Convergence/Chapter 14

14
 Jhiranae awoke early with the sun’s first rays. Rising from her makeshift bed, she took a quick drink of water and stretched. For some reason, the holocron kept catching her eye. She glanced over at Kanjai, who was supposed to be on watch. The Elomin was slumped over in one corner, sound asleep. She thought about chiding him, but decided against it. The last few days had been grueling, and since she was up anyway, she might as well stand watch. Jhiranae started for the door to the staircase and caught herself mid-stride. If she was going to be sitting upstairs in the chilly morning air, bored to tears and exposed to the elements, she might as well bring something with her to dull the monotony.

 Reaching the top flight of stairs, she set the holocron down next to her. She carefully scanned the horizon, but there was no sign of danger—neither animal or Grasp. A soft breeze tugged playfully at her hair. Jhiranae’s eyes swept the sky for possible inclement weather, but thus far, the morning was placid, with only a few patchy clouds. It would likely be another hot day by the time the sun ascended fully into the sky.

 Satisfied that her initial scan was clear, Jhiranae turned her attention to the holocron. Placing her hands on it, she closed her eyes, hoping that the keeper would re-appear.

 “Come on,” she murmured to herself.

 The holocron gave no response. Jhiranae gritted her teeth, pressing her hands more firmly against the device.

 “Please. . .” she whispered. “I want to learn.”

 Still nothing. Jhiranae’s voice quavered slightly as she tried one last time.

 “I want to learn the ways of the Force.”

 She couldn’t quite explain where those words had come from, nor the fervor in her voice as she said them. The Force and the Jedi had always been of academic interest to her, even before joining Doctor Ostrada’s expedition, but this desire seemed more. . . personal. Until yesterday, Jhiranae, much like Doctor Ostrada, hadn’t given Force-sensitivity much thought as to herself. It was a historical curiosity to be studied and understood. However, Selu Kraen’s words had stirred something within her, a calling—a desire. If it was possible to learn the fabled ways of the Force, to wield the power of the Jedi, she wanted to try. Though what she knew of the Jedi was mostly fragmented myth mixed in with historical anecdotes, Jhiranae had meant what she’d said last night: the Jedi were a symbol of hope, and that was something the galaxy desperately needed. She’d never wanted to be a hero, or considered herself spectacular in any way, but if she could provide hope to others, could inspire others to stand for freedom and peace, then maybe, just maybe. . . she could stand up for a cause greater than herself. If only the holocron would provide the guidance she needed to take the next step down that path. Her previous encounter had been tantalizing, opening up new possibilities, but she couldn’t progress further without its help. She waited with baited breath for four seconds, then five, hoping that the fragment of Selu Kraen would reappear.

 To her immense relief, the hologram shimmered into existence once more.

 “Greetings, seeker. I am Jedi Master Selu Kraen.”

 Jhiranae let out a deep breath she hadn’t been aware she had been holding.

 “Thank you for speaking with me. You said you were designed to teach seekers the ways of the Force. I would like. . . to learn.”

 The hologram regarded her silently for a moment.

 “Very well. What do you know of the Force?”

 “It’s what gave the Jedi their powers,” she said. “They were said to do extraordinary feats using it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “True, but that is but a small aspect of the Force,” Selu told her. “The Force is an energy field generated by all life. Those who are attuned to it can, often through extensive training, learn to both sense and harness it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Jhiranae hesitated for a moment, not wishing to offend her recalcitrant instructor, then pressed on with her question.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Is the Force then like a weapon, or a tool?” she asked. “Something Jedi learn to use, like a sixth sense?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Selu shook his head.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “The Force can be used as a weapon or a tool, but that’s far from a full understanding of the Force. The Force is no more a tool or a weapon than the bonds that hold an atom together. Can the strength of atomic bonds be harnessed for ill intent? Certainly. But is that all the purpose it serves? Of course not.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> The crunch of boots on gravel behind her interrupted her. She turned to see Corian was standing at the top of the stairs, his eyes sharp and alert, blaster ready.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Everything okay?” he asked cautiously.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “It’s fine,” she said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I see you got it working again,” he noted, eyes flicking to the holocron.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Yes,” she said. “Though I’m not sure exactly how. Why are you up?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I heard voices,” he replied simply. “Woke up and saw Kanjai snoozing, so I figured somebody should keep an eye on things.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I can keep watch,” she offered. “You already had the first shift.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Corian shrugged off the gesture.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Is it saying anything useful?” “He’s starting to explain the Force,” Jhiranae told him. “It’s far more complex than I thought.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I see,” Corian answered neutrally. “I actually have a few questions for the holocron, too.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “You do?” Jhiranae asked in surprise. “I thought you didn’t want anything to do with the holocron?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I’ve had a little more time to think it over. And. . . if it proves truthful, then I think we could learn some valuable things from it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Like how to tap into the Force? How to relearn the lost arts of the Jedi?” Jhiranae asked enthusiastically.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Corian smirked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Like where we’d find a working ship.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “How are you going to test its truthfulness?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I studied the map. Watch and learn.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> He turned to the holocron, ignoring Jhiranae’s deflated expression. As much as Jhiranae respected Corian for his abilities and generally clear thinking, his refusal to see beyond what was immediately in front of him, and his lack of belief in. . . anything aggravated her at times.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Hey,” Corian called to the Jedi Master. “Do you mind if I ask a few questions?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Selu regarded him evenly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Proceed.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “What’s the northern-most city in the Tusloni Basin called?” he asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Cadthak.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Is the Daizon Valley located on the eastern or western side of the basin?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “The eastern side, of course.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “How many military bases were in Draskar?” Selu sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Draskar was outside the refuge and thus not under our overt protection. There were no military bases there. I am willing to indulge more questions, seeker, but don’t waste my time with trivialities.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Not bad,” Corian said to Jhiranae. “Can’t prove it’s completely reliable, but it at least agrees with the map on a few basic things.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> He turned back to the hologram.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I think I just have one more question,” he said. “Maybe two. Where would be the most likely place to find a working ship on Yanibar?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Whatever ship brought you here,” returned the hologram. “Any working ship would have been used in the evacuation.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Well, that’s not too surprising,” Corian said. “How about a working hypercomm array? Or parts of one?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> The hologram frowned at him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “You are no seeker of the Force. You don’t even acknowledge the potential within you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Corian sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Guilty,” he admitted. “And I promise that if you answer that last question, I will leave you and Jhiranae to discuss the Force as much as you wish. Please.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Corian, please,” Jhiranae told him. “At least consider the possibilities.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Maybe later,” he said. “When I’m not being hunted by the Grasp on one of the galaxy’s most desolate worlds. Please, I’d just like an answer to the question.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I am not a mere dispenser of information,” Selu told him. “The gatekeeper of a holocron can choose to deny such a request.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Corian pressed his hands together in a plaintive gesture.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I understand that,” he said. “I understand that we’re not worthy of your instruction. At least I’m not. I agree, entirely! But since our entire group is being hunted by the Grasp and our food is running low, and this planet is generally hazardous to life and we don’t have a ship or a hypercomm, I would really appreciate whatever help a benevolent Jedi like yourself could offer. Don’t do it for me. Do it for her.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> He indicated Jhiranae with a nod of his head.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Dead students can’t learn,” he said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Very well,” Selu replied. “But you must do something for me.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “What’s that?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Describe the state of the galaxy for me. I want to know about the Grasp.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Corian looked visibly uncomfortable for a second, then nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Understood,” he said. “After you tell me about hypercomms.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Most hypercomms on Yanibar were for military usage. They would have either been taken away or sold as part of the evacuation effort.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Corian scowled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “However,” Selu continued. “The Haxares outpost was abandoned due to a fierce blizzard that completely buried the facility. We only returned to rescue the stranded and retrieve the bodies of the fallen. Salvaging the equipment was far too difficult.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Where is that outpost?” Corian asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “The far northern reaches several hundred kilometers from here,” Selu told him. “Be warned, it is cold and desolate.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Corian’s brow furrowed deeper.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “That sounds like a good way to get killed. Thanks for nothing.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I wasn’t constructed to be the central search computer for Yanibar,” the holocron replied in a huff. “And it seems many years have passed since my creation. I’ve told you the truth.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Maybe so,” Corian replied. “It’s still not helpful.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “That is because you’re not seeking the correct kind of help,” the hologram corrected him. “Now, I believe you owe me something as well.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Corian had a sour look on his face, but Jhiranae cut in.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Perhaps you can help us by telling us when you were crafted,” she offered. “Then we—or I—could catch you up on history. I’m an archaeologist, so I’m reasonably well-versed in galactic history.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I passed the class,” Corian said simply.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Very well,” Selu answered. “This holocron was constructed in 73 by Selu Kraen.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “73. . . what?” Jhiranae asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “73 years in the ReSynchronization system,” the holocron answered. “If you prefer the Galactic Alliance’s system, that would be 38 ABY.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “How long ago is that, exactly?” Corian asked Jhiranae. “I learned all my years in Frac.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “ABY. . .” Jhiranae said, searching her memories for historical methods of calculating years for a while before eventually conceding defeat. “What does that mean?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “It has been awhile,” Selu mused. “ABY means ‘After the Battle of Yavin,’ a crucial defeat of the Galactic Empire.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I know that one,” Corian said. “That puts it at. . . 133 PF.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “132,” Jhiranae corrected him. “The Battle of Yavin was 170 PF.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Now that that is straightened out,” Selu said. “What year is it now? I suppose it doesn’t really matter to me, but I am curious.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “In the old system. . . 328 ABY,” Jhiranae told him. “You’ve been here for 290 years.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> The hologram’s eyes widened.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I see,” he said. “I think some knowledge of what has passed would be useful. It will help inform my future instruction.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Well, let’s see. . .” Corian said, thinking back to lectures at the academy. “That was before the Confederation-Galactic Alliance War. And well before the Sith resurgence.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “So much has happened since then. . .” Jhiranae added, somewhat at a loss for where to pick up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I think I got it covered. No offense, but it’ll be faster this way,” Corian interjected abruptly, turning to the holocron. “When you were made, the dominant galactic government was called the Galactic Alliance. Right?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “That is correct,” the holocron admitted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Not long after that, they had another civil war,” Corian told him. “The issues were complicated and the factions were. . . messy. The biggest issue was sovereignty of individual worlds and economic inequality within the Galactic Alliance. When Corellia dissented and started exerting its influence, the Galactic Alliance blockaded the system and oppressed them. That started a war.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Jhiranae frowned.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “That’s a very. . . Corellian perspective,” she said. “I haven’t heard it that way before.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Corian glared at her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “And I’m a Corellian,” he replied. “I’ve been to the monuments. That war was harsh on my world—on all five worlds of our system. No matter how much it’s been covered up outside.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I’m just saying, that’s not the only version I’ve heard,” Jhiranae told him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Fine,” Corian countered. “You take over—from after the war.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Very well,” Jhiranae said. “Eventually, after a series of widespread slave revolts and other struggles, the Corellians and their allies were persuaded to rejoin the Galactic Alliance. Legend has it, mostly by the Jedi. The galaxy enjoyed a period of peace for roughly forty years, until a resurgent Galactic Empire defeated the Galactic Alliance and forced them to surrender. That too, splintered and crumbled within a few years due to infighting. This was also believed to have been influenced by the Jedi.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “That was about 200 years ago,” Corian put in.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Indeed,” Jhiranae agreed, then continued. “The successor government was also weak and unwieldy. Too many planets, too many mouths to feed, too many skirmishes across a thousand planets to keep the peace, even for the Jedi. First there was the Droid Revolt, then the Caotian Plague, then the--,”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Jhiranae, he doesn’t need a dissertation,” Corian interrupted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> She scowled at him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Fine. As a result of a series of catastrophes, wars, and other various bad things, stability eroded over the next several decades, leading to what is now referred to as the Great Fracture.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Basically, people gave up on an unwieldy central government,” Corian added.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Systems and sectors left the Galactic Alliance in a formal renouncement. Individual political leaders took charge of some sectors; more powerful systems annexed or conquered smaller ones. By. . . 259 ABY, the Republic was reduced to a rump state. There was a smattering of wars as regions and species re-asserted themselves.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “A lot of pointless fighting,” Corian put in curtly. “Most of the standing military was either divided up among the major powers or destroyed in the process.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “And what of the Jedi?” Selu asked. “Where were they during all of this?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “That’s the. . . interesting part,” Corian answered dryly. “The Jedi disappeared years prior.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> He paused, scanning the horizon for trouble. He was silent as his blaster’s muzzle swept in a broad arc. Jhiranae hesitated for a moment, but seeing as no more information was forthcoming from Corian, decided she could expound further.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “The Jedi Order was reported destroyed on Ossus in the year 240,” Jhiranae clarified. “Apparently, they were attacked. When investigators finally came to check on them, they found nothing but smoldering ashes. There were no survivors. In the past several years, however, there has been quiet but renewed interest in the Jedi Order. The expedition that brought us here is organized and funded by the Skywalker Foundation, whose stated purpose is to unearth the truth about the Jedi.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Selu looked troubled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “There was a point during my lifetime when an attempt was made to wipe out the Jedi,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “It nearly succeeded. I was one of few who survived.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Palpatine’s Purge,” Jhiranae said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Yes,” Selu told her. “I was there.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “There’s so much we could learn from you about that era,” Jhiranae remarked wistfully.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Perhaps, but I think there are other, more urgent matters to attend to,” Selu replied, a dark tone in his voice. “Who was responsible for this latest attack on the Jedi Order?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “We don’t know,” Jhiranae said. “There weren’t many clues left behind, and while there was some talk of building a monument, that sector is currently controlled by the Grasp.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “That name has been mentioned before,” Selu noted. “Who are they?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Ruthless robotic predators,” Corian answered curtly. “We don’t know exactly where they come from, but they popped up after the Droid Revolt. Their numbers outmatch pretty much any other major power. Some say they’re from the Core, some say from Wild Space—wherever they come from, they attack and pillage, and then eventually subjugate.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “We thought the Grasp were some sort of malicious droid intelligence, but. . .” Jhiranae trailed off, thinking back to the attack on the camp and the mysterious woman.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “There’s plenty of living diplomats, bureaucrats, and sycophants in the Grasp’s domain,” Corian added. “But I’ve never heard of Grasp droids taking orders from a living being until we saw one leading the attack on the camp. There’s clearly something deeper going on here, but I have no idea what. I don’t know what brought them out here anyway; Yanibar is extremely far from their usual reach.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Then it is all the more important that we rebuild the Jedi,” Selu said. “The Jedi were guardians of peace and justice in the Republic. It is clear that their absence has accelerated the galaxy’s descent into chaos.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Now hang on there,” Corian replied. “First, I never said I would help do any such thing. Secondly, as much as the galaxy is divided right now, there’ve been a lot of problems with a galactic central government in the past. Thirdly, and most importantly, none of this helps us get offworld or call for help.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Selu shrugged.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “The hypercomm on Haxares is the only one I am aware of that might still be here. I doubt it’s functional.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Yeah, you said that already,” Corian replied disgustedly. “We need a new plan.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> He rose to his feet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “You two can stay up here and keep talking about the Force. . . or whatever it is you want to talk about. History, maybe. I’m going to have a look around and think of a new plan. We can’t stay here forever.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Jhiranae let him go silently, then sighed once he was out of earshot.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I apologize for his rudeness,” she said. “He can be. . . difficult. However, we would not have survived this far without him.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Selu gave no reply to that, changing the subject instead.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “You must learn to use the Force, Jhiranae,” he told her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “He is right about one thing, though,” Jhiranae replied. “We do need to find a way offworld.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I believe an opportunity will present itself,” Selu answered mildly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Jhiranae frowned.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “How can you say that?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I doubt the Force would have led you to find this refuge and recover this holocron only to die in the wastes of Yanibar.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “The Force has a will?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “The Force connects and binds all living things,” Selu replied. “Perhaps even all things. I was led to create this holocron, and you were led to find it. Does that override our own will, so that we are puppets in an infinite cosmic game? No. But just as stars are influenced by gravity, we may find ourselves being influenced by powers greater than our own.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I see,” Jhiranae said, though she didn’t fully understand.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “It’s a lot to take in at once,” Selu told her sympathetically. “I will teach you what I can, if you are willing to learn.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I am, but it is very. . . foreign to me,” Jhiranae answered doubtfully. “I’ve studied the legends of the Jedi for many years, but experiencing them firsthand is quite different.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Selu nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Close your eyes,” he said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Jhiranae did as she was told.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Now, try to empty your mind of distractions,” Selu instructed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Jhiranae was silent, trying rather unsuccessfully to think of nothing. Given all of the various responsibilities and concerns she was carrying, that proved futile.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “It’s not working,” she replied after several minutes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Let’s try something else,” Selu suggested mildly. “Just focus on controlling your breathing. Take a deep breath, hold it for ten seconds, then slowly exhale. Try to perceive each part of your body as you do so—with your eyes closed.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “All right,” Jhiranae said, shifting slightly as she tried to think about nothing but breathing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> For someone with such an active mind, that didn’t come easily, but she managed to steady herself. Selu allowed her to acclimate herself to the activity, for several minutes, then added one further instruction.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Now, try to think outside of yourself,” he told her. “Reach out and feel with your mind.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I’m trying,” Jhiranae said, trying to maintain her calm.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “What do you feel?” Selu asked softly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “I feel. . . the holocron,” she told him. “It feels warm. And. . . I can feel the tile it’s resting on. . . somewhat.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “What else?” Selu asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Jhiranae’s brow furrowed as she concentrated. As unbelievable as it sounded at first, she could feel things she wasn’t touching, couldn’t see, couldn’t hear. A crumbling wall. Tiny pieces of shingle rustling gently with the morning breeze. A small plant growing in a furrow of dirt in the crease where the wall met the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “So many things,” Jhiranae told him. “But I can only really focus on one or two at a time.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Good,” Selu replied neutrally. “As you achieve what the Jedi call a flow state, your senses will be heightened. You will be able to perceive more than just a single object at once—everything around you. A skilled Jedi can sense everything two hundred meters around her in the middle of furious combat.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Jhiranae’s eyes fluttered open as a thought struck her, breaking her concentration and snapping her out of the flow state.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “Then how did anyone ever manage to successfully attack the Jedi?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> Selu pursed his lips, a dour expression settling across his features.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in"> “There are many powerful evils in the galaxy,” he told her. “And the most insidious are those that have learned to hide themselves in the shadows.”

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