48 Returning to War

I remained kneeling on the ground for quite some time after the storm subsided. Amidst the processing of my emotions, countless thoughts were rushing through my mind. Would I really be able to see my mother again?

None of it made any sense. I needed answers but didn't have even the slightest clue on where to start. My mother was dead, right? That's what my dad and I were told.

With what had just happened, I began to doubt this so-called fact. Thinking back, we weren't even told what happened. In addition, there was no press on any type of space accident. They just reported on the tragic loss of five astronauts due to unforeseen circumstances. Many speculated that the rocket was destroyed while others developed wild conspiracy theories. None of this added up.

However, I knew one thing. A mere padawan was not capable of finding these answers. I needed to move forward. She told me I needed to prepare, right? I may not know what I needed to prepare for but I would be ready. Surely a Jedi Master could handle whatever was coming, right?

*Crack*

My eyes shot to the source of the crack. Fortunately, it was not the ice beneath me breaking like last time. I would not have to experience plummeting to my death again. This crack… well, it made me smile.

Then, my mind shifted back to a notification I had received following that whole mess.

[Hidden Title Received]

[Revanchist]

[Although ornamental, this title indicates that a force sensitive individual belongs to a different echelon that has been lost for millenia barring a select few. These individuals fully realize the force in that there is no light or dark through treading and experiencing both sides. From these experiences, they understand that there is only the force. This title will remain hidden to all those except other holders of the title.]

-GE-

I could only sigh at what I was seeing in front of me. The entrance I used to get into these caves from the temple was completely frozen over. The ice was so thick that only a faint glow remained of the light on the other side.

With my right hand being occupied, I held up my left towards the curtain of ice. The quest wasn't labeled as failed. Thus, I could only think of one way to complete it.

Upon willing it, the force heeded my command.

*CRACK*

The entire wall of ice that blocked the entranceway shattered into large chunks, launching into the room beyond. I followed suit but at a slow and relaxed pace, heading through the majestic archway and towards the cloud of ice and snow that resulted from my actions.

*Bvvvvvvv*

Suddenly, a green blade sprange to life. "WHO'S THERE?"

I sighed. "Master, it's me."

The snowy dust cleared, revealing my master with his lightsaber unsheathed and activated. His expression was one of vigilance and concern. "What happened in there?"

His words were sharp and spoken with little emotion. He was clearly suspicious of me.

I shook my head. "The force fucked with my head. I'm fine now, though."

This only made Ven tighten the grip on his lightsaber, pulling his arms back as if he was ready to spring forwards. "I felt a dark presence that would put any Sith Lord to shame. Explain. Now."

My shoulders sank, not wanting to think back on what had just happened. I didn't want to avoid it. I just wasn't ready. I'm not some emotionless, battle hardened, cold husk of a man. I'm just an average guy that just finished college. I've never even been involved in any kind of violence in real life unless a 10 year old me wrestling with my dad counts.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the emotions that were starting to rear their heads. "I saw my mother."

Ven's posture loosened a bit as he furrowed his brows in confusion. After a few seconds, he sighed and deactivated his lightsaber, putting it away. "When did she pass?"

I clicked my tongue, tightening the grip of my right fist. "Seven years ago. I was fine until I became sensitive to the force. I have had visions of her lately. But… this time was different."

Ven shook his head and walked towards me. He placed his right hand on my left shoulder and looked me in the eyes. "Come. Let's go back to the shuttle. I always travel with a bottle of Corellian Whiskey for times like these."

I smiled slightly. "I'd enjoy that."

-GE-

"Thut fackin guvernmint woul… said nuthin."

A hand grabbed my shoulder. "Soryn, get some sleep."

-GE-

*Hmmmmmmmmmm*

Upon opening my eyes, I had to immediately shut them again. "Fuck, that's so bright."

The light sunk into my eyes through my eyelids, the result feeling like my entire brain was being singed. My head was throbbing as I rolled over and shielded my eyes from the light. "UGHHHH."

Someone tapped on my shoulder. "Here, have some water."

I nodded absentmindedly, reaching up and leaving my hand open. I felt a flask get placed into my hand so I grabbed it.

Keeping my eyes shielded, I sat up and started chugging water. Oh my lord, it was the best water I had ever tasted in my life. This must have been pulled from the fountain of youth itself. I was convinced of it as every gulp relieved my headache ever so slightly.

After getting down an obnoxious amount of water, I managed to open my eyes without feeling the effects of a flashbang. It appeared that I had fallen asleep on a bench next to a table. It was surprisingly comfortable.

Across the table from me was my master. He was eating cereal of all things and reading something on a datapad. "How are you feeling?"

I sighed. "What year is it?"

The stoic Jedi cracked a smile and chuckled. "Good one. If you can joke, then you'll be fine." He then picked up another tablet that was next to him and slid it across the table. "I recommend that you finish the design on your lightsaber hilt quickly. We will be back on Coruscant in 9 hours."

I tilted my head, after taking another sip of water. "What's the rush?"

Ven sighed, prodding at his cereal. "Our assistance is needed in the Kuat sector. The Empire is trying to carve a path to the Inner Rim. It seems you will need to learn how to pilot a fighter."

I nodded, picking up the datapad. "Very well. What of the materials I'll need to fabricate it?"

Ven nodded. "Just finish the design before we get back to Coruscant. The materials and components will be waiting for you on the cruiser we are set to rendezvous with."

I glanced at the tablet before thinking of something else. "I presume that there is also a machine shop?"

Ven nodded again. "Yes. You can make use of the maintenance bay."

I smiled through the fading headache. "Perfect. I'll get to work then."