than he did. But she stayed with him.
Zeph was almost to the training room for this lesson when Vendalla asked, "Where are you going?"
"Lightsaber teams."
"Cool. Me too."
As they entered the training room, Zeph saw a second lightsaber dangling from Vendalla's belt. She was going to try her duel lightsabers today. Then he saw another thing.
"Oh, no. Vendalla, look to your left."
Vendalla turned and saw him too. Kye. He looked extremely happy to see them. He had Storlon with him.
Before any of them said anything, another person entered the room. Jedi Master Flor Xata. She wasn't very tall, Zeph was taller, but she was a great fighter. She had dark red hair pulled back into a bun, a round, young face, emerald eyes, and a very serious look. But that is how she always looked. She was never laid back. And she couldn't have been over 30 years old. Most of the masters were much older.
"Sorry I'm late. Let's get started. Andalon and Mardone vs. Lorr and Na." Every one got into a ready stance. Kye pulled out his lightsaber and twirled it around. Storlon's lightsaber, red like Kye's was somewhat thinner than everyone else's. Probably for speed. Zeph ignited his lightsaber and stood at the ready. Vendalla ignited both of her lightsabers, they where both deep, dark purple colors. When she did this, Storlon froze with fear. Last time he fought her, he lost miserably. That was when she had only one lightsaber. Now she had two. Zeph noticed how sinister and scary the color of her lightsabers next to her bright green skin looked.
The object of a team match was to eliminate both members of one team by touching their neck. "Begin." Master Xata said.
Vendalla jumped towards Storlon and slashed. He parried but just barely. Kye did not jump straight for Zeph. Instead he slowly walked towards him. Zeph took the offensive. He attacked but Kye parried. Zeph expected Kye to stay on the defensive but he did not. He attacked as soon as Zeph did. They were both attacking and both defending. Zeph attacked continuously and defended just as much. He was surprised at the fact that he was doing both. Usually he was either on the offensive or the defensive. Kye attacked high. Zeph rolled to avoid it and attacked low. Kye jumped over him but instead of attacking he went straight for Vendalla, who was fighting Storlon.
Zeph ran as fast as he could to catch up but Kye was too far ahead. Vendalla was in a lightsaber lock with Storlon. Both his lightsaber and one of hers were touching and they were trying to knock each other off balance. Kye jumped with his lightsaber raised to attack. Vendalla knew he was coming before he jumped. The Force guided her lightsaber to lock with Kye's lightsaber as he came down.
Zeph knew she couldn't hold both of them, even with the Force. He jumped to attack Kye. But Kye was expecting him. He pulled his second lightsaber out of his pocket and locked with Zeph.
Flor looked astonished. She had never seen a four-person lightsaber lock. Zeph thought about what Luke had said and knew what to do. He kicked out at Kye with his right foot and hit Kye in the side.
"Uh!" Kye twirled around to attack Zeph with both lightsabers. Vendalla used her extra lightsaber to attack Storlon. He parried but forgot about the first lightsaber and was hit in the neck. Kye's anger was surging from him. He fought wildly and fiercely. Vendalla moved to Kye's side and attacked. Kye was holding them both off.
Zeph caught Vendalla's eye and knew what she was going to do. Zeph moved into a lightsaber lock with Kye. Vendalla locked with his other saber. Vendalla was about to use the same tactic she used with Storlon. But before she could, Kye jumped up, still in lightsaber locks with both Zeph and Vendalla, and pushed off of both of them. In the same motion he spun around and slashed Zeph in the leg.
Zeph fell to the floor. Kye landed. He attacked Vendalla. They were the two best duelers in the entire academy. The fight was fast. Zeph could barely keep up with them. They both kept up a constant speed and sharpness with their lightsabers. The lightsabers of the students were always on low power to prevent injuries during training. Zeph's leg had only been stunned. He jumped up and joined in the fray. Kye twisted to avoid three lightsabers and landed in a crouch facing Zeph. Kye jumped towards Zeph with all of the strength in his legs. He was coming fast. Zeph tried to parry both lightsabers but failed. He parried the first lightsaber but missed the second one. The one aimed for his neck. He was eliminated.
Vendalla continued to fight Kye. Neither of them was giving up. Zeph went to stand next to Master Xata. He knew Vendalla was an extremely good duelist. But he never knew she was this good. And although he would never admit it, Kye was just as good.
Vendalla kept her attacks frequent. Kye was trying to attack as much as he could and was doing a good job. He was pushing Vendalla onto the defensive. As they continued fighting, Zeph saw Kye stumble. Vendalla saw it too and took advantage of it. She swung with all of her might at Kye's unbalanced lightsabers. Her attack connected and he fell. But before he hit the ground, Vendalla was already in the air. She landed next to Kye's head at the same time he hit the ground and tapped him on the neck. It was over.
Both of them powered down their lightsabers. Kye stood as Master Xata walked up to them. "That was an amazing display. By all of you. Mr. Lorr, Miss Andalon, you both are to be recognized by the academy in the Master Duelers List." Both of them looked at her amazed. This was the highest honor a student could achieve. Flor looked truly astounded and happy, which was strange because usually you couldn't get her to even smile. Zeph felt Kye's anger leave him instantly. Zeph was happy for Vendalla but at the same time disappointed with himself.
"Hello, I am D-569. How can I help you?"
The man in the cloak was in the Cargo Bay of the academy. "I need to speak with Luke Skywalker."
"Please come with me."
The man had expected some kind of security check. But then again this was Luke Skywalker. The protocol droid led him to a lift. The lift took them all the way to the top of the building. The droid entered a door to the right.
"Master Skywalker, this man would li-"
"I know. Thank you." The droid turned out of the door. Luke was sitting with his legs crossed looking out of the window. Luke was far different the last time the man saw him. But that was over ten years ago. People change. Both of them had.
Luke stood up and turned around. His face was blank at first. Then he broke into a smile. "How are you doing, Wedge?"
The man removed his hood. Wedge Antilles was a general of the New Republic and the leader of Rouge Squadron. He and Luke had fought in the rebellion against the empire together. He was smiling as well. "Can't fool you, old friend. I'm doing good. How are you?"
Luke's smile faltered. "To tell the truth, I'm not sure. I have sensed a major disturbance in the Force."
"That's why I am here. I have a message from your sister. It is top secret. I don't even know what it is about. She told me that it was imperative that I get it to you fast." Wedge handed Luke a holographic projector. He pressed a button on the side. "Shall I wait outside, Luke?"
"No. I think this concerns you as well." Luke put the projector on the ground. Princess Leia Organa, Luke's sister, appeared. She was dressed in elegant government gowns, she had her waist length hair in multiple braids; she looked like the leader of the New Republic. That was good because as the leader of the New Republic it would have been improper to look otherwise. But she looked distressed, although she hid it well.
"Luke, this message is of the utmost importance. The New Republic has received word of a growing enemy. The Bothan spies have told us that it could be a bigger threat than the empire. A sith army is being trained on the abandoned planet of Gala. Nothing has come to or from that planet since the Clone Wars. It is a suitable place to hide. A man named Darso Kentwood contacted the spies. The sith there have taken captives from other planets to do their bidding. This one contacted the spies. He told the spies that the sith are growing in number. They are planning to destroy the New Republic. If they succeed, the galaxy will be just as vulnerable as it was in the time of the empire. There is no telling what would happen after that. We cannot allow this to happen. I don't know what to do. All I know is that the New Republic needs the help of the Jedi."
The holograph disappeared. Luke did not look up from the spot it had been a moment ago. Wedge was shocked. After a moment of silence, he asked, "What do we do?"
"We have to talk with her. In person. There is more to it than what she said. She wouldn't risk putting more critical information on this." Luke said holding the projector. "We need to go quickly." He pressed a button on the wall. "Despi, will you come to my office. We need to talk."
Despi spoke through the intercom. "Yes, sir."
"Hurry."
Leia's Message
It was morning. But it was too early to get up yet. Zeph didn't even open his eyes. He tried only to fall back asleep. Pointless. He lay there for what seemed like an hour. He knew he would not fall asleep again. He should probably get up, but something kept him from doing so.
Instead, Zeph lay there and thought about the conversation he had with Master Skywalker. He had to admit. He did not expect Luke to say what he did. At the time he did not understand what Luke meant. He lied when Luke asked if he understood. But as he replayed the conversation in his head, he thought it obvious what Luke had meant.
Zeph started to drift off when he noticed a soft light through his eyelids. Zeph had been curious about this method of waking up the students when he first came to the academy. He had done a study of the original Jedi Temple. It had been around for a long time before the Clone Wars. When the Empire began to control the galaxy, it was no more. This method of waking the students was actually a simulation of the sunrise. Luke obviously liked the idea and integrated it into the students' daily routine.
Zeph opened his eyes and sat up. Each student had his or her own quarters. They were simple and small, but cozy and relaxing at the same time. Zeph had his quarters perfectly clean. He did not like sloppiness. His lightsaber was on his nightstand, so he could use it at a moment's notice.
The students first went to the morning meal before their lessons. Zeph put on a training tunic and headed out. He made sure to look for Wotapuk and Vendalla. He had not seen them since the meeting last night. He wanted to tell them what Luke had said.
Zeph continued searching for them and finally spotted Wotapuk, who was eating alone. Vendalla was probably still meditating. He went to the serving area of the mess hall and got his breakfast. The food at the academy was usually very nutritious. All Zeph had on his plate was an apple. He wasn't hungry.
He sat down next to Wotapuk. "Where is Vendalla?" he asked. Wotapuk looked around for a second and pointed. Vendalla was getting her food.
When she sat down, she immediately asked, "What are you waiting for? What did he say?" "He told me how he thought Kye was clever and that we need to do stuff like what Kye did."
Wotapuk made an irritated grunt. Zeph hadn't yet told them what how Kye won their duel. "He used two lighsabers when at first, he was only using one. He cheated."
Vendalla thought for a moment. "I get it."
"What?"
"What Luke said. Two lightsabers is actually a style of combat. I've been thinking about trying it out. I studied it, and it would give me an advantage."
"Oh." Zeph felt even more foolish. "When is the next meeting?"
Wotapuk made some noises in answer. He didn't know. Zeph thought about his schedule. The students usually had only two or three lessons a day. The Jedi used most of their time in study or in meditation. Zeph had Lightsaber Teams and Force Studies. Zeph enjoyed most of his lessons. He looked forward to lightsaber teams. This lesson only had four people at a time; most lessons usually had around ten or more.
Half an hour later, the three walked off into the main corridor. Wotapuk turned down a smaller corridor towards his first lesson. He expected Vendalla to go down different corridors than he did. But she stayed with him.
Zeph was almost to the training room for this lesson when Vendalla asked, "Where are you going?"
"Lightsaber teams."
"Cool. Me too."
As they entered the training room, Zeph saw a second lightsaber dangling from Vendalla's belt. She was going to try her duel lightsabers today. Then he saw another thing.
"Oh, no. Vendalla, look to your left."
Vendalla turned and saw him too. Kye. He looked extremely happy to see them. He had Storlon with him.
Before any of them said anything, another person entered the room. Jedi Master Flor Xata. She wasn't very tall, Zeph was taller, but she was a great fighter. She had dark red hair pulled back into a bun, a round, young face, emerald eyes, and a very serious look. But that is how she always looked. She was never laid back. And she couldn't have been over 30 years old. Most of the masters were much older.
"Sorry I'm late. Let's get started. Andalon and Mardone vs. Lorr and Na." Every one got into a ready stance. Kye pulled out his lightsaber and twirled it around. Storlon's lightsaber, red like Kye's was somewhat thinner than everyone else's. Probably for speed. Zeph ignited his lightsaber and stood at the ready. Vendalla ignited both of her lightsabers, they where both deep, dark purple colors. When she did this, Storlon froze with fear. Last time he fought her, he lost miserably. That was when she had only one lightsaber. Now she had two. Zeph noticed how sinister and scary the color of her lightsabers next to her bright green skin looked.
The object of a team match was to eliminate both members of one team by touching their neck. "Begin." Master Xata said.
Vendalla jumped towards Storlon and slashed. He parried but just barely. Kye did not jump straight for Zeph. Instead he slowly walked towards him. Zeph took the offensive. He attacked but Kye parried. Zeph expected Kye to stay on the defensive but he did not. He attacked as soon as Zeph did. They were both attacking and both defending. Zeph attacked continuously and defended just as much. He was surprised at the fact that he was doing both. Usually he was either on the offensive or the defensive. Kye attacked high. Zeph rolled to avoid it and attacked low. Kye jumped over him but instead of attacking he went straight for Vendalla, who was fighting Storlon.
Zeph ran as fast as he could to catch up but Kye was too far ahead. Vendalla was in a lightsaber lock with Storlon. Both his lightsaber and one of hers were touching and they were trying to knock each other off balance. Kye jumped with his lightsaber raised to attack. Vendalla knew he was coming before he jumped. The Force guided her lightsaber to lock with Kye's lightsaber as he came down.
Zeph knew she couldn't hold both of them, even with the Force. He jumped to attack Kye. But Kye was expecting him. He pulled his second lightsaber out of his pocket and locked with Zeph.
Flor looked astonished. She had never seen a four-person lightsaber lock. Zeph thought about what Luke had said and knew what to do. He kicked out at Kye with his right foot and hit Kye in the side.
"Uh!" Kye twirled around to attack Zeph with both lightsabers. Vendalla used her extra lightsaber to attack Storlon. He parried but forgot about the first lightsaber and was hit in the neck. Kye's anger was surging from him. He fought wildly and fiercely. Vendalla moved to Kye's side and attacked. Kye was holding them both off.
Zeph caught Vendalla's eye and knew what she was going to do. Zeph moved into a lightsaber lock with Kye. Vendalla locked with his other saber. Vendalla was about to use the same tactic she used with Storlon. But before she could, Kye jumped up, still in lightsaber locks with both Zeph and Vendalla, and pushed off of both of them. In the same motion he spun around and slashed Zeph in the leg.
Zeph fell to the floor. Kye landed. He attacked Vendalla. They were the two best duelers in the entire academy. The fight was fast. Zeph could barely keep up with them. They both kept up a constant speed and sharpness with their lightsabers. The lightsabers of the students were always on low power to prevent injuries during training. Zeph's leg had only been stunned. He jumped up and joined in the fray. Kye twisted to avoid three lightsabers and landed in a crouch facing Zeph. Kye jumped towards Zeph with all of the strength in his legs. He was coming fast. Zeph tried to parry both lightsabers but failed. He parried the first lightsaber but missed the second one. The one aimed for his neck. He was eliminated.
Vendalla continued to fight Kye. Neither of them was giving up. Zeph went to stand next to Master Xata. He knew Vendalla was an extremely good duelist. But he never knew she was this good. And although he would never admit it, Kye was just as good.
Vendalla kept her attacks frequent. Kye was trying to attack as much as he could and was doing a good job. He was pushing Vendalla onto the defensive. As they continued fighting, Zeph saw Kye stumble. Vendalla saw it too and took advantage of it. She swung with all of her might at Kye's unbalanced lightsabers. Her attack connected and he fell. But before he hit the ground, Vendalla was already in the air. She landed next to Kye's head at the same time he hit the ground and tapped him on the neck. It was over.
Both of them powered down their lightsabers. Kye stood as Master Xata walked up to them. "That was an amazing display. By all of you. Mr. Lorr, Miss Andalon, you both are to be recognized by the academy in the Master Duelers List." Both of them looked at her amazed. This was the highest honor a student could achieve. Flor looked truly astounded and happy, which was strange because usually you couldn't get her to even smile. Zeph felt Kye's anger leave him instantly. Zeph was happy for Vendalla but at the same time disappointed with himself.
"Hello, I am D-569. How can I help you?"
The man in the cloak was in the Cargo Bay of the academy. "I need to speak with Luke Skywalker."
"Please come with me."
The man had expected some kind of security check. But then again this was Luke Skywalker. The protocol droid led him to a lift. The lift took them all the way to the top of the building. The droid entered a door to the right.
"Master Skywalker, this man would li-"
"I know. Thank you." The droid turned out of the door. Luke was sitting with his legs crossed looking out of the window. Luke was far different the last time the man saw him. But that was over ten years ago. People change. Both of them had.
Luke stood up and turned around. His face was blank at first. Then he broke into a smile. "How are you doing, Wedge?"
The man removed his hood. Wedge Antilles was a general of the New Republic and the leader of Rouge Squadron. He and Luke had fought in the rebellion against the empire together. He was smiling as well. "Can't fool you, old friend. I'm doing good. How are you?"
Luke's smile faltered. "To tell the truth, I'm not sure. I have sensed a major disturbance in the Force."
"That's why I am here. I have a message from your sister. It is top secret. I don't even know what it is about. She told me that it was imperative that I get it to you fast." Wedge handed Luke a holographic projector. He pressed a button on the side. "Shall I wait outside, Luke?"
"No. I think this concerns you as well." Luke put the projector on the ground. Princess Leia Organa, Luke's sister, appeared. She was dressed in elegant government gowns, she had her waist length hair in multiple braids; she looked like the leader of the New Republic. That was good because as the leader of the New Republic it would have been improper to look otherwise. But she looked distressed, although she hid it well.
"Luke, this message is of the utmost importance. The New Republic has received word of a growing enemy. The Bothan spies have told us that it could be a bigger threat than the empire. A sith army is being trained on the abandoned planet of Gala. Nothing has come to or from that planet since the Clone Wars. It is a suitable place to hide. A man named Darso Kentwood contacted the spies. The sith there have taken captives from other planets to do their bidding. This one contacted the spies. He told the spies that the sith are growing in number. They are planning to destroy the New Republic. If they succeed, the galaxy will be just as vulnerable as it was in the time of the empire. There is no telling what would happen after that. We cannot allow this to happen. I don't know what to do. All I know is that the New Republic needs the help of the Jedi."
The holograph disappeared. Luke did not look up from the spot it had been a moment ago. Wedge was shocked. After a moment of silence, he asked, "What do we do?"
"We have to talk with her. In person. There is more to it than what she said. She wouldn't risk putting more critical information on this." Luke said holding the projector. "We need to go quickly." He pressed a button on the wall. "Despi, will you come to my office. We need to talk."
Despi spoke through the intercom. "Yes, sir."
"Hurry."