Chapter Two
Aedan Kahl gasped awake. He had seen it all. The realities of what he had just witnessed began assaulting him in waves as he lay there on his bed in the Jedi temple. An ache blossomed in his chest cavity; an emptiness took hold in his abdomen. His friend was dead. "It can't be," he whispered, his palms pressing into his eyes, hoping to clear the fog and reveal that this was all just another bad dream. He sat up in bed. Kyra, he thought. She's stranded.
He got to his feet and began putting on his tunic. The council needs to be informed. He continued getting dressed, and began putting his boots on, the uneasiness in his stomach growing with every second. He slid one brown leather boot on, then the whisper in the dark came. Quiet, and abrupt, but relentless and acute in its delivery. "Everyone you care for dies." His second boot fell to the floor, as his fingertips lost their ability to grip it. His breath leaving him, and head falling forward into his hands. The two-pronged assault of pain and despair tearing his insides to pieces. Then a chill swept up his spine. The final piece of realization sinking its teeth in. This one he almost welcomed, as it gave him focus, eclipsing everything else. He picked up his boot and slid it on. He had seen this "Salas Sa'Kard" before. He would recognize that mask and that sword anywhere as it was the same mask that haunted his dreams for seventeen years. The same demon and the same sword that had killed his parents when he was five years old. He left the room in a rush, the turmoil still raging within him, but now there was direction to it. He could channel it now. There was a chance of encountering Salas Sa'Kard, and that gave him purpose. He threw his robe on over his tunic and ran towards the High Council Spire.
He spoke with the padawan that was on receptionist duty at the bottom of the tower. "I need to speak with the council, Padawan. It's urgent."
"O-of course, Knight Kahl. Wait one moment." And the padawan entered the turbolift and made its way up. Aedan closed his eyes, and turned his thoughts inward. He needed to compose himself before he went in front of the council. It hadn't happened often, but it was always memorable when it did. They could see right through anyone. And Aedan, being the young Jedi that he was, still wanted to make a strong impression.
But he kept seeing the mask, kept seeing Salas Sa'Kard slowly pull his sword out of Orrick. Kept seeing his parents being murdered. He felt it build. The anger. He had been no stranger to it most of his life. But that was one of the things that set Aedan apart, he could control it. Temper it. And sometimes even channel it. But he knew what the dark side could do to people. He knew exactly where that path led.
"Knight Kahl, the council is currently in an important meeting and won't be able to see you at the moment," the padawan said, startling Aedan from his failed attempt attaining temporary inner peace.
He let out a sigh, "Okay. My apologies, Padawan. Tell them I know of Orrick Bando's death."
The padawan gasped, and instantly looked stricken. "Master Bando is…dead?"
"Yes, and I must speak with them at once about it."
The padawan just stood there, still not believing this revelation. "Please, Padawan."
Now it was the Padawans turn to be startled out of his reverie. "Sir, I…it would be very rude of me to ask again."
Aedan was about to complain, but then remembered his life as a padawan, particularly the times he took the role as the Council Chamber's receptionist. "Right. Step aside, young one."
"But, sir, you can't."
Aedan cut him off quickly, "Just…don't." He stepped onto the lift and made his way up. He had seconds until he stood before them, so he took a deep breath, and sank into the force, calming his mind. "Please be with me." By the time the lifts doors opened he was at peace once more. He stepped into the antechamber, turned the corner, and then walked right through the second set of doors into the Council Chambers.
All eyes turned to him, and his brash interruption. This would typically be a rather large affront to the High Council, but he needed to speak with them. His resolve nearly left him when he walked in front of the twelve masters in their custom chairs. Through the windows, the whole of Coruscant encircled them. Could this be any more intimidating? Twelves masters high atop the Galaxy's capitol.
"Knight Kahl, granted permission to enter, you were not," Master Yoda said.
"There are rules Young Kahl, in this temple, rules that must be followed," Master Windu said, caustically.
"I didn't realize you had made it to Council status, Kahl," Ki Adi Mundi said with that annoyingly airy voice of his.
Well, aren't they having a blast with this, Aedan thought. "Masters, I am sorry, I wouldn't do this under any other circumstances, but Master Bando is…dead, and Kyra Dawnstar is stranded."
Wide eyes and open mouths now faced him. "How know this, do you?" Master Yoda asked.
Now it was Aedan's turn to be surprised. They already knew. "I had a vision," he said. "I saw it all."
The masters exchanged glances with one another, again in surprise. "We received a transmission from Kyra. She's on her way back now," Shaak Ti answered.
"What exactly did you see, Kahl?" Coleman Trebor asked, notable intrigue in his voice.
Aedan told them what he saw. Told them of the droids, Salas Sa'Kard, and Orrick's death. Regardless of how much it pained him.
"Very interesting that you saw this. Close to you, Orrick was, hmm?" Yoda asked.
"Yes, he was my friend, and we've been through a lot together."
"Hmm," Yoda once again grunted, "But more to this there is than Master Bando."
Aedan nodded. "This Salas Sa'Kard, killed my parents."
"Certain, are you?"
Aedan nodded.
"There is much for us to discuss, Knight Kahl, thank you for your visit."
"Masters, what will happen to Kyra? Who will train her now?"
"We will make that decision in time, Young Kahl," Plo Kloon spoke for the first time.
"I understand," Aedan said, and then looked down sheepishly, "It's just that Master Bando wished for me to train her."
More coughs, and mutterings. "You?" One of the masters asked.
"Left that out of your account, you did. Mhmm."
Aedan nodded, "Well, I of course didn't want to appear presumptuous."
Coleman Trebor laughed at that, a big hearty, yet friendly laugh, "I know you were good friends, Aedan, but what reasoning would he have to entrust you with taking on a padawan, especially at just twenty-two years old?"
Aedan didn't realize until that moment that he had no idea why Orrick would recommend him. Sure, they were close friends and trusted each other implicitly, and Aedan was strong in the force and exceedingly gifted with the blade, but to endorse him over all the other knights and masters seemed illogical now. What was he thinking? Better yet, what am I thinking? "I…I don't know. I know he trusted me, but Orrick had a way of perceiving things that I could never understand."
Silence permeated the room. Aedan could sense mostly doubt from the council members. There were a few sparks of affirmation, but they were in the minority. Kyra had a lot of potential. The temple had made a huge deal about her, then Skywalker came along and took the spotlight. But Kyra was an embodiment of light and goodness and hope, not to mention a . There was no way they would let Aedan train her.
"Think on this we will, Knight Kahl."
"Thank you for your visit," Master Mundi said.
"Don't despair, Aedan. Orrick is with the Force now," Master Trebor said.
"Thank you, Master." Aedan turned and left, taking the turbo lift down, he marched past the padawan, his mind once again overwhelmed. What in the Force was I thinking? Who am I to train someone? Especially someone like Kyra Dawnstar.
A pervasive silence took hold after Aedan Kahl left the council chambers, and Mace Windu considered the ramifications of all that was said. Was the Force at work here? Was there a connection between the two?
"Well, that was interesting," Coleman Trebor stated.
"Fascinating that Aedan Kahl would receive the force vision, and not one of us. I know he was close with Master Bando, but this Salas Sa'Kard poses a serious threat. His speed and power were alarming. Not to mention the danger Kyra was in. We should have seen this," Ki Adi Mundi said.
"Perhaps it was merely a coincidence," Deepa Billaba.
"The force does not deal in coincidences," Shaak Ti said.
"No," Master Windu said, almost reluctant to admit that in this instance. "It does not."
"I think Kahl would make a fine teacher, not to mention he knows exactly what she's going through. He is more mature than his age would signify, and far wiser than most give him credit for." Master Trebor said.
"I agree," Master Tiin said, speaking for the first time that morning, "He will be empathetic to her loss, and she will be able to relate to him. Plus, she struggles with her saber skills, so who better to teach her than one of our most skilled swordsmen?"
"Let's not go that far in overestimating his skills," Master Billaba said
"He mastered the first four forms before he was sixteen. Not to mention he's bested everyone in this council aside from Master Windu and Master Yoda," Tiin said.
"Sparring is one thing, teaching and actual combat is another story altogether." Eeth Koth chimed in. "At so young an age, how could he possibly know how to train someone?"
"Forgotten who first spent time with him, you all have. Master Jinn, under his wing took young Kahl."
"Exactly," Master Trebor added. "And he and I have worked exclusively the past two years in our missions."
"Not to mention his other influences: Master Faust and Master Bando, two exceptional instructors," Shaak Ti stated. "And you yourself, Mace, spent months with him perfecting his lightsaber technique. I'd say he has a fine grasp of instruction, regardless of his age."
"He is not the firmest in his upholding of the code," Master Windu said, annoyed. This was a particularly poignant topic for Mace. In his eyes, Kyra was everything the jedi order hoped for. He could sense that her light would change the order forever. And he even believed she was the answer to this internal Skywalker Dilemma he continued to have. He believed Dawnstar was exactly what "The Chosen One" should be like. Steadfast, kind, bright, and powerful. Whereas Anakin was wavering, aloof, brooding, and powerful.
He had his doubts in Kahl, and so he couldn't bring himself to risk a failure in Dawnstar's training. Perhaps I should train her, Mace thought.
Just then the padawan on Chamber duty walked in and bowed. "Masters, Kyra Dawnstar's ship has entered the atmosphere. She'll be touching down shortly."
"Thank you, Young Padawan. Greet her in the hangar we shall."
"Send word to Halls of Healing. Alert Master Che of the situation," Master Windu said. "I'm sure she'll need some recovery time there."
Later that afternoon, Aedan entered the Hall of Healing, and walked into Kyra's room. She was asleep, and he dared not wake her. Sleep was the preferred medication for most people experiencing loss. They wanted to escape. Reality was too painful. And within dreams there was always hope of encounters with those they lost. He would let her sleep.
He imagined being her instructor and continuing her training. He was surprised to feel excitement and eagerness, two emotions he rarely felt except on the most difficult of missions.
Me, a Master?
But his ways were different, and even frowned upon by some. Especially Mace Windu, the "Code Enforcer" as he quietly referred to him as. He sank into the force, seeking guidance. The answers came alarmingly fast. He wanted the responsibility. But not to just be a trainer. He wanted to train her. He probed at that admission within the Force, and the Force embraced the idea warmly. Interesting, he thought.
He observed the sleeping Padawan. She had grown a lot since he'd last seen her. She must be sixteen or seventeen now, no longer a girl, now a young woman. A beautiful one at that. It certainly had been a while. He'd wished he been closer to Orrick these past two years. But his master's death had sent him into an obsessive workaholic mode, taking on as many missions as the council would allow, rarely ever staying at the temple. She was heading down the same path he was. A busy path with no rest so there could be no time to think. No time to feel the hurt. In this he could surely help her out. And he dared to believe in other aspects he would make a fine teacher as well. He could do this. He would do this.
Kyra Dawnstar sat on her bed, her back against the wall. She had been released from the Halls of Healing earlier that morning after two days there and was now in her room. Alone. Though the holoscreen was in front of her, nothing was playing on it. She stared into it regardless. There was no reason to move. She had no energy to perform that movement even if she did have a reason.
She wrapped her arms around herself. Master Yoda's words echoing in her head, "Rejoice that your master has passed on and become one with the force."
She huffed. Rejoice? She could hardly move. Hardly breathe. She felt hollowed out, devoid of anything except hopelessness. And fear. That...monster. She shuddered, and closed her eyes tightly. She never wanted to see Salas Sa'kard again.
These are not the qualities of a Jedi, she thought.
She focused on the blank screen in front of her, and then flinched as it began changing in shape. The screen morphing, and then a silhouette began to form. A mask appeared. A mask marked with red lines. Her heartbeat skyrocketed. Her breath came in gasps. Terror gripped her. A vicious, throaty laugh emanated from the demon, and Kyra opened her mouth to scream.
There was a knock at the door that caused her to yelp and leap off the bed. She looked back at the holoscreen and saw it was blank. She shook her head, took a deep breath, and asked, "Who is it?"
"It's us," a voice responded, followed by the distinct bellow of a Wookie.
Kyra couldn't help but smile as she opened the door and there stood her three closest friends and clanmates, Surina, a Twi-lek, Rokvokka, a Wookie, and Jarrison, a human like her. They surged forward, Surina hugging her tightly, and Rokvokka wrapping his huge, furry arms around the two of them. Jarrison stood behind them, a distinct smile for Kyra on his face. "Hey," he said smugly, and Kyra couldn't help but blush. Then Surina grabbed her shoulders, "Are you okay, Kyra?"
No. I am definitely not okay. I'm seeing demons coming out of holoscreens. "I'm okay," she said, softly.
Rokvokka then spoke in Shyriwook. Kyra shook her head, "No, Rok, I don't really want to talk about it. But I do want to hang out."
Surina hugged her again with a jubilant smile, "That's why we're here."
"Thanks Guys," she sniffed, "I really needed this. Thank you all for coming to see me."
Rokvokka barked again, and Kyra and Surina laughed.
"Exactly," Surina said, "What are friends for?"
"There's that," Jarrison said, "And then there's this," pulling out a datachip.
"And what is that?" Surina asked.
Jarrison waited, enhancing the room's anticipation, eyeing each of his friends. "This, my fellow Varactyl Clanmates, is 'Superknight: The Awakening.'"
Gasps resonated; exclamations followed. "How did you get that?"
"Is that the one with Harlan Ottekvar?"
Jarrison nodded, "The one and only."
Rokvokka abruptly stormed towards the door. "Rok, where are you going?"
He rattled off a string of biting sounds, and then exited the room.
"He says he can't watch Harlan Holodramas..."
Jarrison interrupted, "He hates them that much?"
Kyra finished, "Without an abundance of snacks."
They erupted into laughter, "Smart man, that Rokvokka," Jarrison said, and the remaining three got settled in the cramped room, Jarrison making a point to sit next to Kyra on the bed, causing her stomach to flip. She relished this distraction of getting lost in the Holodrama and being among friends. For the moment, she was okay.
She sighed. She could recover. She would find a new master. She would stick to the code, and work hard. That's what it will take. And then she would finally become a Jedi Knight. She could do this.