Author's Note: We've made it, friends! We've officially reached the halfway point in Season 2 of "The Frozen Force"! I want to thank you all for your support and hope you're enjoying the story. It's an honor to write this adventure and deliver a new chapter each week. We're almost to 50 followers and we've hit over 10,000 views! None of this is possible without amazing readers like you. As we reach this halfway marker, I'd love to hear what you're thinking about Season 2! We've got plenty of new characters and a deeper plot unfolding. Any feedback is much appreciated and May the Force be with you! This being said, on with the show!

~ Michael

Chapter: 45 Legacies

"There is more overvalue in what isn't than undervalue in what is."

A mission of redemption! Determined to unite his Padawan and the clones of a shattered unit, Jedi Master Destin Mattias takes them all to Ilum. On the sacred, snowy planet, the group has uncovered an ancient mystery. In an Old Republic starship, a lost message from a legendary hero resides...

"This is Republic Admiral Carth Onasi. If anyone's listening to this, we've either succeeded...or it's probably too late." Mattias' eyes widened as the ancient holomessage continued. "I shouldn't consider the latter. From as far back as I can remember, I've always had to hold on to hope. This galaxy's shown me its greatest wonders and most terrifying nightmares. At the end of the day, it's still worth fighting for and all paths have led us here. Communications are jammed, so I can only hope these holojournals are recovered." Mattias heard crew members shuffling around Carth as he leaned closer. "The Jedi Order has tracked a Sith warrior to the planet Ilum. I've offered my ship to escort Jedi Master Peneda for this mission. We were able to pursue a Sith Interceptor deep into the ice, but its intentions remain unknown." Carth sighed. "Despite my vast array of adventures, I still can't wrap my head around how the Jedi do it. How they can wave such blind faith in the air and call it truth. But hey...if it works, it works." Mattias chuckled at his remark. "It's nice to work alongside a Jedi again," Carth admitted. "The optimism is appreciated after working with all of these grunts. Ever since Bastila was summoned to the temple, I've been defending the stars wherever I can." Carth glanced over his shoulder as if someone was speaking to him. "There's Master Peneda now. My Hammerhead can't fly any deeper into the crevasse, so we'll be chasing the Sith on foot." The admiral pursed his lips as a deep, brooding rumination came to mind. "In truth, if it comes down to someone finding these recordings...I hope it's you, Revan."

"Revan?" Mattias murmured inquisitively.

"We all know what must be done," Carth said. "I promised you that I'd keep the Republic safe in your absence...no matter the cost. But should you return and find this, know that I went forward fulfilling my oath. This is for you, old friend."

The message froze and left Mattias observing Carth's blank stare. "Whatcha got there?" a youthful voice inquired from the doorway.

The sudden sound startled Mattias into a rather embarrassing yelp. He quickly turned to see Anna peeking over at him. "Padawan," he sighed and clutched his chest. "Can't sleep?"

"I hardly do anymore," she admitted.

Mattias bit his lip and formulated a proper response. "Hey," he began. "About this trip-"

Anna raised a hand to stop him. "I'm sure you have your reasons," she relented. "I'm...sorry about that outburst earlier. Sometimes it's so easy to only feel my pain. But when I look around and see those clones, I think I get what you were saying."

"There is no life without suffering," Mattias replied. "And we're all carrying some pain in one form or another." Anna approached and he wrapped a comforting arm around her. "But that doesn't change the fact that we're in this together."

She smiled up at him while the old hologram flickered against their faces. "So who is this?" she inquired.

"Carth Onasi, legendary hero of the Old Republic." Mattias simpered. "I'm no Master Chuza, but Master Mundi told me plenty of stories when I was younger. This man fought in the Mandalorian War and Jedi Civil War. His unwavering loyalty to the Republic was...inspiring to say the least."

"So what was he doing on Ilum?" Anna asked. Besides looking so dashing, she thought while observing his scruffy and handsome visage.

"He was chasing down a Sith," Mattias answered. "Whether he succeeded or not remains a mystery."

"There has to be a way to make sure. After the darkness I experienced as Dooku's prisoner, I can't pass up the opportunity to stop more evil. Sure, it's been thousands of years...but if we found this place so could he." Anna clenched a fist and stared outside the frozen viewport. "If this ancient Sith possessed a power worth tracking down on Ilum, we must ensure Carth's success."

Mattias noted the pain behind his apprentice's eyes and nodded. "I agree. See if you can get anymore rest. Perhaps I can find other clues in Carth's holojournal." As Anna returned to the crew quarters, she heard her master talk again. "When we first spoke of facing Sith Lords on Kamino, my words were meant as a warning. Yet still I failed to protect you from Dooku's clutches."

"I know you did what you could," Anna told him. "And maybe you can forgive yourself in time. But we're together now, and it's up to us to make sure others don't fall victim to the Sith."

Mattias faintly smiled while his Padawan departed. Spoken like a true Jedi Guardian, he thought.

Padawan Tori Vica had an energetic pep to her step in the Jedi Temple's halls. She eagerly, yet nervously trailed behind her new master. As the sun rose over Coruscant, its warm glow glistened through the temple windows. Master Meliz Sumar continued onward, listening to Tori maintain a cautious distance. When she came to a halt, so too did the Pantoran.

"Padawan," Meliz said and peered over her shoulder. "Our bond is one of student and mentor...not boss and underling. You don't have to hang back like that."

Meliz's words solidified a conditioning which Tori was still coming to terms with. She hadn't realized how often she'd trudged in Pong Krell's shadow. She'd only ever stood beside her former master when he had something to boast about. "You're right, master." Tori sternly replied. "Sorry, master."

Noticing her reverting to her previous mentorship, Meliz approached Tori. She sadly shook her head when the Padawan stood at attention. "Do me a favor," Meliz said.

"Anything, master." Tori relented. Her golden eyes darted for the familiar and fixated on Meliz's lightsaber. "Shall I polish your weapon? Shine your boots?"

"How about loosen up your shoulders?" Meliz interrupted. She placed her dark-skinned hands in Tori's blue palms. With a gentle yet dutiful pull, Meliz wriggled Tori's arms until she relaxed her shoulders. "Feel better?"

"A little," Tori admitted.

"Now I'd like you to feel comfortable around me, alright?" Meliz intoned. "I understand titles may open up old wounds, so you don't even have to call me master if need be."

"Why'd you do this?" Tori asked.

"I needed to get my head out of the forge," the sabersmith jested.

Tori glowered. "The council has been trying and failing to set me up with a new master for quite some time now. So all of a sudden, the woman who crafted my lightsabers just so happens to take an interest in mentoring me?"

Meliz looked around the hall as if searching for a literal issue. "Sounds about right," she said with a shrug. "Would that be so wrong?"

"More like coincidental," Tori grumbled. "Why me?"

"The real question is, why not you? You're one of the most promising Padawans in this temple. It's not your fault if Master Krell couldn't see it. But you do get to control what happens next."

Tori scoffed. "Padawan? Yes. Promising though...nice try."

Meliz huffed and followed Tori towards the window. "You don't believe in yourself because someone told you not to," the master said. "The truth is, I've kept an eye on you since the first day we met. I could sense how much that struggle was eating away at you. That desire to just be enough. I'm here to tell you that you are enough."

Tori shook her head in denial. "Respectfully, if that were true...Master Krell never would've disowned me. And perhaps I would've been strong enough to stop Surk, my best friend, from dying."

"While it is healthy to vent about what frustrates and ails you-" Meliz began. "-you cannot dwell on what cannot be changed. You've been carrying the burdens of your past for far too long and telling them to anyone who will listen."

"So I'm supposed to just bottle them up?" Tori grumbled. "There is no emotion, there is peace?"

"There's a better way to go about it," Meliz assured. "You need to accept that there are situations to where closure just isn't meant to be." Tori's pale purple brows furrowed as Meliz approached her. "Someone like Pong Krell carries far too much arrogance within him. You must accept that he will never see you as who you are meant to be and that's okay." Tori's lip quivered at her words and she scoured the floor for meaning. "Know your value, and make peace with the apology of his which you'll never receive. It's the only way you can move forward."

"I...can try," Tori uttered and swallowed hard.

"That's all you need to do," Meliz smiled and pat her shoulder. "Now come along. The hangar awaits."

Tori tried to focus on the mystery of their destination. As they stood idle in the rising elevator, she couldn't recall the last time she was truly excited for something. There was no need to beat a rival Padawan or step out of a master's shadow. Tori was just standing alongside her grinning master. "So where are we headed?" she finally asked.

"Coruscant's upper city," Meliz declared as they entered. "We're heading out for investigative purposes."

Tori slid into the passenger seat of a Jedi airspeeder and let her imagination run wild. A daring grin found its way across her dark lips. "We're going after the 'Coruscant Killers' aren't we?" she asked. "I think it's wise to check the upper city given how searches in the underworld are failing. Maybe they've somehow escaped. By the Force, if we bring those sleemos to justice...everyone will praise-"

"We're not going after them," Meliz said. "I'm taking us to an innovations expo."

"O-kay," Tori bewilderldy complied. She sat back and observed the endless flows of skylane traffic. While her new master's methods came off as rather cryptic, she had to trust her journey. Meliz's efforts had already been far more engaging than anything Krell had ever done for her. The sabersmith's encouraging words stuck with Tori as she saw her reflection in the window.

Know your value, Tori struggled to remind herself. She observed her yellow facial tattoos and thought on their meanings. From the bold curves on her cheeks to the arch down her nose, every mark was significant. As Meliz descended to a landing platform, something familiar caught Tori's attention. While Coruscant's aristocrats gathered around an expansive event, a multitude of banners swayed above them. Each represented one of the expo's presenters, but one banner in particular was stitched from the finest royal blue. A golden, pointed arch glistened from its center and matched the one on Tori's nose.

Speechless and curious, Tori exited the speeder to get a closer look. A gust of wind had her pale purple braid swaying in front of her face. She persisted towards the banners until a voice snapped her out of the trance. "Hey," a stern voice beckoned. Tori turned to see a Senate Commando approaching. His armor was as blue as the banner she'd focused on. The sun reflected off his helmet's dark visor and prominent crest. "You'll have to go through an ID scan before you can enter the expo. What's your business being here anyway?"

"It's alright!" Meliz hollered and jogged over. "She's with me."

"Master Sumar," the commando realized. "Apologies. I didn't realize you'd taken an apprentice again."

Again? Tori thought. Interesting.

"Once a teacher, always a teacher." Meliz joked.

"Enjoy the expo," he said and let them enter.

"Everyone's so on edge with these killers on the loose," Meliz commented.

"It only makes it worse," Tori huffed.

Meliz raised a brow and glanced at her apprentice. "It?"

"The speciesism," Tori said. Meliz reconsidered the encounter with the guard and realized Tori was right. "It doesn't matter what robes we wear or status we hold. You humans just focus on-" Tori gestured to her face. "You seemed pretty close with them though."

"I've become a regular at these innovation expos," Meliz replied. "They help me stay up to date with technological advancements and also inspire new lightsaber ideas."

While the event was outdoors, it remained protected by an expanding shield generator. The entire expo was encapsulated by this protective, teal bubble. Tori and Meliz explored the expo and observed countless exhibitions. Everything from the latest speeder bikes to finest medicines were all on display. "So if I'm understanding correctly, you lied to me." Tori murmured and Meliz tilted her head. "You mentioned an investigation, but we're just checking out an expo. Why not just tell me the truth?"

Meliz smiled softly. "Because I did," she insisted. "This is an investigation of sorts. One into your past."

"But I thought you said my past was a burden?" Tori griped.

"Only a past without closure. But here-" Meliz gestured to one of the presentations. "-all of that can change." Tori followed Meliz's hand towards the gathering audience and suddenly froze. She shut her eyes while her master whispered, "You can feel it, can't you? The Force thriving within everyone."

"Yes," Tori uttered. "But something's different. I sense something...familiar." She cautiously opened her eyes and stepped towards the spectators. She peered beyond the crowd and noticed a trio of Pantorans speaking onstage. Tori made it her responsibility to know who represented her people in the senate. Therefore, she was able to recognize the dignified Senator Riyo Chuchi. Chuchi didn't appear much older than Tori, yet she dominated the stage like a natural politician. While her charismatic remarks were met with applause, Tori focused on the other Pantaorans. The couple was beyond poised and positively exuberant.

The sir's eyes lit up when Chuchi beckoned him to speak. His bold, time-faded mustache rose with his smile. A navy blue undershirt and teal tie were visible beneath his white suit. While he began his strident opening statement, the madam at his side greeted others in the crowd. She radiated goodness as her white gown flowed towards the audience. Its silky fabrics glimmered in the sunlight. The way her purple bun was pinned would have anyone thinking she was some sort of queen.

Krell might've been a neglectful mentor, but he'd still stressed the will of the Force. Even Tori's clan leader, Master Adersen, had taught her about such power. No matter how hard she tried to look away, she felt attracted to those on stage. Her longing stretched beyond the fact that they were of her kind. "Something catch your attention?" Meliz inquired.

Tori swiftly nodded. "Those speakers on stage are familiar to me. I can't quite understand it, but I feel as if I've been here before. It's like I'm standing in a dream. We've all aged, yet nothing's changed. Somehow I feel tethered to them through the Force."

"We are all bound together," Meliz answered. "But a child of the Force will always find their way home."

Tori gasped at her master's words and glanced back at her. "Master Sumar," she asserted through trembling lips. "Are they-...Are those-"

It was as if the Padawan knew, but needed to hear the words for herself. "Tori," Meliz said. "Those are your parents."

"So lemme get this straight," Blazer said while munching on an energy pellet. "This Old Republic vessel is down here because of a mission. But not just any mission...one to take down a Sith?"

"That's correct," Mattias affirmed.

"And you want to investigate this chasm and find out what went down," Sparx concluded.

"Despite all of the statues and dedications to his service-" Rapunzel added. "Carth Onasi's fate remains unknown."

"So we don't even know if his mission was a success," 85 considered.

"And that's the part that worries me," Anna said. "If the Sith were up to something down here, it's our responsibility to make sure they were stopped. Otherwise, what's to say a current threat won't uncover what we have?"

"The kid's right," Blazer said. "It can't hurt to give this place a look anyway. I'll go with."

"Sparx," Mattias called. "Do you think there's a way to get Carth's journal transferred into our holocoms? It's currently rebooted on the dashboard through a power cell."

"I'll see what I can do," the lieutenant said and got to work.

"Anna, Blazer and I will investigate." Mattias declared. "We'll see if we can take out any more of those panthers too. Rapunzel, mind holding down the fort with these boys?"

"We've got this," Rapunzel assured. "Plus, who knows what other secrets this starship is holding?"

85 hobbled up to Anna and handed her his rifle. "Here, kid," he said. "In case a panther does show up."

Anna examined the DC-15 and remembered her time on Kamino. It was the same weapon she'd first picked up during the obstacle course. "Thank you," she said and joined up with Blazer.

"Don't let it overheat," the sergeant quipped. "Remember where the safety is?"

"Just below the sights," Anna recalled from his first lesson.

Several moments later, Sparx returned with a twisting plug. "Hold out your holocoms," he said and the trio obliged. The group curiously watched as Sparx pointed his device. "While the image may be too old to transfer, I believe the audio should've made it over. Good luck out there."

"If all goes according to plan-" Mattias responded. "-this shouldn't take long." They shimmied through their makeshift barricade and popped open the Hammerhead's hatch. An icy breeze met their faces once more and they dared to step out. Upon exiting first, Mattias immediately ignited and swayed his lightsaber. Its emerald glow illuminated the surrounding and vacant area. "Looks like that panther pack has moved on," he said.

"At least that's what they want us to think," Anna muttered and aimed her rifle at nearby shadows.

"Stay on guard," Blazer ordered and glanced at Anna. "Relax your shoulders."

"I thought you said stay on guard," she protested.

"You can do both," he countered as a voice crackled from their holocoms.

They quieted down and listened to Carth continue his journal. "We managed to shoot down the Interceptor. I knew that turbolaser upgrade would come in handy, but this fight is far from over. Upon inspecting the crash, we discovered that those aboard had survived and fled underground. I admire Master Peneda's tenacity to stop these Sith, but I fear it borders on desperation. A storm's closing in and we must seek shelter."

"I thought Carth only mentioned one Sith warrior," Anna said.

"The definition of the Sith has changed over time," Mattias explained. "Back then, they had an entire empire. If you served in it, you were part of the Sith." Mattias observed a thin slit in the ice and measured his body against it. "We can squeeze through here single file."

"Suck in that gut, Sarge." Anna jested.

"Very funny," Blazer muttered. "I'm glad I didn't bring armor though." The clone grunted while forcing his body through the ice.

Anna slipped through with ease and landed in a frigid chamber. She noticed her master staring off at something and cautiously approached him. "Hey," she inquired. "What'd you-" Anna's boots slid to a halt. "-find?"

They had entered a chamber teeming with ancient corpses. Frozen, leathery, and bony bodies were sprawled across the frosty ground. "Looks like you jinxed yourself about finding corpses, kid." Blazer muttered.

While some bodies donned the crimson uniforms of the Republic, others were draped in silver tunics. Gashes and holes lined the bodies while Carth's holojournal detailed a struggle. "We engaged the survivors and suffered heavy casualties. Through these losses, our greatest fears have been realized. Darth Nesor has the artifact. According to Master Peneda, the kyber talisman in Nesor's possession can bring about unfathomable devastation. Peneda and I are the only ones left. While we've eliminated Nesor's crew, I fear the talisman gives him an advantage. We can't let him get offworld with it."

A glint in the ice caught Anna's attention. She knelt down and noticed a frost-coated hilt embedded in the ground. "Now we're talking," Anna whispered and yanked the lightsaber out. Hardened fractals spewed across the ground while she cleaned the hilt. Blazer approached only to have Anna shove her blaster in his arms. "Here," she said. He slung the rifle over his shoulder while she clipped her newfound lightsaber.

Meanwhile, Mattias spotted a shadowy figure frozen to the wall. He noted its dark, ominous cloak and daunting mask. He swiftly removed it and a leathery-skinned skull crunched forward. "There's something...else down here," Carth's recording noted. "Neither Peneda nor I can place what it is, but it's watching us. Tracking us even. I don't know what the Jedi find so sacred about Ilum. This planet's a haunted, supernatural mess. I can't shake this feeling that we're being hunted."

"Think he means the Sith?" Anna asked.

"I'm not sure," Mattias admitted. "He could be referring to the panthers." Mattias eyed a narrow path ahead of the chamber. "Let's press on."

"Fine by me," Blazer grumbled. "This place gives the creeps." As they departed from the shadowy chamber, a massive figure shifted above them...and followed.

Tori stood in absolute shock and disbelief. She backed away from the presentation and spun towards Meliz. Her fear became fury as she snapped at her master. "I don't understand," she blurted. "Attachments are forbidden. Why would you bring me here? What closure would you be trying to-"

"Because this moment isn't about doctrine," Meliz asserted. "It isn't about the Order nor is it even about me. You're the subject here, Tori. No one else needs to know about this and you deserve to see your parents."

Tori glanced at the speakers on stage. "There. I saw them. Can we go now?"

"Why don't you talk to them?" Meliz suggested and Tori nearly fainted.

"Are you mad?" the Padawan inquired. "I haven't seen them since I was a child."

"Which is all the more reason for a reunion. Don't you have questions?" Meliz's comment got Tori thinking. "How many Jedi can say they've known or even seen their parents."

"What would I even say?" Tori asked.

"Don't think about the words and just feel them."

Tori squinted up at her master. "But-" Meliz tilted her head with intrigue until Tori sighed. "Krell also told me to give in to my feelings," she admitted. "But when I did, I tapped into something darker. It only made me hate people and I can't go back down that road."

"I'm not asking you to be angry," Meliz intoned. "I'm asking you to open your heart. Try."

"Why bother?"

"Why not bother?" Meliz countered.

Tori rolled her eyes. "How long are you gonna keep doing that?"

"As long as I need to," Meliz insisted. "Because you are worth it, Padawan Vica. Here..." Meliz plucked a keychain from a display of free giveaways. She dangled the trinket in front of a bewildered Tori and said, "Look at this tiny, metal comet. There are dozens in the basket just like it, but each of them has a purpose."

"Master," Tori scoffed. "It's just a keychain."

"Only because that's all you believe it is. It can be a lucky charm, a promising student...or maybe even a beloved daughter." Meliz tossed the keychain into Tori's hands. "That comet, like so many things...is what you make of it." Tori ran her thumb across the keychain's intricate design and looked back at her parents. "Seize your moment," Meliz eagerly whispered.

Tori took a deep breath and advanced towards the stage. She noticed how enamored the crowd was with her parents' speech and became determined to listen in. "On Pantora-" Senator Chuchi announced. "-we have our finest minds working to create and inspire a greater tomorrow. When I think of excellence, I don't have to look any further than the Vica Foundation. Datya and Hoff Vica continue to serve as reminders of how far our dreams can take us."

"Thank you, Senator Chuchi." Hoff said as he and Datya reclaimed centerstage. "We are beyond enthralled to attend another expo here in Galactic City."

"A place where so many souls of such different backgrounds can come together as one," Datya added. "When we combine our greatest aspirations, not even the stars can limit our potential."

"But of course," Hoff added. "Those of you who know us are well aware that we can't conclude without a little surprise." The crowd gasped and applauded as Hoff flipped a switch. Gears whirred and a platform elevated behind them. A sleek, never-before-seen vehicle hovered and rotated into view.

"Introducing the Skybolt airspeeder!" Datya cheered while a triumphant fanfare played around her. "Efficient, durable, and friendly to all environments...this is the speeder of the future!"

Spectators clapped and hollered while Hoff made another announcement. "Dual primary engines and enhanced acceleration. Luxury seating to provide comfort for you and yours. You can get a closer look at this fantastic ship at our favorite event: the Miss Coruscant Beauty Pageant. That's right, my friends! While this speeder has yet to hit the market, you may have a chance to own the first model!"

"We'll be hosting an auction during the pageant," Datya explained. "And all proceeds will go to homeless shelters right here on Coruscant!"

"We hope to see you there and remember-" Hoff said before taking his wife's hand.

"Be the change!" they cheered in unison.

Tori advanced while people dispersed from their seats. Hoff and Datya shook several hands before stepping towards an incline. They were met by a lanky, Pantoran planner whose frantic eyes scanned a datapad. "Excellent work you two," he said. "We have another unveiling in ten minutes across the showroom."

"Thank you, Buthri." Datya said and looked over his notes.

Tori stood dangerously close to the group, yet couldn't find the right words. Every time she tried to speak, she found herself choking up. "Hey," she spoke in a barely audible tone. Hoff and Datya continued talking to Buthri as if nothing had happened. Tori's heart pounded and she hugged herself for comfort. She looked back at Meliz and shook her head in surrender. Rather than scold her for failure like Krell would've, Meliz remained calm. She acted out deep breathing and Tori mirrored her gesture. "Try again," Meliz mouthed from afar.

The Padawan huffed, cleared her throat, and spoke up. "Excuse me," she said. Her voice was enough to bring an end to the trio's conversation. While Buthri raised an irked brow, Hoff and Datya's eyes widened. They observed her Jedi attire and youthful appearance. "Hoff and Datya Vica," she began. "I'm-"

"Tori?" Hoff uttered and her composure crumbled.

Datya stepped ahead of him and compared their similar facial tattoos. "It's...really you," she said. Tori pursed her lips while her body stiffened. As she exhaled to calm her nerves, she answered her mother with a gentle nod. A warm smile emerged on Datya's face and she struggled to hold back tears.

"Buthri," Hoff ordered. "Delay all of our presentations at this expo."

"What?" the planner gasped. "But sir-"

"You heard me," Hoff asserted. "And postpone all our meetings while you're at it."

"I can't just put everything on hold."

"Then cancel where you have to," Datya added.

Buthri was beyond perplexed. "What am I supposed to tell your clients?" he asked.

"Tell them our daughter's come home," Hoff rejoiced. "And that alone should be enough."

Anna, Mattias, and Blazer trekked through the narrow ice passage overlooking a dreadful drop. Their heavy steps reverberated across the ice until Mattias raised a hand. "Wait," he whispered and pointed towards a mound. "Look." A dark mass was sprawled across the snow and Mattias held his lightsaber to it. Only then could he make out the shredded tabards and robes of a fallen Jedi Master.

"Oh no," Blazer muttered. "Is that-"

They continued Carth's journal and listened in. The admiral's once bold voice had become burdened with exhaustion and sorrow. "I thought we had him," he panted. "We should've had him. If only I'd been quicker. Maybe I could've saved-" Carth stopped himself. "We cornered the warrior, but our efforts only exasperated him. He used the talisman to enhance his own abilities. It was as if he was sapping the energy from this planet's crystals. I don't think Master Peneda saw another option. If he did, he wouldn't have..." Carth sighed. "Using the Force, Peneda reached out and destroyed the artifact. But his efforts came at a price. One of which I'll never forget. That deathly weapon may be finished but the Sith warrior remains. He's fled deeper and I can't let him get away. Revan...Bastila...I'm no Jedi, but you know I'll see this through. To my son, Dustil...I couldn't be prouder. Should this be my end, I go forward knowing that I'll see my wife again. Save a seat for me, Morgana." Carth's heavy breaths lingered. "I'm so tired, but I can't stop. Not while a Sith threat is still out there. For the Republic-"

Mattias shut off his holocom and left his companions confused. "What'd you do that for?" Anna asked.

"Do you hear that?" the master whispered and the trio went back to back. Each stared into a different angle of darkness while a heavy scraping shifted around them.

"Sounds too big to be the panthers," Blazer said.

In that instant, several ice shavings plummeted from the cave ceiling. They looked up as a demonic snarl echoed towards them. Without any further warning, a colossal creature launched itself downward. "Scatter!" Anna warned and the group rolled for cover. The tremendous beast struck the ground and formed its own ice crater. Gray, furry forearms pulled the creature up and exposed its bronze-skinned head. With four nostrils and three rows of lethal jaws, the monster emerged and eyed its prey. It sniffed and snarled while its beady glare focused to kill.

"What the kriff is that?" Anna blurted.

"By the Force," Mattias gasped. "It's a gorgodon."

"Time to make it gorgodead," Blazer hissed and fired his pistol. His DC-17's bright blue bolts battered against the beast's neck and chest.

His attacks only enraged the beast as it stomped over to him. Mattias slid between the gorgodon's legs and slashed at its ankles. Even the first strike of his lightsaber wasn't enough to disable the beast. "We're gonna need a lot to pierce its thick hide," Mattias informed the others. "Try to concentrate on the same areas!" The gorgodon swiped its claws at him just as he ducked under. Mattias then slashed up its forearm while Blazer shot at the wound.

While the gorgodon continued to attack, Anna reached for her scavenged lightsaber. She scoured the hilt for its activation switch...only to find that it was still frozen. "No," she gasped. "No!"

As Mattias and Blazer closed in, the bipedal beast tail-whipped them back. While Mattias crashed beside Peneda's corpse, Blazer almost rolled into the shadowy pit. The clone caught a ledge at the last second, but his grip was slipping. Realizing he couldn't pull up without a better hold, he relinquished his blaster for a fuller hand. He let the DC-17 plunge into the darkness and summoned the strength to climb out.

Mattias sat up and immediately felt the sting of his realigning cybernetic. Damn it, Sheparr, he thought. If I survive this, you'd better have an upgrade when I get home. Mattias was snapped free of his gripes as the gorgodon closed in for the kill.

"Hey!" Blazer yelled and fired 85's rifle. "Over here, you ugly-" The gorgodon roared and charged towards him instead. "Oh kriff," he cursed and haplessly shot at the monster. "Hey kid. Wanna help at all?" he groused.

"Just gimme a second!" Anna yelled and desperately tried to free the ice off her activation switch. With a final scrape, she sent the stubborn fractals swiveling and ignited her blade. Her bold grin vanished when she saw a scarlet beam emerge from the hilt. "Oh you've got to be kidding me," she mumbled and realized she'd scavenged a Sith follower's blade.

"Anna!" Blazer panicked. "Today would be nice!"

"Coming!" the Padawan yelled and dashed into battle.

The gorgodon slashed at the ice wall while Blazer leapt to evade. Shattered ice spewed from the beast's claws and pattered against the clone's jacket. Anna lunged from its side and struck its hip. The gorgodon snapped its jaws at her and Blazer seized the opportunity to shoot its neck. Enraged with both of them, the monster dug its titanic claws into the ground and completely upheaved it. Chunks of glazed stone crumbled in its grip while Anna and Blazer flipped over. Having ripped the land out from under them, the gorgodon hurled it as a lethal projectile.

"Look out!" Anna warned and shoved Blazer to safety. The impact caused a partial cave-in and the duo became lost in rubble.

Where one might've seen obstacles, Mattias saw an arsenal of rocky ammunition. Once his cybernetic realigned, he used the Force to hurl any fallen stones. The jagged boulders battered against the gorgodon's weakened body, yet still it persisted. It snatched one of Mattias' boulders and crushed it into pebbles.

"Anna," Blazer called and shook her from a daze. "Get up."

"Did we win?" she grumbled from a disheveled snow pile.

"Not yet, but I have an idea. Remember that compound we had to infiltrate during training on Kamino?

"Yes?" Anna curiously replied.

"I boosted you up to get that droid turret on the wall." Anna raised her brows as she caught on to Blazer's plan. "Up for another ride?" he inquired.

Anna flashed a daring smirk while Blazer steadied his knee. He cupped his hands and angled himself in accordance with the gorgodon. "It's all you," he said and Anna backed up. While she wasn't in the same athletic condition, she had to trust Blazer's plan. Mustering her strength and courage, Anna bolted towards Blazer and sprung to his hands. With a mighty heave, the clone launched her up and towards their foe.

Anna screamed as she flailed through the air and sparked up her lightsaber. She focused on the same spot Blazer had weakened and dipped her weapon accordingly. Mattias had run out of boulders when his Padawan struck the beast from above. The gorgodon's painful screech was cut short as a steaming, red lightsaber pulsed through its neck. The beast gurgled, twitched, and looked as though fiery blood was escaping it. Mattias backed away as the gorgodon struck the ravaged ground. Its yellow eyes rolled back while Anna removed her saber from its corpse. Despite the rescue, Mattias found himself witnessing something far more terrifying. The sight of his Padawan wielding a red lightsaber made his stomach drop. It may have just been a scavenged weapon, but for Mattias...it further exemplified his failure. It was the great "what-if" which plagued any noble master of the Jedi Order: What if my student fell to the Dark Side? And worst of all, Anna seemed oblivious to Mattias' state of mind.

She marveled over her kill while Blazer sighed in relief. "Holy kriff," Anna panted. "That was close." Giving into his fear, Mattias Force-pulled the lightsaber out of Anna's hands. "Hey!" she snapped as he threw it into a pit without hesitation. "What the hell was that for?" Her master didn't answer and continued to wildly stare into the darkness. "Master!"

Mattias shook himself free of such fearful thoughts and looked to his apprentice. "I-...I'm sorry, Anna."

"Why did you do that?" she sincerely asked. "It was just a lightsaber."

He shook his head and sighed. "It's about what it represents, Anna." Mattias replied. "I can't lose you. Not like that. Not ever."

"If you can't trust me-" Anna replied. "You might lose me anyway." Mattias hung his head, knowing that she was right.

"I don't mean to interrupt what you two have going on," Blazer hollered from the rubble. "But we've got some more bodies over here."

"We should keep moving," Mattias insisted and went after Blazer.

"This isn't over," Anna told him. Before joining him, she stared into the dark abyss where he'd thrown her saber. Anna let her boots skim the brink of that pit while she observed the ceaseless, shadowy void.

It was common for Padawans to think about their parents from time to time. To wonder what they were up to or if they were even still alive. But it was rare for any of those experiences to extend past a simple thought. Tori had to remind herself that she wasn't dreaming as her parents stood before her. The entire encounter felt so wrong against her doctrine, yet she wanted to learn more.

"Our Tori," Hoff uttered in disbelief. "All grown up."

"And only shining brighter," Datya said. Her mother could barely contain her excitement. "So much to say. So much to share! We saw you in the Corellian Cup!"

"You...did?" Tori inquired. Astonishment and embarrassment battled for control of her composure.

"It was on datascreens everywhere," Hoff said. "We were leaping for joy when we heard your name get announced!"

"Oh Tori," Datya lauded. "Your performance was beyond breathtaking."

The Padawan sulked. "I lost."

"You came in second," Hoff insisted.

"That's still losing."

Datya shook her head. "When we saw our daughter swinging her lightsabers and charging across a datascreen, trust me...Second place didn't matter. You were a champion then and you're a champion now. I can only dream of doing the things you can!"

While Tori appreciated their words, the sting of Krell's judgement still plagued from within. Seeking to free herself, Tori tried changing the subject. "Why don't you tell me about yourselves?" she suggested. "I don't have the luxury of seeing you in competitions."

"Well we were contestants on the Great Kashyyykian Baking Show," Hoff jokingly boasted.

"Your father cannot roast a tip-yip to save his life," Datya chuckled. "But of course, you must have so many questions. Why don't we talk somewhere less dutiful?"

"You simply must see our home here!" Hoff cheered. "Buthri," he called. "Ready our speeder."

"Oh I don't know," Tori worried.

She glanced back at Meliz, who happily mouthed the word "Go".

"I suppose a visit couldn't hurt," Tori considered.

"Splendid!" Datya rejoiced. "Let's fly!"

Tori faintly recalled the vast palaces of Pantora from holobooks. As far as she was concerned, Vica Manor was a palace on Coruscant. Illustrious, ivory columns and spiral stairs stretched towards balconies. A fountain dedicated to the Moon Goddess resided in their luxurious lounge. Tori observed it while sipping a glass of freshly-squeezed juice. "Tori," she spoke her name. "Goddess' gift."

"I couldn't think of a better name for you," Datya said while bringing appetizers into the room. Tori's jaw dropped at the extravagant assortment of snacks. "Help yourself," she said with a wink. "Maybe it's better than temple food." Datya smiled softly while watching her daughter eat. "Your father and I tried so hard to have a child. We almost gave up, actually. I prayed and prayed for the Moon Goddess to make it so, until one day-" Datya embraced Hoff as he entered. "-my prayers were answered."

Hoff snuck a snack into his mouth and sat beside Tori. "You see, sweetheart...Like the Moon Goddess, it is our duty to share our gifts with the galaxy. Your mother and I have been blessed with creative minds capable of seeing many innovations through. But that only scrapes the surface."

"We can't just improve the lives of those who can afford our creations," Datya said. "There are still so many in need. The homeless, the famished... those still impacted by Rodia's pandemic. We've chosen to make a difference because someone has to."

"My new master told me that you have interplanetary charities," Tori mentioned and her parents nodded. "That's amazing," she sighed and they saw right through her.

"What's wrong, Tori?" Hoff asked.

Tori twiddled her thumbs and raised her voice. "What was it like when you gave me up?"

Datya and Hoff exchanged saddened glances before they answered. "We knew how special you were from the start," her father said.

Datya smiled while recalling a fond memory. "On the day you were born, I cradled you in my arms and said 'This child is a gift to the galaxy.' We knew you were destined for greatness," she told her. "When the Jedi seeker arrived, they only confirmed what we had known."

"Understanding your power, we wanted you to become anything and everything that you were meant to be." Hoff said.

"We never wanted to be the ones holding you back," her mother asserted. "But make no mistake, it broke our hearts to let you go. It's actually why we lost ourselves in so much charity work."

"We wanted to make a difference and help others just as the Jedi do," Hoff explained.

A clever smirk found its way across Datya's face. "And it coincidentally let us frequent Coruscant. No matter how many years passed us by, we'd pray to run into you somehow. Now we find our prayers answered yet again."

Tori sighed. "I'm sorry to disappoint you." Her parents appeared puzzled as she continued. "I haven't lived up to these expectations of yours. I'm far from this greatness you speak of. My former mentor left me in stagnation and I haven't truly...progressed." She considered mentioning the tragedy on Scarif, but she couldn't bring herself to verbalize it.

"It's alright," Hoff reassured. "Greatness is a journey, not a destination."

Tori hung her head. It was as if Krell was still there to haunt her with his spiteful words. Her parents' compassion felt like weakness. She relived Krell's disownment and murmured, "I'm sorry I let you down too."

While Hoff grew wide-eyed and repeatedly shook his head, Datya leaned towards Tori. The young Pantoran flinched until her mother's warm palm caressed her cheek. She hadn't felt such affection in years as her mother looked into her saddened eyes. "Tori," Datya intoned. "I need you to know this for the rest of your life. No matter where you go or what you do, you could never...ever let us down." Tori's eyes swelled with tears but she refused to cry. Instead, she let a smile suffice and held her mother's hand.

"Thank you," the Padawan said. "I wish we could all be together."

"We'll support you no matter what," Hoff assured. "But you will always be welcome in the Vica household." Tori froze as she comprehended the magnitude of his words. She looked at her parents' loving faces and examined their extravagant home.

"We have extra bedrooms upstairs," Datya mentioned. "Just say the word and one of them will be yours."

Tori nervously bit her lip. "Will you excuse me for a moment? I just need to get some fresh air." Her parents obliged and Tori made for the nearest verandah. She stood amidst a thriving garden overlooking the upper city. As the foliage around her contrasted against the metallic world beyond, she placed a call on her comlink. Tori started speaking the moment she heard Meliz pick up. "If your goal was to leave me torn and conflicted, congratulations."

"That was never the intention," Meliz answered. "I can only imagine what your generous family has offered you. And honestly, I think it's wonderful. Tori, my goal was to show you that there are people who believe in you. When you were a child, decisions were made for you. But I'm getting you your power back. Now it's time to start believing in yourself. You get to decide what happens in your life next and there's nothing wrong with that."

"Even if it means leaving the Jedi Order?" Tori asked. "What kind of master are you?"

Meliz sighed. "You forget my Force empathy. I see something beyond doctrine, duty, and cause. Right now, your happiness is the most important thing to me. No matter what it means, I would be a terrible mentor if I didn't put your needs before my own. Think about it, and I will understand whatever you choose."

The call ended and Tori was left to ponder her choices. It was the first time in her life that she felt support from both sides of a situation. After taking a much needed breather, Tori returned to the lounge. She looked into her parents' patient, empathetic eyes and huffed. "I had a best friend," she confessed for the first time since the incident. "His name was Surk and he was probably the closest person I had to a family at the temple. Closer than my first master, that's for sure. He-" Tori started choking up and her parents rose to meet her. "He listened and always knew what to say...even if I didn't agree at the time. He-...um...he died." Tori exhaled and a single tear rolled down her cheek. "I know it's not all my fault, but it doesn't make it hurt any less. I appreciate all of the kindness you two have given me. You've shown more support for me in one day than many have in years. But-" Hoff and Datya tilted their heads with intrigue. "I can't stay here with you. I was born strong in the Force and I feel a responsibility to become stronger. I also have to make a difference out there and protect those around me when all hope seems lost."

Hoff and Datya smiled. "We'll always respect your decision," he told her. "But just because you've chosen to remain a Jedi doesn't mean we're out of each other's lives!" he chuckled.

"It isn't goodbye. It's see you later!" Datya jested.

Tori winced at their proclamations while considering the Order's rules on attachments. She felt liberated from her fears when Datya pulled her into a warm embrace. While she squeezed Tori tight, Hoff wrapped his arms around both of them. As she sank into their tenderness, Tori felt both safe and at peace. She felt like a child again and found the courage to utter, "I lov-" Tori's eyes shot open as if years of Jedi training had kicked in once more. She bit back the rest of her statement until her mother gently smiled.

"Come on," Datya said. "We'll give you a ride back to the expo."

Mattias approached the pair of frozen bodies. While a dark-robed corpse lay face down in the ice, there was a uniformed one adjacent to it. Mattias compared its time-faded, scarlet uniform to that of the holojournal's narrator. "By the Force," he whispered. "It's him."

Ever the loyal soldier, Carth Onasi had fallen with a blaster still in his hand. Despite enduring a lightsaber slash across his hip, laser holes in the other body revealed his victory over Darth Nesor. Anna knelt beside the fallen, frozen legend and spoke as if he could hear her from the beyond. "You did it," she said. "You got 'em."

"We know the talisman is destroyed and any Sith threat was indeed defeated," Mattias said. "We should get back to the Hammerhead before another gorgodon shows up."

Both master and apprentice noticed Blazer standing over Carth. The clone focused on the frozen body and offered a salute. "He sacrificed everything," Blazer said. "All for an unknown. The Republic military must've been so different back then. To be comprised of so many unique men willing to serve."

"Clone or not," Mattias said. "You are important to this Republic and worthy of your name." Using the Force, he lifted Carth's blaster pistol and bestowed it upon Blazer.

The sergeant grew anxious and shook his head. "Sir," he contested. "I can't accept this." He examined the unique model and ran his fingers across a winged symbol. The Onasi family crest made Blazer shake his head. "This belonged to a Republic legend."

"It did, yes." Mattias affirmed. "But now it belongs to a future hero of the Republic."

"How can you call me anything of the sort?" Blazer snapped. "I watched the Seps massacre my men on Felucia by the scores. Then, I couldn't even save Master Savili, a real guardian over this Republic. You want to entrust a true hero's legacy to carry on through me?"

"We can't win every battle and we can't save everyone," Mattias said. "I doubt Admiral Carth Onasi had a one hundred percent success rate either. Circumstances are going to change," Mattias told him and Anna. "But what matters is how we let those circumstances change and define us."

"Don't think of it as carrying on his legacy," Anna suggested. "Think of it as building your own." Blazer solemnly nodded and accepted the Onasi blaster. "Plus, what good is it going to do anyone down here in an ice pit?"

Blazer smirked at her and examined his new weapon. He'd never seen a model like it, but the pistol must've been powerful to kill a Sith. Working to make peace with his past, Blazer holstered the blaster and looked to his companions. Together, they returned to the Hammerhead closer and wiser.

Master Meliz Sumar watched as a cybernetics specialist concluded her presentation. "And if we can find a way to produce synthetic skin samples, we'll be one step closer to a world of concealment. Say goodbye to clunky limbs, because my cybernetics of the future will look as real as any other hand."

Meliz laughed to herself. "Here's hoping," she said and suddenly sensed a familiar presence. "So the Jedi Order shall be your home. This time by your choosing."

Meliz turned and found Tori waiting for her. "Thank you," the Pantoran replied. "For believing in me. It won't be easy, but I'm ready to put the past behind me and open my mind to your teachings. I-" Tori felt a strange vibration coming from her utility belt. She raised a brow and quickly investigated one of the pouches. "What the?" Tori whispered and withdrew a holocom. The device brandished the same yellow markings from her family's banner. My parents must've planted it on me during our embrace, Tori deduced.

"Are you gonna answer that?" Meliz quipped.

Tori braced herself and activated the holocom. A line of holotext projected in front of her and read:

"For whenever you need a pick-me-up."

- Mom and Dad

PS: We love you too

Just as Tori started to cherish the message, a second file projected. A holographic image of Datya, Hoff, and Tori as a toddler flickered into view. She found joy in her family's smiles and couldn't believe how tiny she'd once been. Tori's fingers phased through the hologram when she longingly tried to hold it. Relishing in her keepsake, she shut the holocom off and stashed it away.

"So, Padawan." Meliz remarked. "Where are we off to?"

"Where are we not off to?" Tori joked.

"Now you're getting the hang of it," Meliz complimented. Tori fastened her comet keychain to one of her lightsaber hilts. She wanted to always remember the power of belief when she looked upon it. With the galaxy at their fingertips, master and apprentice departed as one.

Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading this weeks installment of "The Frozen Force". I want to express my gratitude as we've now reached the midpoint in Season 2! With fifteen chapters to go, I would love to hear your thoughts on the story so far! Your feedback is much appreciated on this ongoing adventure. There's plenty to look forward to as a mystery is yet be solved! After the tragic events of Season 1, our heroes are emerging stronger than ever. I'll see you next week as the journey towards knighthood continues!

Long Live Imagination and May the Force be with you!

Michael