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Visions across time and space
Visions across time and space
Auro's Personal Quarters
Republic Vengeance, Flagship
Venator-class Star Destroyer
Auro set in the middle of his quarters on the floor with his legs crossed. His eyes closed, and breath so shallow and slow that one might mistake him for dead. He was very much alive, and very much in deep meditation. His mind clear and focused as sensed the movement of the Force around him. He could sense the struggles between the light and dark all around him. Some seemed light years away, while others were much closer to home. It was if there was a great tension between the two opposing sides of the Force and it was slowly growing.
Then without warning, a voice echoed through time and space. It was if a window in to the past had slowly opened for Auro to peer through.
“Agree, you do not cadet” the all too familiar voice of Master Yoda echoed in to Auro’s mind.
The vision came painfully slow in to focus as Auro continued to meditate. He could see a group of young Jedi cadets alongside of military cadets. They appeared to be in formation. A formation that Auro knew all too well. He had seen this before on Fray, where cadets line up in hopes of gaining a Master to further their training. The vision however lacked any color. Instead, the entire vision was cast within gray scale.
“No master,” a young female Miraluka cadet said. Her hair appeared the same style and color that Demaya wore. She couldn’t have been more than ten or eleven at the time. But Auro could easily make out the pride and self-confidence that Demaya was well known for. “I just think that the Jedi are more like any other weapon that has been created. We cannot create peace where there is war or conflict.” She spoke with confidence and her poster was near perfect. “The Jedi are formed as both law enforcement and a military arm of the Republic. This makes us impractical in the creation of peace. The Jedi can impose order, where this is none. We can enforce the peace and even bring an end to conflict. Master, as long as we are part of the military we can't create peace where there is none.”
A Kel Dor master stepped forward, “what role would you see the Jedi partaking in, cadet?” There was something in his voice that Auro found offensive. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but it was there.
The young cadet looked down as she went in to a deep thought. After a short moment, she looked up with confidence, “Master, our role would be that of, to deter conflict. When that fails, to crush the enemy and force them back negotiation table so that others can create peace.”
“So, you would strip the Jedi if their time-honored role of Keepers of the Peace. Those who bring peace where there is none” The Kel Dor master said harshly. He shifted his stance, “your words are foolish and dangerous cadet. You are unfit for advancement."
“Harsh on her, we should not be,” Yoda said. “Truthful observation she speaks of who the Jedi are today.” He paused for a moment then added with sadness in his voice, “No longer the Jedi of the old, we are.” He turned, “Maybe an unorthodox Master will come forward to train this unorthodox Cadet.”
“I will claim her as my Padawan Learner,” Master Urias Chun said stepping out from the gray shadows of the vision.
While time for the cadets passed normally, however for Auro he could feel that time moved by as if he was watching the scene in fast forward. Other cadets were asked questions and given a moment to shine before the potential Masters. Auro could sense the animosity from that Kel Dor Master throughout the remaining ceremony.
Time seemed to slip back in to normal scale as it showed that same young girl standing alone while her new master was speaking with Master Yoda and that Kel Dor Master. It was clear that her confidence seemed to have been shaken a bit. Her nervousness and fear was clear on her face as she reached behind her head and pulled her hood up over hear head. Within her robes, she sought to hide from prying eyes, yet Auro could see her perfectly well.
He could sense her fears. She knew that Kel Dor Master well. All her life with the Jedi, he had been there pushing her down. Criticizing her, making a mockery of what she believed in. At one point, she had looked up to the well-known Jedi Master, who was now the second most powerful Jedi in the order. Today she feared what he might be telling her new Master about her.
From behind her, a young military cadet walked up. Even in the gray scale vision, his uniform appeared to stand out. “Don’t mind them,” he said with a friendly voice that seemed to have caught her by surprise. She turned around as he continued, “I agree with what you said about the Jedi. We can't ignore who they are, less we fail to realize their potential to enforce the peace.”
She smiled and nodded, “Thank you for your words. I am Kali Demaya, but my friends just call me Demaya.”
The young man smiled and held out his hand for her to shake, “I am cadet Tarkin, but you can call me Wilhuff.” He looked over at Master Chun. “If you are anything like what you showed here today, you will surely make your master proud.”
She smiled and blushed at the words... The image slowly faded to darkness.
As time and space shift around Auro's consciousness, he chose not to fight the currents of the Force. Instead he allowed them to take him to where the Force willed him to be. A sound started to fill Auro’s ears. That of joyous singing and firing crackling. The fog that had obscured the first part of the vision slowly started to retreat revealing a snow-covered world with two moons. The vision was still in the same gray scale as the first one was in. But clearly this was a different world.
A group of Republic soldiers huddled around a barrel with fire coming out of it. Beyond them were other barrels and other Republic soldiers. Despite the cold wind, the soldiers were not allowing their spirits to be dampened. They lifted their metal cups and raised their voices in song.
As Auro drifted over the large group, his vision became centered on young Padawan dressed in appropriate Padawan robes. Auro knew that this was Demaya as she raised her metal cup singing along, with the rest of her soldiers “we remember the fields, where our tanks held the line. We remember our brothers in arm......”
On her shoulder, she proudly wore the patch of the elite 10th Division. A unit that Auro knew all too well. A member of Master Chun’s larger 501st Army of the Republic. The 10th Division had been led by Master Falynn Drease until her forced retirement from the Order after Master Chun’s expulsion. Now the 501st was leaderless, with rumors of Auro possibly taking over from Master Chun.
As the vision slowly came in to focus Auro could see a unit, the 2nd Battalion, after a long hard fought battle. Nearly every soldier, including Demaya, had a bandage or more on them from wounds they had received. This told Auro the nature of the battle the unit just won. Their song interrupted by the arrival of numerous Republic Gunships landing.
A new group of soldiers led by a Kel Dor Jedi. It didn’t take Auro long to realized that this Jedi was the same Jedi Master who called Demaya unfit. There was clearly surprise on the faces of the new arrivals as the Jedi Master walked up to Demaya. “Reports of your unit's imminent destruction appear to have been highly exaggerated,” the Kel Dor master said. There was considerable disregard in his voice towards her.
Demaya smiled, “No, Master” she said as she offered her own metal cup of steaming liquid. “At the time the report was issued by Knight Bree, that was the case.”
He looked around, “where is Knight Bree, Padawan” he asked than added, “I would rather the report be giving by the led Jedi. Not by Master Chun's latest pet project.”
She frowned at the statement but it was one of her own Republic Officers who spoke up. “With all due respect, Master Jedi, Knight Bree perished shortly after she sent her urgent message for help. For the next ten hours, we fought a losing battle. If not for Padawan Demaya, we would all be dead.”
“And yet, you are not,” the Kel Dor master said. “How is it that your unit, not only survived an overwhelming battle, but appeared to turn victory out of certain defeat.”
Padawan Demaya allowed pride to fill her sense of being as she spoke. “I presented to them what they expect me to be. After our situation became hopeless, I sent a message informing them of who I was and requested terms for surrender. They expected a weak willed Padawan, so a played my part while elements of my unit moved in to position. When I was brought before their leadership to hear their terms for our surrender, I unleashed our counter attack.”
The Republic officer that had defended Demaya spoke up again, “while she cut down their leaders, we broke their lines and will to continue the conflict. The battle ended only a short while ago. Those that survived, either surrendered to us, or fled north.”
The Kel Dor spoke with a disappointing voice, “you deceived them and used their trust to lure them in to a trap. You have saved your unit, and in exchange cause the future Jedi on this world the trust of the people of this world. Your actions were not in line with the philosophy of the Jedi. Instead of building trust on this world to secure peace, you have ensured there will be none in years to come. Congratulations Padawan, you won the battle, yet lost the war.”
Padawan Demaya looked down with disappointment as the Kel Dor turned and walked away. As the situation settled down, a lone Republic Officer walked up. Auro could tell that this officer was Wilhuff Tarkin.
The Tarkin smiled to her, “did you really trick their leadership in to a meeting, only to slaughter them.” She half smiled as she looked up and nodded. He looked around to make sure no one was looking. Once he was sure there was a window of secrecy he leaned in and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. As he pulled away she reached up and touched the side of her face with surprise on her face. Her face grew red with blush as was caught speechless for that moment.
He nodded as he added, “you were brilliant!” he said with pride in his voice. “I wanted you to know that I submitted my transfer to the 10th Division.”
Once more the vision faded to grayish clouds. Just like before, Auro could feel his mind riding the waves of time and space. Letting go, he felt the currents of the Force guiding him through this tapestry of Demaya’s life. He was uncertain as to why this was important but trusted in the Force. Within moments, Auro heard voices reaching out to him from deep within the grayish clouds.
“You disobeyed the direct orders of your Masters, Padawan.” Auro knew that voice all too well. It was the Kel Dor who had taken special interest and criticism of Demaya. “You disobeyed the direct orders of this Council. You turned a delicate diplomatic situation in to a slugfest that still rages to this very day. Throughout my life, I have never seen a Padawan so completing unfit to serve. What do you have to say for yourself!”
The image came in to clarity as Auro saw the Grand Council chamber around himself. In the center of the room, Demaya stood alone. Near the back of the room, Master Chun and Drease stood silently as the full Jedi Grand Council gathered in judgement of Demaya. For her own credit, Demaya stood confidently and defiantly.
“Masters,” she said speaking to all the Masters on the Council. “I accept the consequences of my actions. I know that I disobeyed those above me. I ask for your mercy and let your punishment end with me. My men followed my orders. I could not sit by and allow Commander Tarkin's unit to be overran. Four hundred brave Republic soldiers and their civilian charges were in immediate danger,” she tried to make a case for herself.
“Your actions were foolish,” the Kel Dor Master charged.
“Someone had to decide a course of action,” Demaya protested.
“Tens of thousands are dead because of your brash ill-tempered actions,” he said cutting her off. “A world is now in conflict with its self. The honor of the Jedi has been tarnished and the people’s faith in the Jedi has been placed in doubt,” the Kel Dor Master in a deep yet stern voice.
“Master,” Demaya cried as she tried to defend her actions.
“Enough!” the Kel Dor said in a booming voice as he rose from his chair. With Coruscant as a backdrop he moved from his chair and towered over her. His form was imposing as he stood before the entire Jedi Council. With Padawan Demaya standing alone before him. He raised his hand towards her. “Padawan Kali Demaya, this has been long in coming for you. Your views and actions are not in line with the Jedi Order,” his voice boomed throughout the large chamber. “For this reason, we have chosen to cast you from the order!”
Master Chun open his mouth to speak but was cut off by Master Yoda, “Confidence, the Jedi hold dear. Confidence of the people. Confidence of its Masters. Many views, held by many different kind of Jedi,” he nodded as he spoke. “Important, are these things to more than just the Jedi," he said. He then he held up a finger, “important are traditions to the Jedi as well.”
As Master Yoda slipped from his chair, the great Kel Dor Master stepped back and took his seat. “Placing faith in the Force, is one such tradition that all Jedi hold dear. As this Padawan did on Suline Three.” Master Yoda walked with help from his cane till he stood next to Demaya. “Faith in this Padawan, I still have,” he said turning his head up towards her. “Another tradition I will remind the council. A request the council must grant, for a departing member of the council.”
He turned to face them, “over the horizon,” he said waving his towards the direction of the Senate building. "Coming the storm, which I have sensed. Warn you, I have tried. Blind to the signs, you have become,” he said looking down while leaning on his cane. “Help no more, I can provide,” he said with profound sadness in his voice. “Walk this chosen path, the Jedi must. Clouded is the future of many of you,” he said then looked up to Demaya. “As is, this Padawan’s”
He drew in a deep breath and slowly exhaled. For years he had fought to bring the Jedi back from brink of destruction. It had now become a realization to him, that the corruption was too far spread and ran too deep to save the Order that he loved. Master Yoda felt that there was no way for him to halting the coming storm. “Leave the council and the Jedi, I must. Spare this Padawan, I ask of you.”
He turned to face Padawan Demaya, “Forget your family within the Jedi, you should not. No matter the darkness you face. Trust in the Will of the Force.”
Auro sensed the foot print in history slowly slipping from focus once more. The clouds of gray slowly clouded his vision of the moment in the past. As Auro slipped through time and space once more, he felt the Will of the Force guiding him once more. Within the currents of the Force, Auro's mind traveled once more.
He slowly started to hear music filling his ears. Within the sounds of music, Auro could hear something else. It took a moment for Auro to realize the sound was that of two lovers. The clouds slowly gave way to a darken room. Auro heard the sounds of passion and lust as he saw Demaya and Wilhuff locked in a lovers’ embrace. The couple were laying in a bed covered by their own lust and desires. Their bodies were woven as the floor was lined with articles of clothing and uniforms. Demaya’s lightsaber laid on the floor still hooked to her belt.
Slowly, Wilhuff raised himself up from her. He looked down in to her eyeless face, “I love you Kali.” There was love in his voice but a hint of sadness echoed as well. “If only you were human, I could take you back to Eriadu to meet my family.”
Demaya smiled as she reached up and touched the side of his face, “when you get back from Fedoth, I will have a special surprise for you.” There was a frisky look in her eyes as she moved her hand around his hand till it stopped at the base of his neck, “now kiss me, Wil” she said playfully pulling him towards her waiting lips.
The vision once more became clouded with rolling thick waves of gray mist. The mist grew thicker and thicker until nothing was visible. Once more, Auro rode the waves of time and space as sounds of machinery filled his ears. While the sounds seemed familiar, it wasn’t until the thick clouds of gray gave way that he realized that he was standing in the mists of a large hanger bay. The bay was clearly that of a Venator class cruiser.
Before him, Auro saw a Republic shuttle landing in the hanger of this mighty warship. As the shuttle turned to land, Auro saw the word, ‘Retaliation – 5’ on the side of the shuttle. As the engine’s powered down, the landing ramp slipped down. The back of the shuttle opened and a Republic Captain walked confidently out of the shuttle. His uniform was in prefect order and under his right arm he carried a leather case.
He walked up and held his hand out with a smile, “Greetings Master Jedi, I am Captain Tarkin,” he said pleasantly. “I have an urgent dispatch for Jedi Knight Demaya.”
The clouds once more filled Auro’s vision as he felt himself being shifted across time and space. The waves of the forces seemed more chaotic and turbulent then they were before. He could feel the swirling eddies of uncertainty passing close by his conciseness. Slowly, the sounds of a bridge started to pierce the clouds of grayness.
Under the sounds of the bridge, Auro heard whispers. “Is the Chancellor’s son still aboard” Tarkin said. Auro saw a hologram of Captain Tarkin being projected near a table. Tarkin was still dressed in his Republic uniform. There was a seriousness in his voice.
Demaya stood near the back of the bridge well out of ear shot of the rest of the bridge crew as she leaned over the table and spoke in a hushed whisper, “Auro is….”
Tarkin nodded, “order his arrest and help me take down the Chancellor!”
Demaya looked around with terror on her face, “Wil, you are asking me to betray all that I hold dear!” Her human eyes searched the bridge for any sign of those trying to listen to what was being discussed.
“I am asking you to preserve all that you hold dear,” Tarkin exclaimed. “The Chancellor has denied the Will of the Senate and is moving to secure power. We can stop her. I am sending you the coordinates and time of the ambush. Kali, we need the guns of the Vengeance if we are to be victorious. Our ships can’t take down the Victory alone.” He leaned closer to her as he reached out through the holonet towards her, “Kali, I am begging you. Help us rid the Republic of this usurper!”
Once more, the thick clouds of gray obscured Auro’s vision. His eyes were clouded but the sounds of the battle filled his ears. There were sounds of alarms that filled Auro’s ears. Within moments Auro could see once more, as the bridge of a Venator came in to view. Fires and smoke filled bridge as the crew desperately carried out their duties. Wounded were removed from the bridge as the battle continued.
“Sir!” an officer called out to Captain Tarkin, “The Repulse is reporting that the fires are out of control and they have to abandon ship.”
Captain Tarkin turn to his officer as the bridge of the Retaliation lit up in an orange glow, “Tell the Republic to keep firing!” He ordered as more lights from incoming fire lit up the bridge.
“The Victory’s shields are starting to buckle” another officer cried out.
“Captain, a ship is coming out of hyperspace” a voice called out. Captain Tarkin turned in the direction of the voice as it continued, “IT’S THE VENGEANCE!”
Captain Tarkin smiled as the excitement crossed his face, “Alright Kali, I told you we can count on her” he said with joy. He turned and rushed over to his command table, “Open a channel to the Vengeance!”
A Republic Officer turned as Captain Tarkin reached the table, “Sir, main communication is out. We can’t open channel.”
He scanned the holotable as the battlefield unfolded, “Fine, send to Vengeance Com” he said as he moved his hands over the battle. There were three Venator class Star Destroyers facing off against one Victory class Star Destroyer. One Venator was already out of action and the other two were badly damaged. The Victory was not fairing much better as the combined fire power was starting to take their toll on the pride of the Republic Fleet, the Victory.
“Tell Jedi Commander Demaya that we can win if we concentrate our fire on the Victory,” Captain Tarkin said then added, “inform the rest of the fleet to follow our lead!” He smiled, “Your regime is over Chancellor!”
The view of Auro’s vision changed to an outside view of the battle. Auro could see the crisis unfolding as the Vengeance slowly came in to view. It was if Auro was looking down the bow of the mighty ship. Auro could see the main guns of the Vengeance steadily coming to life as they swung in to firing position. Within seconds, the eight heavy turbo lasers opened fire directly ahead of the ship and past Auro’s perception.
As Auro’s vision came to a close, he heard his commlink chime. Auro reached over and picked up his commlink and activated it. He heard Duncan’s voice over the commlink, “Auro, I think you should be aware of something. A shuttle just arrived out of hyperspace. It’s from the Retaliation. Demaya received a personal message from the shuttle, then authorized the shuttle to land. She ignored standard protocol.”
Auro nodded, “Thank you Duncan, for the update" Auro said calmly as he felt the waves of the force subsiding.
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