Dressed in the fashion of an Al'doleem commoner, Eras had followed his Master's directions and had shielded his abilities. He booked passage on a freighter heading for Corellia. The thought of returning to his homeworld stirred mixed feelings within the young man. Questions of what to expect upon returning to a Corellia under the control of this new Galactic Empire, where to begin looking for Jedi survivors, as well as how to avoid unwanted attention from past acquaintances were at the forefront of his mind.

These concerns were abruptly banished as a disturbance in the Force ripped his consciousness from his physical being. A familiar presence from across time and space cried out. Master Infil'a's voice filled Eras's ears.

"You cannot do this!...These people have nothing to do with our fight…N-No. Please…Kill me…But let them live…".

A chill crept up Eras's spine, feeling as if the ice-cold grip of death itself was grasping his throat. A mechanical voice boomed from the darkness. "You are a fool." The unmistakable sound of a neck breaking rang through.

Eras felt a sharp pang of agony pierce through him. He gasped for breath, clutching his chest, sensing the demise of Kirak. A wave of sorrow and helplessness consumed him as his connection to his mentor dissipated. All that was left was the hollow sound of that dreadful mechanical breathing, like a haunting symphony in the void.

Eras snapped back to reality, trembling from the intensity of the experience. An alert bell sounded and a sobered voice spoke slowly over the intercom. "Attention all passengers…A report was received moments ago. A terrible tragedy has struck the city of Am'balaar on Al'doleem."...

…The Planet Dorin…

Ambassador Saar Rook was much more than he had originally appeared. After landing in Dorin's capital city, Dor'shan, he took the young Jedi to the Baron Do Temple. Sho immediately realized he was in the company of one of the Sages' most renowned members. All those around them bowed to Rook respectfully in greetings wherever he went. Now, the seasoned Baron Do warrior with a weathered countenance, paced the temple's corridors, his cloak billowing behind him. In a secluded chamber, he found Sho, deep in contemplation.

"It has come to my attention that you have been making inquiries regarding the abandoned Jedi Enclave. This is unwise.", said Rook.

His straightforward honesty was a quality Sho had come to rely on since escaping Coruscant. "I have.", spoke Sho with equal honesty.

"Why? What purpose would it serve? Do you not think that it might be the first place the Empire would look?", asked the Baron Do, sighing in exasperation.

"I am a Jedi…", Sho began but was cut off by Rook.

"You are also Kel Dor and have a responsibility to your people, especially when they have risked everything just by bringing you here."

The young Jedi, humbled by these words, lowered his head in frustration. "I cannot sit by and do nothing. I am sworn to protect those in need.", he said in an almost whisper, the pain of his failure on Coruscant stabbing at his core.

There was a brief moment of silence, broken by Saar Rook whose expression now softened. "Indeed, young one. But sometimes, protection requires patience and concealment." He placed a reassuring hand on the young Jedi's shoulder. "The Force whispers of a time when your skills will be needed. But for now, your journey lies in understanding the depths of your training, honing your abilities in secrecy. The balance of the Force requires our prudence."

Sho stilled his breathing and nodded in acknowledgement. "What must I do?", he asked.

The Ambassador turned to leave. "The Baron Do's ability to use the Force will shield your presence from the Darkness that stirs…", he said over his shoulder. "...In the meantime, follow me."

"Where are we going?", Sho inquired as he rose to his feet.

Rook raised his hand across the room towards the shelf that contained the few belongings Sho possessed. Sho's lightsaber flew into Rook's grasp. Staring at the weapon for a moment, he turned and handed it back to Sho. "I have always been curious to study the teachings of the Jedi. Who knows? Perhaps you may learn something from the ways of your own people."...

…The Planet Corellia…

As the transport ramp descended with a mechanical hiss, Eras breathed in the familiar air of Corellia. The once lively Shipyards that had been teaming with commerce, felt bleek under the suffocating grip of Imperial forces. Memories flooded back, intertwined with the stark reality before him. Only native Corellian passengers were allowed to disembark. The rest were to wait as the transport was being refueled. Eras watched as patrols scrutinized every passerby, their imposing presence a constant reminder of the Empire's dominion.

There was a large mural dedicated to the "Heroes of Corellia" who had lost their lives during the Clone Wars. Eras could not help quickly scanning the list of names. There it was, the name "Sal Eras". It seemed like ages since Eras had thought about that fateful day.

"I knew you would come back eventually. A kid with your abilities could get out of any dangerous situation.", a voice said quietly behind him.

Eras spun around and found himself face to face with the dockmaster who had given him his name. He stood still, staring at the man.

"Cen…my name is Cen Eras. You have grown Sal." Before Eras could respond, the man turned and walked to the railing, his eyes staring out over the Shipyards. Cen looked rough, his pressed uniform now exchanged for the grease stained coverings of the mechanical engineers who worked tirelessly under the watch of the Emperor's loyal officers.

Eras walked up beside him. "What happened? When you helped me you were…", he began.

"I was head dockmaster…", Cen interrupted, sighing nostalgically. "...After you left, it was not long before the Senate voted for Corellia to be given the bulk of the Republic contracts in building ships for the War. We all thought this would be prosperous…How wrong we were. 'Advisors' were sent to overlook our progress. Little by little, our own officers were replaced with offworlders who answered only to Chancellor Palpatine himself. I should have left with the rest of my family, but chose to stay. The luckiest of us were given the choice of working for little or working for nothing."

There was a long silence. Cen turned to Eras. "Why have you come back?", he asked.

"I am looking for Jedi survivors.", Eras answered.

Cen's voice dropped to a harsh whisper. "Are you crazy! If any Imps heard you speaking of such things, you would be a dead man."

"Please. I need your help. I gave my oath to help and do not know where to begin.", implored Eras.

Cen shook his head in frustration. "Look, the Empire has Corellia on lockdown. Frankly, I am surprised they let your transport land. Only those with Imperial issued passes are allowed to leave, and the only ones to get those are the ones who have sold their loyalty."

"Such as?", Eras interjected.

"The Bondman's Guild and petty gangs…like the White Worm…Remember them?", Cen answered in agitation.

"The Bondman's Guild?...Bounty hunters?" Concern spread across Eras's brow.

"Did you think you were the only one looking for Jedi.", the former dockmaster asked sarcastically.

"You there! Show your identification tags!", shouted an Imperial Foreman. He approached Cen and Eras with his stun baton pointed at them threateningly. Cen frantically fumbled for his tags.

Eras stood dead still, cooly staring at the approaching officer. "I SAID…"

"You do not need to see our identification. You are sorry for interrupting our conversation.", spoke Eras who passed a hand in front of the man's face.

"I…do not need to see your identification. I am sorry for interrupting your conversation.", he repeated in a trance-like state. The Imperial officer stood motionless, staring obliviously.

"You are one of them! You are a Jedi! I knew it! I knew there was something strange about you!", Cen said wide-eyed.

"I am not a Jedi. It's complicated.", responded Eras.

Cen looked around. "What happens now?"

Eras faced the officer. "You will give this man your travel pass, whatever credits you have in your current possession, and will ensure he is placed on the passenger transport about to leave."

The officer began reaching for his pass and credits. Eras turned back to Cen. "You gave me a second chance. Make the most of your own."

Unable to speak, Cen simply grasped the young man's hand for a moment and followed the awaiting officer. Eras watched as the transport departed. "One debt paid…now to fulfill an oath.", he thought to himself as he turned in the direction of the Silo…