~~~(POV: Ryan Sunrider)~~~
My smaller body is gently lifted from the crib by my mom, and she holds me against her chest. Being an infant isn't an experience that I like all that much. I'm constantly shitting myself, and I'm utterly helpless without Sarina's help.
It's been almost 6 months since I was born, and I've found out a lot in that time frame. The most interesting among them is in regards to Sarina.
I use one of the Player Powers I've been wanting to test out. During my entire time in the womb, I didn't have a chance to try it out, but now that I'm out, I'm able to use it.
'Observe.'
Sarina Sunrider
Race: Human
Level: 24
Health: 100%
Age: 28
Force Potential: Minimal
M-Count: 1800
Threat Potential: None
Reputation: Trusted
Friendship: Beloved
Affiliation Loyalty: You (100%) The Galactic Republic (80%) Order of the Jedi (-10%)
Emotional State: Happy/Fulfilled/Worried
Sarina loves being a mom to a wonderful and well-behaved baby such as you. You make her life better.
The role of being a Senator and mom gives her a reason to live and get up every morning.
Sarina didn't mind or dislike the Jedi before you were born, but since you started showing Force-sensitivity before exiting the womb. She's worried the Jedi will come knocking at the door for you.
'My mom in this life isn't Force-sensitive.'
Sarina is a descendant of the Sunrider family, but from the conversations I've overheard when she talks to others tells me she can't use the Force. While it's sad, it's not like every descendant of a Force-wielding family can use the Force.
Theron is a perfect example of that. His mom is one of the strongest Jedi of her generation, and he was born without a sensitivity to the Force.
'It's a bit ironic that a non-Force-sensitive descendant of a Jedi family has given birth to me. It's the exact opposite of what Theron and Satele have gone through.'
Sarina carries me over to the window of the massive room we're in, and she takes a seat. She helps me move my head so I can relax on her chest and see out the window. Being a 6-month-old infant means I don't have great control over my body.
Or any, really. The most I've been able to achieve is wiggling around in my crib. Only to tucker myself out due to my low STAM.
That aside, one of the other interesting things I learned is I've been born on Coruscant. To add on top of that, Sarina is a Senator in the Republic Senate. As stated in the Observe, I used.
'I haven't learned which planet she represents. She doesn't talk about work when she's with me. Mostly just plays with me and gets me to laugh. Most of my bodily functions aren't in my control; the only thing I have control over is when I cry and laugh.'
She worries about that… Seeing that I don't cry or whine like other babies do… But seeing me perfectly healthy abates those worries…
For all of that, Sarina really does cherish me. I'm fortunate to have been born to her. My future knowledge is something I've been thinking about. I'm not allowed to share what I know with others, even if I could give hints. I'm far, FAR too young to do so.
'In the next 6 to 7 years, Coruscant will be invaded. I'll be old enough to talk and use the Force by then. Even begin my training as a Jedi.'
The real question is whether or not I'll be in the Jedi temple when the Sacking of Coruscant starts. So many Jedi will die, and even though the game never said, I'm sure younglings were slaughtered just the same. I'd be amongst that group.
And while I pride myself on knowing Lore about Star Wars, I don't know that much regarding the actual training of a youngling. It wasn't something I really researched.
'So I'm flying blind there.'
For now, it's something I can only think about.
"Senator Sunrider, you have a visitor."
A voice from the intercom on the table next to the chair we're sitting on warns mom that she's got work to do. She releases a long sigh and stands up. Walking back to the door we had just recently left and places me back in my crib.
Her finger gently and softly glides down the side of my forehead and stops on my cheek. I watch as tears are forming in the corners of her eyes.
She's been doing this a lot recently. She quickly dries them and leans down. Kissing me on the forehead as she does.
"Mommy will be back soon."
The sadness in her voice isn't hidden. Sometimes, a mother's love can hurt.
She pulls away from the crib and leaves the room not long after. I've found myself alone. While I have control over when I laugh or cry, those are the only things I do have control over. My efforts to move my limbs with any sort of control only create a funny scene.
One that's made Sarina laugh on more than one occasion.
'Now that I'm alone, now's the perfect time to keep training.'
Whenever I've found myself alone, I take that chance to train the 3 Force Skills I have. Altus Sopor and Trance have been easy to upgrade, but Telekinesis has proven to be tough. My progress has been great compared to anyone else, but my personal standards are falling short.
'List Force Powers.'
FORCE POWERS
Altus Sopor
Adept 15
This is the fundamental power that all Force-sensitives learn at some point.
Increases your focus on the Force and enhances your Force powers.
All Force powers cost 9.5% less FP
Costs 145 FP
Force Serenity (Trance)
Adept 37
While in this state, your meditation bonuses improve, helping you recover much faster.
You also stop your need to eat and sleep for days at a time.
Currently grants an additional 19.25% bonus to meditation and self-healing.
Costs 145FP
Telekinesis
Novice 85
The ability to push, pull, and levitate objects or block objects in motion so long as their mass is within your power range.
At higher levels, this can grant self-levitation.
Currently, lift objects up to 65kg in mass.
Costs 471 FP +15 FP/s
The results of my training are clear with Altus Sopor and Trance. But since Telekinesis requires movement from my body, I'm only able to train it for a few minutes at a time. Still, I've made some progress with it. I've been tempted to spend some of the SP to increase stats that increase my STAM.
'But holding out with my SP in the long run is smarter. I'll be getting a level every year for my birthday. That's free level-ups and SP. Knowing that, there isn't a reason not to take my time with all this.'
It's not like nothing has come of my efforts of training outside the interface. Especially pertaining to Sarina.
Whenever I train in Telekinesis, I leave a mess around my bedroom. Mom often cleans it up, and when she does, she always looks at me with sadness when she's done. She knows I'm Force-sensitive.
I was moving things with the Force while I was still in the womb. She caught onto what I was doing while inside her some time ago. It's a little funny. Giving her a bit of extra work when it comes to raising me.
'I don't know how long she'll be, but I should get some training in… In fact, on that line of thought, I've been meaning to try learning another Force Power. One that allows me to detect or sense people around me. But I haven't had any luck.'
From what I can remember, thanks to Photographic Memory, there are two Force Powers that I should try getting. These are Force Sense and Precognition. Force Sense is an important and basic ability I should have.
It'll allow me to feel the feelings of others around me, along with seeing the future. Even though I know the future, it'll be nice to have this Force Power.
'I've already tried sensing mom's feelings with the Force, but I haven't had any luck. Precognition is imperative for lightsaber combat and fighting in general. Though, I haven't made ground here either.'
I'm sure I'll get through with these powers in time, but not yet. I have enough now, and focusing on what I have while spending time on how to unlock these others is the plan. I can't do much else anyway.
Infancy does that.
~~~(POV Sarina Sunrider)~~~
I watch as Ryan crawls along the carpeted ground and makes his way over to the couch. He reaches up and lifts himself to a standing position. He's almost 11 months old now. It's hard to believe how fast he's growing. He's developing as any baby should.
As he straightens his head, I watch him reach out his hand, and his favorite toy comes flying into his palm. This started happening around two months ago.
It didn't surprise me all that much when it started. He was moving things while he was still in the womb.
'I miss those days…'
My hand finds its way to my navel, and I unconsciously circle my hand around it. Thinking back to the days when it was easy to hide his Force-sensitivity.
'Not having access to the Force was something I expected my son to have. Just like me. But I was wrong. I've been the last Sunrider for a long time, and now my son has inherited my ancestor's powers.'
I have to hold back the forming tears. I quickly dry them and take a breath. I can't speak for most parents, but I wish Ryan wasn't Force-sensitive. Not with the Empire and Republic at war. Jedi dying in droves.
The thought of Ryan being subjected to that life breaks my heart…
'Not my little boy…'
He turns his head with a bright smile on his lips. His toy in one hand, and the other helping him balance on his feet as he uses the couch.
Hiding him from the Jedi will start becoming harder. My responsibilities as a Senator put me in frequent contact with them. I speak with them at the Senate building most of the time. Others have been through holocalls.
None have come over to my apartment yet. I don't plan on letting them. I don't know how the Force works. Never have. But I've been told and even witnessed Jedi sensing one another. Sensing the Force in others. Surely, if they came here. They'd know about Ryan.
'While the choice to give him to the Order would ultimately be mine, I don't want them to know about him at all. Who'd stop them from coming to him when he's older?'
The Jedi and Sith's war shouldn't involve innocent children.
They shouldn't involve Ryan.
~~~(POV: Ryan Sunrider)~~~
It's Your Birthday!
To help with your growth, each birthday, you gain one level.
This will last until you reach 12 cycles.
Knowledge Skills suffer 10*strata levels of degradation.
NOTE:
Degradation decreased by 75% due to perk Photographic Memory.
Degradation suffered is now 2.5*strata
LEVEL-UP!
Level: 3-4
FP: +1300
PP: +2PP
STAM: +10
SP: +6
SKP: +40
My first birthday is here, and this is the first thing I see as I wake up in my crib. The thing I'm most glad for improvements to is STAM. My STAM was previously at 11, but now it's more than 20. My efforts to increase my powers are showing.
Sure, this is a free-level, thanks to the interface, but that doesn't mean it's not progress. I haven't gotten any quests for a while. I also haven't made any user-generated quests. I'm still too young for all that right now, in my opinion.
'List Stats.'
Ryan Sunrider
Age: 1
Species: Human
Title: The Player
Level: 4
HP: 70/70
FP: 5200/5200
M-Count: 31,790
PP: 8/8
XP [500/5000]
STAM [21/21]
Hunger [100/100]
STR: 2 +
VIT: 2 +
AGI: 1 +
INT: 20 +
WIS: 10 +
CHA: 0 +
Luck: 0 + [+20]
SP: 14
PerkP: 1
PPP: 0
SKP: 120
Credits: 0
I still haven't used any of the SP that I've got, and I don't plan on it either. Since mom won't be coming to get me for a little longer. I think seeing my progress in my Force Powers is a good idea.
'List Force Powers.'
FORCE POWERS
Altus Sopor
Adept 15
This is the fundamental power that all Force-sensitives learn at some point.
Increases your focus on the Force and enhances your Force powers.
All Force powers cost 9.5% less FP
Costs 145 FP 19 FP/s
Force Serenity (Trance)
Professional 12
While in this state, your meditation bonuses improve, helping you recover much faster.
You also stop your need to eat and sleep for days at a time.
Currently grants an additional 27.50% bonus to meditation and self-healing.
Costs 165FP
Telekinesis
Adept 15
The ability to push, pull, and levitate objects or block objects in motion so long as their mass is within your power range.
At higher levels, this can grant self-levitation.
Currently, lift objects up to 1225kg in mass.
Costs 404 FP +22 FP/s
Precognition
Novice 35
This is an offensive ability that allows you to sense oncoming attacks. The Force will warn you. Make sure to react.
Costs 307 FP +17 FP/s
Force Sense (Danger Sense)
Adept 85
The ability to sense the feelings of others using the Force and using the Force to see briefly into the future. Allows the ability user to hear better and at distances.
Sense incoming danger from the Force.
Costs 319 FP +21 FP/s
I've made great progress since around 6 months after my birth. When I gained better control over my body and started crawling. Using the Force became so much easier. Precognition has proven to be very difficult to upgrade since there aren't many times to use it.
Other than that, I've had steady and good progress with my abilities. It's been a fast passage of time, but I'm improving at the rates I want to.
My attention is taken from the interface as the door to my room opens, and Sarina comes in. A smile on her face appears as she sees me move my body and stand up in the crib.
"Well, someone's up early today! Did you sleep well, sunshine?"
Her voice is happy and full of joy. I stick out my arms over the crib wall, and she quickens herself. Grabbing me and lifting me up as she does.
Kissing my cheek as I'm now in her grasp.
While I still can't speak, I know that I'll be able to soon. I don't have control over my voice yet. So, I'll just have to wait for now. She takes me out of the bedroom, and we enter the living room.
She sets me down in the middle of the carpet and makes her way to the kitchen. Keeping an eye on me as she does. It's been a fun first year, and I hope that it continues to last until I've grown up a bit more. I turn my attention over to the window that looks out into Coruscant.
I crawl over to the window and see the passing speeders. Trillions of people all over Coruscant. All of them doing something. Trying to get further in life.
Star Wars is so big…
I take a breath and let the Force fill me. It's still a feeling I can't describe. I'll never get used to it. I feel connected. Attached.
Reaching out with the Force has become much easier.
Quest Alert!
A Master's Sense
This is an introductory quest to the Jedi.
A Master of the Jedi Order, Satele Shan, has sensed you. Soon, within the coming days. She'll locate you.
Rating: D
Objective: Convince your mom you should be trained.
Bonus: ?
Bonus: ?
Rewards:
500XP
Penalties:
Not accepted into the Jedi Order at this time.
Automatically Accepted.
'Uhhh…'
I can't help being a little dumbfounded by the sudden quest. Not only is it one that puts me on the Jedi's radar, but it also puts me in direct contact with the future Grandmaster. Right now, a Kel Dor by the name of Zym is the Grandmaster of the Order.
That's what I remember from Lore digging, anyway.
He'll die during the Sacking of Coruscant and the attack on the Jedi Temple. I didn't even know Satele was on Coruscant during this time.
There continues to be more and more I don't know. That's a given since Star Wars is what it is. But it's a little unnerving how little events are building up like this.
Take this quest, for example.
We're halfway through the 6th year before The Treaty of Coruscant, and the Force is starting to move me into the wider galaxy.
'Automatically accepted… Strange that I wasn't given a choice. Maybe it's because Satele sensed me. Or some other outside influence… Could it have been the Force?'
I don't like how I wasn't given a choice here.
Yes. Normally, you would be able to accept or decline a quest like this. However, the Force has an influence on you and your role to play.
This is one of the consequences of the choices you made during Character Creation.
It's been a long time since I got anything from the beings that put me here. I read the message again, and I can't help thinking that if Satele sensed me, the Sith could've, too. Why isn't there a quest for that?
'No answer, huh…'
I don't get a response this time. I guess that's something the Force hasn't planned. I don't know what the Force has in store for me, but I'm not running away or backing down.
'This won't be easy, though… Convince my mom I should be trained…'
That is a very specific objective. While I'm still unable to speak, that doesn't mean my actions can't convince her.
Maybe they already have…
Sarina dislikes the Jedi. It comes down to what every mother feels. They don't want their kid in any danger. And if I'm at the temple during the Sacking of Coruscant, I would be.
To Sarina, just being attached to the Jedi is deadly.
The only penalty to this quest is I won't be accepted into the Jedi Order at this time. Those words alone tell me I'll have another chance at some point.
'It's probably best to just fail this quest. Yet, I don't know if I can. I've already shown mom I'm capable of using the Force. I don't think I'd survive the Sacking of Coruscant. There is taking on a challenge and then diving head first into death.'
And I'm not wasting this life by diving head first into death. So, I won't do anything. Mom will reject Satele's offer on her own based on the objective. If I don't convince her, then I won't be going.
So, I guess that just means more waiting and training for now.
'With the most recent level I attained, I gained a Perk Point. I haven't checked out the available list yet, so now is good.'
With mom busy in the kitchen, there shouldn't be any interruptions.
'List Perks.'
As the thought crosses through my mind, a list of perks appears. However, as I've only got one. Any of the good ones are 2, and some are even 3. Meaning I'll have to be a minimum of level 8 and 12 for those ones.
The list disappears as I dismiss it, and I look back out the window. A few minutes pass, and I use it to help me stand up. Getting a better view of the outside world of Coruscant.
"Ryan! What did I tell you about leaning against the window like that!"
Sarina's frustrated voice makes its way to me as I turn my head to see her coming out of the kitchen and making her way to me. With haste. She quickly reaches down and lifts me from the spot I was using to balance myself.
Bringing me to the kitchen now that I've given her a reason to keep me within arm's length. Seeing her like this goes to my thoughts of how she'll not let Satele take me. Mom is protective over me.
"You've bought yourself quality time with mom for disobeying the rules."
She reaches out with her hand and gently boops my nose. My spot isn't the most dignified. Sitting in a baby's chair with a tray in front of me. Something about being a fully grown man in the body of a baby that humbles you magnitudes.
'Here I didn't know I needed humbling…'
I wasn't the type you usually see, but perhaps this is a situation that'll humble just about anyone.
She starts working on something to eat. Unfortunately for me, I'm stuck with baby food. I watch as she rummages around for the cookware, but instead, she just hits her head.
The giggle that escapes me doesn't go unnoticed.
"Oh, your mommy hitting her head is funny, huh?"
The beaming smile on my face is really all I can do right now to convey anything. I'm still unable to speak, but that'll come in the next few months.
She stands up from the ground and leans against the counter. Smiling back at me. However, the lovely moment is ruined as a large rumbling shakes the building. Mom falls to the ground, and the cookware hanging on the racks above the kitchen starts to swing.
Coming loose as they do. Before she's able to get up or notice the danger hanging above her, some of them fall.
'Those will hurt her! Not happening on my watch!'
I reach my hand out with the fine control of a toddler, but it's effective nonetheless. The metal cookware is suspended in midair.
It's around now that mom is getting to her feet and seeing me hold out my hands. Looking at me in confusion, she sees where my arms are pointing. She looks up, and sees the suspended metal hanging above her head.
Her mouth hangs open slightly. The max weight I can handle with Telekinesis is 1225kg, which is an absurd amount for a toddler to lift with the Force. But then, it's not like I'm a normal toddler.
"Ryan…"
I slowly direct the metal cookware and place it gently on the ground in front of her. She watches it the whole time. After a couple of seconds, her eyes lift from where they're on the ground. Looking at me.
'Cute mode activating.'
In response to her looking at me with incredulity, I wave my arms up and down. Smiling and laughing at her as I do. She knows I can use the Force, but probably not to that extent. She instantly bursts into tears and rushes over to me.
Picking me up from the demeaning toddler food chair and holding me. While the cookware wouldn't have killed her, it would've caused her great harm.
"My little Ryan… My oh, so little Ryan…"
She speaks softly and slowly as she rocks me side to side in her arms. Caressing my back with loving strokes. Kissing the side of my head before pressing me back into her form.
A baby never remembers the affection and love their parents give them at my age. I have the fortune of that.
'I wonder what caused that huge tremor…'
After a few more minutes, the mood my mom is in changes to one of fury and anger. She's taken me back to my bedroom and has since been yelling at the holocall in the other room. Using curses and slang that I know to be specific to the Star Wars universe.
Doing that with the metal cookware wasn't enough to get me another level in Telekinesis, but it's the heaviest thing I've lifted so far. I could tell by the weight.
'I wonder how long she's gonna be at it.'
Who knew my mom was so creative with such foul language…
~~~(POV: Satele Shan)~~~
The child is strong in the Force. Even from the Temple, I can feel him. After some meditation and searching through the Force, I've come up with a name.
Sunrider.
There is only one descendant of the Sunrider family I know personally today, and that's Senator Sunrider. Despite being from a Jedi family, she unfortunately didn't have sensitivity to the Force. However, I recently heard she had a child.
A son.
What I'm sensing is him. The Force is strong with him.
Extraordinarily so.
The door to my room opens, and a droid walks in. Taking a break from the war and conflicts at the Temple seemed like a good idea for a few days, but it turns out that I've been guided here by the Force.
"Master Shan, I looked through the Senatorial Archives. Here is the information you requested."
The droid hands me a datapad before turning around and leaving. On it is the address of Senator Sunrider. This is classified information, but Jedi Masters have access to everything. Well, almost everything. Getting my hands on the address of a Senator isn't an issue.
After looking through some of the basic information here, I find that after the birth of her son, she took a leave of absence from the Senate for 3 months. That was 9 months ago, meaning the boy is around a year old now.
Before the war with the Sith Empire, children who were found to be Force-sensitive were usually brought to the Jedi Temple for training between their 1st and 3rd birthdays. However, with the war raging. We're trying to get as many as we can.
"Senator Sunrider would know of her son's Force-sensitivity…"
She'd be able to recognize the signs and powers of a Jedi since she works with them. Since she hasn't come forward about her son's Force-sensitivity, then it's more than likely she doesn't want him to be a Jedi.
But in the end, if she doesn't allow it. I can't take the boy. If a parent or legal guardian is against their Force-sensitive children from joining the Order, there isn't anything we can do other than wait for them to change their minds.
'I'll meet with her tomorrow. For now, I need to meditate.'
These thoughts about children, sons, and mothers have me thinking of Theron. His lack of Force-sensitivity tore my heart in two.
I can see Senator Sunrider going through the same, except the situations are reversed. Her son's the one with the Force, and she knows he'll always be at risk because of that.
I hope she allows the boy to be trained. It's the safest path for him.
~~~(POV: Ryan Sunrider)~~~
Yesterday, mom spent a few hours on the holocall about what happened regarding the tremor that shook the building. After she stopped using such colorful language, that is. Force Sense allows me to hear better.
Apparently some malfunction with generators that I have no knowledge of. It caused an explosion under the building, and that was the source of the shaking.
'While I have knowledge about eras and characters within Star Wars, it's the little things like that I don't know about. Goes to show even with all my knowledge of future events, there is still a lot I don't know about.'
Satele being on Coruscant right now is one example. I figured she'd be constantly on the frontlines of battle. The Lore and wikis I read never told anything about her being here before the Treaty of Coruscant.
"Alright, make sure that Senator Organa gets the briefing. While Alderaan is still recovering, I need his help here."
My head turns in the direction of moms voice as she enters the living room. I'm currently watching a holomovie made for kids my age. While it's not entertaining, it's what a kid my age would enjoy. My only complaint is how insulting the movies are sometimes.
Even if a normal toddler doesn't have great intelligence, that doesn't mean you should talk to them stupidly.
"Ah, sorry about that, sunshine. Mommy's work requires a lot of patience."
She makes her way over to me as she apologizes, and picks me up in her arms.
"Now, how about we turn this off and go for a trip? Would you like that?"
The only reason I give an excited reaction and bounce my body around is because it makes Sarina smile. She kisses the side of my head and laughs at my reaction.
If it were anyone else, I wouldn't act so… Babish. I'd still sell the fact I'm a baby, but not so much as I am now.
"Alright, alright! I think I've got the perfect place in mind. Just le-..."
BEEEEEP!
All of a sudden, the doorbell to the apartment goes off. Mom turns her attention from me and looks to the door. She doesn't have any visitors today, and that only means one thing.
Satele is here.
'The quest said she'd be here in the coming days, but I didn't think it'd be so soon.'
Mom releases a small sigh and sets me down on the couch before making her way to the apartment door. I watch her from the place she's put me, and she opens the door. I see the familiar form of Satele Shan. She looks the exact same as she did in the games.
However, this version of her is younger since, in the games, you start the campaigns when she's in her mid-40s. Right now, she looks like she's in her mid-30s.
"Master Shan, I know that you're a Jedi Master, but showing up at a Senator's home unannounced is incredibly rude."
Instead of immediately replying, I watch Satele look over Sarina's shoulder. Looking directly at me. Our eyes connect, and I see a brief smile appear on her. One that only a mother knows how to give.
However, my own mom steps in the way of our line of sight with one another.
"I request that you leave now, and I won't lodge a formal complaint with the Senate or Jedi."
The edge in my mom's voice only continues to grow. Satele's eyes look into hers, and that's when I know that a conversion is about to be had.
"I apologize for my abrupt and unannounced visit to your home, Senator. But I'd like to have a word with you about your son."
I watch my mom's form stiffen, and the realization the Jedi know about me creeps into her body. She takes a step back and raises her hand to her chest. Clutching over her heart. She turns around and looks at me. Seeing that I'm watching this.
She grits her teeth for a moment, and I can see how upset she is. However, that's abated after a few moments. She calms herself down and regains the composure of a Senator. Sarina turns back around and looks at Satele.
"Not in front of Ryan."
I honestly didn't expect her to entertain the idea…
My mom steps aside, and Satele walks into the apartment. She makes her way over to the couch I'm sitting on and takes a knee in front of me.
"Hello, Ryan. When your mom and I are done talking, we'll have a chance to get to know each other better."
Yeah, right. Like mom is gonna let you take me away.
~~~(POV: Sarina Sunrider)~~~
The distinguished master takes another sip of tea as she watches Ryan from the doorway. My son uses the Force to levitate and move around a ball as he plays. I wish he wouldn't do that. Not now, and not ever again.
I was a fool to believe I could hide my son from the Jedi. Their powers and abilities are beyond my comprehension. Thinking about it now, it was only a matter of time before they found him.
"Your son is strong with the Force."
The simple observation from Satele drives a stake through my heart.
"If you've come here to take him, my answer is no."
Before we even start talking about that dreaded reality, it's better for me to shut it down right now. I take a moment to divert my eyes from the back of Satele's head and look at Ryan. Playing with his toy.
Using the Force.
'Is this the best thing for Ryan… Keeping him away from people who could teach him…'
When he was first born, I promised myself I'd never give him up. But over the last year, he's shown more connection with the Force than I thought he had.
Sure, he moved things around when he was still in the womb, but I figured that was normal.
"In the end, the decision for Ryan to be trained as a Jedi rests with you. I can't take him by force, but think about what you're wasting here."
The haunted tone in her voice tells me she has experience with giving up a child. From what I've heard, her own son wasn't Force-sensitive.
I don't want to give up Ryan… But this isn't about me. It's about him and what's best for him. Someone teaching him to control his powers is what he needs.
His saving me yesterday is proof of that. What if he couldn't control his powers then? What would've happened?
'Am I really doing this…'
~~~(POV: Ryan Sunrider)~~~
Quest Complete!
A Master's Sense
This is an introductory quest to the Jedi.
A Master of the Jedi Order, Satele Shan, has sensed you. Soon, within the coming days. She'll locate you.
Rating: D
Objective: Convince your mom you should be trained. [Yes]
?: Show your mom you're strong with the Force. [Yes]
?: Use the Force to save your mom from harm. [Yes]
Rewards:
500XP
Increased odds of becoming a Jedi.
Massively increased odds of becoming a Jedi.
You will be taken to the Jedi Temple.
'What?'
The completed quest suddenly appears as I sit in the middle of the living room. My head turns to the closed door of the room they're using. When mom closed it earlier, I thought it was so she could argue with Satele.
Now you're telling me that I'm being taken to a place where I'll likely die!?
'This wasn't a part of the damn plan!'
The XP is added to my level, and I now need 4000 more before I'm level 5. The interface disappears after a second, and I'm forced to sit here dumbfounded.
I look at the bonuses I completed, and that's when I realize I've been duped! The generators exploding were a conduit for me to use the Force to save my mom. Thus giving me a chance to complete this bonus. The other one could've been completed at any time after I received this quest.
Openly practicing with the Force has come back to bite me in the ass! Royally!
'Did the Force cause the explosion?!'
That thought goes through my mind as I try to think of a logical explanation as to why this happened. The truth is, I can't use logic. The Force isn't a logical concept.
The Force did indeed cause the explosion to influence your mother's choice. But it was you who completed the bonus.
Suffer the consequences of your choices. If you thought your life was gonna be easy, you're dead wrong.
'Wow! Suffer the consequences!? Really?! Dicks!'
I can't help feeling like this is my fault. I was warned during character creation that the Force would actively meddle in my life and find a role for me to play.
Looks like that's happening.
HISS!
The door to mom's office opens, and I see my mom's red and puffy eyes. Dried teary trails and fresh ones falling.
'I should've used Force Sense! Maybe I could've interrupted them and stopped this somehow.'
That's just a desperate thought in an attempt to rationalize my situation. The truth is, I'm now screwed. My eyes dart between my mom and Satele.
The master makes her way to me and gently picks me up with a smile on her lips. One that I've often seen on Sarina's face. She gently grabs my slightly chubby cheek and squeezes it.
"Hello again, little Ryan."
After her little greeting, she turns back to Sarina and lowers her head in a small bow. Then she turns around and starts walking to the exit. With her back turned it gives me a scene to see my mom. Tears are falling from her eyes like I've never seen before.
She has to turn her body from me and hide her face. Leaning against the wall.
I could thrash and scream. Try to find a way to undo this, but the truth is. I can't. I'm stuck with this new fate.
After we step through the door to the apartment, I watch the door close.
Leaving my mom behind.
As we enter the elevator, Satele pulls me from her body and looks me in the eyes. Smiling as she does. After a second, she raises her hand and places it on my forehead. I feel the Force flow through me as she does. She's checking and poking around in my head.
She pulls away a couple of seconds later.
"Extraordinary."
Satele brings me closer and runs her hand across the top of my head. It's a rather affectionate move, but I think it stems from being a mother herself.
"You're extraordinary, Ryan. You'll make a powerful Jedi."
The door to the elevator opens, and we're now in the lobby of my mom's apartment building. As we make our way outside, there is a private vehicle with the markings of the Jedi Order on it. Within it are two other Jedi. Likely escorts or something.
Once inside, we take off at a high speed.
All I can do is watch as the apartment building I grew up in disappears from view.
Along with Sarina…
This story is released to public sites like on the 15th and 25th. On my (P)-(a)-(t)-(r)-(e)-(o)-(n) page, this story is released with new updates on the 5th and 10th of every month.
Please, really consider checking out my (P)-(a)-(t)-(r)-(e)-(o)-(n). I have other works there that aren't just this.
(P)-(a)-(t)-(r)-(e)-(o)-(n) /easyread
If you want to read ahead, go here. There are 8 chapters here.