Chapter Seven
Since beginning experimentation with Bogan and other Force rituals five years ago, Xendor had come up with some amazing results. Not only did the plants preserved from the Force Wars react well with the Talisman's applications of Bogan but they had grown large. Jook-jook was even able to extract the leaves of certain plants for incredible medicinal benefit when powdered or liquidated. Careful to experiment only when the Council members were not around, they were approach by many Padawans.
Some Knights even took the initiative as to become invested in the experiments as well as the combination of philosophies that Xendor had integrated into a massive, inclusionary system. Every year, members of the Order were nominated to succeed any present officers who retired or to replace them. Twice, Xendor's name came up in the votes which probably meant that hundreds more had voted for him to take the place of a Council member though none stood down nor did he want to take a seat. He felt that his research was too important to give it up for a chair on the Council with "old men".
Pina had a laugh when the comment reached his ear during his expeditions in the Unknown Regions. And when he returned, he publicly encouraged Xendor's attitude in the belief that he was being humble of heart and pure in spirit as any Jedi should strive to be. Tiberius also admitted his respect for Xendor's lack of desire for power though not with such kind comments as Pina's. However, both Pina and Xendor noticed that Initiate numbers were decreasing.
As Tiberius' regulations that kept getting approved with, at most, comments from Pina about their lack of integrity or virtue so too did the numbers of the actual Order suffer. Physically deformed children became Healers or Engineers and were now not allowed swords or other Jedi weapons. Mentally unstable or disordered children were not allowed within a hundred meters of the premises of any Jedi temples across the galaxy due to their "lack of true ability". In addition, Pina had caught fellow members accepting bribes from officials of the Republic in exchange for entrance to the Temples.
Xendor had seen this too and had had enough: now that his research had proven him right on there being a way to understand the very nature of Bogan, he was ready for the big shot. He was ready to ask the Council for approval to research the ways of the Bogan and understand how to confine it. With Arden at his side, whom he married three years ago after igniting an infatuation in them both, he marched to the Council chambers. "And now I give the chamber to Xendor Kashi Mer and his wife, Arden Lyn," Pina said upon their arrival.
The marriage of Xendor and Arden had been no secret, how could two famous people ever escape publicity when making such decisions after all? Though disgruntled, Tiberius had approved it as had Arden's aunt and uncle who were more than thrilled to know he had popped the question. And though the young lovers could clearly tell her was still disgruntled, he didn't hinder their speech. "Councilmen of the Order, wise leaders of the Jedi Order," Xendor began though he was insincere in the formality.
"As you know, I, Arden, Jook-jook, Blendri, Cuthallox, and several others have been working on an immense project for barely a year now. I would like to first reveal the details of our research as well as why we conducted it which will lead to our request for approval. We have been researching the destructive properties of Bogan and we have been asking the question of how we can counter it. Now, thanks to a year's research, we can prove that Bogan can be countered through proper understanding.
"We also believe, though it will require further evidence, that returning the Order to more inclusive days will prove to be one of the best ways to counter Bogan. As we all know, I have been vocal in my disapproval of the rules as have many of my peers amongst Jedi Knights. Reestablishing the humbler ways known to you when you were younger and loved by me and Master Pina can fix this. Thus, my wife and I have come before you to request approval for the continuation of our research in exchange for you being the first to know about any of our discoveries," Xendor concluded.
At first, there was only silence although Tiberius looked like he wanted to say something right away. But some of the Councilmen were indecisive as to whether or not to support this research as anything to do with Bogan was sure to spark controversy. However, when someone finally did speak it was not Tiberius but Councilman Mercury who spoke first. "Let your conscience be your guides men, our decision here could have meaningful consequences for the galaxy," he said.
Smiling, Xendor and Arden thanked him for his support silently and waited to see what the rest of the Councilmen said. "The first to follow the Way of Bogan intended to research and understand its properties but they fell to it as soon as they started. It is remarkable that you have not fallen to the illest effects of being around Bogan but I'm afraid I cannot approve research into it," Tiberius said. "With due respect, Master, those followers did that with intent to make it their power but I don't," Xendor said.
"He researches with the intent of containing or else putting an end to it, Masters! Isn't that worth more than anything else to the Republic and the Jedi?" Arden interjected. Silence occurred at her comment and it was when Tiberius spoke up that the decision was made for all time. "On behalf of the Council, it is my regret to inform you that future research must be denied.
"Cancel any and all plans you have related to this research and wrap up any projects you still have going for right now unless they serve a beneficial purpose. You will not be researching Bogan anymore and you will not endanger the Order with your foolhardy action. Had you come to me before you began your experiments, I might have been a little more approving," Tiberius said. Then he adjourned the meeting before Mercury, Xendor, or Arden could object to his orders for cancellation.
"We did the right thing Xendor, let's just accept what he says and make our own way from there," Arden said in private. "Yes, we will have to make our own way and continue from there. I know just the place to make some new beginnings away from the eyes of the Jedi," Xendor replied calmly. "Where?" she asked.
"Lettow, it's a world pretty much forgotten by most except for the Guardians of Breath. During one of my missions to destroy the pirates, I met Theseus the Guardian leader on a dead world. He told me about Lettow and told me of its strategic positioning in comparison to Ossus," he answered. "Strategic positioning?" she inquired.
"If forced into military action by the Jedi Order, we can reach Ossus with enough forces to destroy Tiberius in a single night. It will come in handy as Tiberius is sure to declare war on us for our next actions," he explained. Smiling, she asked if he knew that she liked his way of thinking and he admitted that she had made sure to it. "I already have a plan that will ensure the numbers of our new order could grow that can be ignited with the aid of the Guardians of Breath," he added.
"Perfect, it would take the Chancellor weeks to have the manpower to aid the Council. Weeks that we could use to grow our numbers until we're ready to confront the Order," she said. "Four months at minimum, actually but you get the idea," he replied. She wasn't sure if she heard him correctly and even asked him if he just said four months.
"Yep, minimum of four months and a maximum of a year easily. Reason being is that the enemies of the Republic will unite to risk everything in one big war. If all goes well, they'll be able to trigger the Republic's desire to purge itself of enemies and take the space they obtained for themselves. When the Guardians of Breath reveal themselves during this conflict, it's also sure to have Tiberius assigning his remaining Council members to face them down, leaving him vulnerable," he explained.
"A most excellent strategy, Master Xendor. I take it that the Council did not approve the continuation of our experiments?" Jook-jook interjected. "No, Master Healer which is why we're taking everything to the abandoned temple on Lettow and setting up an Academy," Xendor said. "A dangerous move but one that is sure to pay off when Tiberius decides to fight us," Jook-jook observed.
"If he'll have the guts to fight before very many join us on Lettow, that won't be the case. However, I doubt that he won't have the guts to start for a while so long as his friends aren't around. Pina is away in the Unknown Regions again which means he'll be all alone in Ossus by the week's end, if not two weeks at the most," Xendor replied. "Should I see to having Blendri, Cuthallox, and my Padawan Danzigorro join us?" Jook-jook asked.
"If you tell Blendri and Cuthallox the situation, it should be more than enough to persuade them to join us on Lettow. However, when you try to get Danzigorro to join us I don't want you forcing him to. Make a persuasive argument if you can but don't force him to join if he's content to stay here with the Order and that's my final word on him," Xendor answered. Jook-jook nodded, a little afraid of what it would mean if his Padawan decided not to join though he wouldn't disobey Xendor and Arden.
"It's all about showing the Order members that we got the bigger shaft and have more freedom to delve into the Force than the Jedi, isn't it?" Arden asked. "Right you are although point be noted that you don't have a shaft or fruit hanging below it," Xendor answered humorously. Arden smiled and shook her head, trying her best to hold in her laughter and any other reaction she might have to that. Still, that doesn't mean I don't have more courage to understand the Force than Tiberius does she thought contentedly.
"Arden, ready a shuttle for Lettow while I gather our belongings and Jook-jook sees to getting some of our allies to join us," Xendor requested. "I will do that, my love. Be careful with my pearls though when you get my stuff, they're a gift from my aunt and very fragile," she replied. He nodded, kissed her, and left to pack his belongings and bring her own with them.
As she boarded the shuttle and booked it for a night travel to Lettow, she looked all around Ossus' great Jedi Temple and wondered if she'd ever see it again. Mortality had a way of making people like her appreciate what there was to be had though she sensed something different. She sensed her life would not end in this time, that she would survive the events to come. It troubled her for there was no indication that Xendor would survive what was to come.
As she finished booking the shuttle for the trip that would occur in just three hours or so, she decided that she would find out what it meant soon enough. There would be a time to worry about the future when it was on the verge of becoming the present but for now, it was still far off. Besides, as a young woman, she still had much to live for even if she didn't truly understand what it was that she had. She hoped that someday she would understand and she would also obtain what she didn't have yet: the identity of her father and the reason he left her in the care of her aunt and uncle.
Five years was a long time for anyone to be in the Unknown Regions, living each day as though it could be their last. But for Master Pina, the passage of time was nothing to be concerned with so much as the wonder of the experience. Perhaps, I am just an old fool clinging to ways that are dying and my only solace from that fact lies in adventures like this he once thought to himself. However, this was something especially exciting about this ancient temple that he entered on an abandoned Killik outpost in the depths of a cold, windy world with hazy skies.
At his side, his friend and constant companion Sobek was a little edgy about entering. "What if it's a trap, Awdrysta?" he asked. "My dear friend, in the twenty-eight years that we have known each other, we have been in situations that would have killed others many times over. This is undoubtedly a trap and the fun lies in not only springing it but quelling it from existence as well," Pina answered.
"Twenty-eight years and I have never known you to be this foolish about anything," Sobek told him. "In that same time, I've never known you to be afraid of a challenge," Awdrysta replied. "I'm not afraid, I'm just taking more precautions. Unlike you, I do have a family waiting for me back home," Sobek countered.
The comment hit home with Pina, who remembered the family he could have had if his dear Patricia had not died giving birth to a doomed son. And he especially missed his daughter, who was growing up to be a beautiful and strong young woman like her mother. "Not a day goes by, dear friend, where I don't miss my daughter and wish I could be with her. Where I don't wish that I could tell her that I was her father and answer all her questions as best I could.
"But that life is not meant to be for me, not now that Patricia is dead," he said. "I didn't mean it like that, dear friend," Sobek began. "Don't worry, I know. You're just encouraging us both to be careful about this one and take consideration to our age," Pina interrupted.
"So are we still doing this or have I persuaded you that retreat is in order?" Sobek asked. "You kidding? I'd never turn down a good opportunity for fun like this one," Pina answered. "Then what are we waiting for!?" Sobek demanded.
"Take my sword in case you need an extra one, I'll manage just fine with my spear and you're much better at paired-sword combat anyway," Pina said, handing him his old Jedi Guardian sword. "What's the strategy then?" Sobek inquired. "Split up and meet back at the center of this Palace but watch for any Killiks infected with the Living-Death plague along the way. The local villagers reported sights of infected warriors living in this place," Pina replied.
Sobek nodded and followed the path to his west, swords unsheathed and extended in front of him as he made his cautious approach. Meanwhile, Pina followed the road to the east in the doubt that following the one straight ahead would be a good idea. With the head of his spear extended in front of him as he scanned all possible entries for infected warriors to attack him from, the air chilled him slightly. Long ago, the roof of this place had been destroyed during a collision with Chiss forces along with several window ports and the whole northern wall, exposing vast corridors and rooms to the wind.
Unfortunately, this also meant exposing anyone within these walls to the cold winds that whipped across this forsaken planet and even Pina's thick robes failed to protect him from feeling it. Thankfully, it took most of the temperature out of his ability to feel but his head was exposed despite his long hair and shaggy beard. Planets like this are irritating despite my love for traveling into the Unknown Regions he told himself quietly. But as he thought about this, he noticed how unbelievably quiet this nest was despite some larvae here and there.
Occasionally, he did encounter one of the nursing insectoids of the nest and had to put her down despite his best hopes of not having to. Other than that, none of what was supposedly an infected nest of Killiks seemed to be normal in almost every way except for the blacker color that equalled infection. Then the worst happened when he nearly reached the center and heard Sobek shouting for help as well as running like hell towards the center of the ruined palace. Running to save his friend, he counted at least three dozen plagued warriors attacking Sobek despite his best efforts to hold them off.
Launching himself into the fray, Pina was able to kill several, each bearing no more than a single stroke before their heads flew off or their torsos were sliced in half. Is this a sign of infection or is my spear just that sharp? Either way, Killik warriors are not usually this easy to kill Pina observed. "Only one thing will save us now, Sobek: the light of day on the other side of this fortress!" he said aloud.
Just then, the worst happened: Sobek was bitten on the shoulder by one of the infected warriors, the only way the infection could travel onto non-insectoid species. He was able to break free by using a sword to gouge out the eye of the assailant and even leaving it there to suffer. Then Pina and Sobek made their escape out of the fortress that belonged to the infected Killik nest now. As they ran, Pina noticed that the fortress sat on an island of land with a massive chasm spanning miles around it.
Sobek noticed this to as he asked Pina about if he recalled the spell that allowed any Jedi weapon to destroy any inanimate object that it came to touch on the molecular level. It was a spell that would basically melt the structure from the inside out and its remains would be useless for anything. "You're not thinking about using it, are you?" Pina asked. "One of us has to and I'm infected, I can hold them off long enough for the spell to take effect then I'm doomed," Sobek answered.
"We can still save you my friend, just cauterize that wound and we'll see if a doctor can contain the rest of the pathogen!" Pina begged. "I never told you, did I?" Sobek asked suddenly. When Pina said nothing, he continued with what he meant by making that statement so blatantly. "My wife was caught having an affair, a year and a half ago and was executed.
"By order of Tiberius, my children were also put to death for their mother's crime since I couldn't come home and take care of them. I've got nothing to go back to now that they're dead, my parents are dead, and my brother wants nothing to do with me. But you have your daughter to return to even if she doesn't know she has you to consider a father," the old Jedi Warrior explained. Then he added that he wanted Pina to cross the bridge and let him know that he had by letting his spear glow.
Pina nodded and embraced the last remaining man in his life that he could consider a true friend for the last time. "You won't have died in vain, Sobek," he said into his friend's ear. "I know," Sobek replied. Then they parted the embrace and Pina ran as fast as his feet could carry him across the narrow stone bridge that separated these monsters from the rest of this world's populace.
Despite the tremendous length of what was a narrow and relatively thin structure, Pina was able to make it within a matter of a minutes and make the signal. From there, Sobek used his talent of rapidly conjuring a spell that normally took hours to conjure and apply it to the entirety of the bridge. The stone melting until it was nothing more than a thick mud and fell to the invisible bottom of the deep chasm. In the distance, knowing the spell also disintegrated weapons, Pina watched helplessly as his friend died.
A tear, for the first time since he had parted ways with his daughter, fell from his eyes as he watched his friend raise his arms with dignity and accept his fate. In their excitement to tear his flesh and eat him, some of the Killik warriors accidentally pushed him and themselves of the edge as the rest saw. When Pina saw them retreat into their fortress, knowing in some form or another that they were contained there for the rest of their days, he checked to see if he had been scratched or bitten. After seeing that he hadn't been, he walked off slowly to reminisce on the memories he had with Sobek.
Twenty-eight years of excellent adventures across the stars, helping the Republic expand where they could and strengthening their friendship through the tests of courage dealt them by the Force. Now Sobek was gone and Pina had nothing but memories to reflect on with his true friend. The friend that had stuck through thick and thin even when Tiberius had become obsessed with cheating death forever. It was Sobek who had used local powers to heal Tiberius at Pina's request when the assassin brothers had severely wounded him in the attack that Pina killed them in.
Additionally, it was Sobek who had stood beside Awdrysta Pina during both their Trials as Padawans and even collaborated with him on obtaining victory over when they had a common goal. Now, all Pina's friends were either dead or with Tiberius in his struggle to obtain immortality. As if that wasn't bad enough, the only family he had left was his daughter. It was bad because he didn't know how long even she would remain in his life or worse, if he would have to one day fight her or not. If that day comes, I will have come to the end of my life he thought; she was his existence's center now.