The Backdrafts (Book 4)

[Akirapryde]

Turning the Page
Azgard Dreadnought Ka-riss-ah
In Route to the Outer Rim

It was the third time Visst took a crack at the scroll Lysire left from him. The scroll was an amazing piece of technology, there was no doubt about this. The more he read from it, the more it seemed to draw him in deeper in to the subjects to which he was seeking better understanding of. With Lysire's warning in the forethought of his mind, he knew to exercise extreme caution. Her warning had came at the price of her own mistake. 'It will show you exactly want you wish to know' her words echoed deep within his mind. With this safety in place he understood not to chase the side thoughts of his mind and to remain focused only on what he wish to learn about. The thought that this scroll could read him and would react to his thoughts worried him deeply. It was just one more reason why he had to hold this technology very close. He feared to imagine what could happen should it fall in to the wrong hands.

Reading through the scroll while checking over Lysire's notes of her own discoveries while she had it, showed that there was no doubt that she was a very intelligent woman. Her understanding of what the scroll offered and her desire to learn more was matched only by her lack of reasoning of if she should pursue this path. 'Oh Lysire, what did you get yourself in to' he thought as he read over her notes about the very ritual that she performed on herself. The curse she leveled against herself was clear in her own words written long after she had performed that ritual, 'What have I done to myself?! I am damned without any hope salvation!' The scroll had been in her possession for nearly a year before she found the Temple where she cursed herself. During that time, from what Visst could tell, she nearly obsessed over understanding all of what the scroll had to offer. She pushed everything else away as she drove deeper in the scroll only to find that there was no bottom to be found. One passage in her notes reflected this.

"It has been nearly ninety hours since we left Coruscant and I have spent all this time studying the scroll. Yet still I find my self no closer to understanding what is hidden between these words. Yes I read passage after passage, but there is just so much more between the words, between the lines. Hidden in plan sight yet forbidden. An other world of understanding calling out to me still I feel this warning beckoning me to stop. Its almost as if the scroll wants me to understand this world but at the same time hides the very understanding I need from me. It is frustrating to me. I have ten more hours, I will continue to study it. I have learned so much already. I know there is more. I can feel more hidden within the scroll. I must unlock its secrets!"

Lysire had been many things during her lifetime. However reading her notes reflected one truth about her, she was above all things a scholar to her core. She took remarkable notes on the scroll and her feelings as she read them. She left nothing out, not one detail or thought. It was if each thing that she experienced had somehow been changed as she continued to read the scroll. It was like she was recording how the scroll was changing the way she was starting to think and see the world around her. The entire scroll cover a range of topics, but it centered on existence, life and energies. At first Visst uncovered a great number of details regarding the Sword, how and why it was created, and how to destroy it. Yet, there was so much more. He read through Lysire's notes about how she had wanted to achieve a level of understanding equal to those of the 'First Ones'. How she had allowed herself become a vessel through which this understanding could flow. The ritual had indeed opened her up to a new level of understanding but also something so much more darker.

It was because of her darker tainting at the time, her plan failed. Her own words echoed in Visst's heart and soul, "intentions are the key Visst. Pure intentions can mask even the most darkest of acts hidden within the heart. Yes! I wanted understanding and knowledge. However, my heart craved power. I got ALL of what I asked for. We can not lie about who we are in our hearts. It is the core of what we are. Through this can pure energies flow and become corrupted."

She had received the understanding that she craved and the power she secretly desired. Another passage from her notes had sent a shiver up and down his spin, “never before had I felt such access to power. There is no dark or light side, just power. Pure power that I can twist and shape this reality in to what ever I desire it to be. But I must be careful. I journeyed beyond, and saw them. There they were, around us all this time. Yet we couldn't sense or see them. Well I can now. I can see them now. They however have no care in anything that has to do with us. They spend their time lost in their own ambitions of what ever they are seeking. I know my own powers have far exceeded those of any other force user. However, I know they are more powerful them me. I must learn their secret if I am to challenge them.”

Because of her cravings she had become a vessel of her own dark desires. There was something in the scroll that also bothered him. As he read more about the Sword and what created it, he came to a realization. The sword was created to be a vessel just like Lysire had become a vessel to something else. It was created and something was trapped within it. He couldn't help but pounder, 'if the sword is destroy will it release the energy within it or destroy it along with the sword.' Part of Lysire's notes talked about existence is life, life is energy, which means that existence is energy and energy can not be destroyed. It is what had happened to the First Ones. They had traded their existence here to reach a higher state of energy. There was much of Lysire's notes that he simply couldn't understand about this subject. He reread them over and over again, but they simply didn't make any sense to him.

When Lysire died, Visst could feel her life touching his. He paused on that thought and pulled out the small glowing crystal which she had created. He watched it slowly lift from the palm of his hand as it hovered just above his hand. Once more he could feel her life touching his just like those seconds before her death. However back then, he felt the darkness deeper down within her. It was cornered and locked away within her soul. He had also felt something more terrifying trying to rip its way in to this world through. When she died, he felt her life slipping away from his. The connection was something remarkable to him. So pure and filled with warmth, its loss almost brought a tear from his eye even now. In those short seconds he felt her on a level he never felt with anyone else. It was also one of the most saddest moments in his life when it ended abruptly. He felt the darkness of her heart washed away as death was upon her. Deep down he felt that something worse retreat from Lysire's body. She had it wrong, it wouldn't die with her. Her death only broke that connection which she had formed with it.

Visst reflected on that moment as he closed his eyes softly and meditated. He saw General Graf's twin lightsabers screaming their way down on him. He was out of tricks and out of moves. Yet he was not afraid of death. He welcomed the moment and embraced his fate. He remembered feeling the force about him. In that moment he was ripped away from the jaws of death. As he flew backwards, he saw Biggs replacing him in combat. His red flaming saber taking all that Graff could throw at him. Biggs had all passion, skill and strength a man needed to survive this kind of battle. And it was the passion that Visst was most worried about. During times of high stress it was emotions which fueled passion that lead Jedi to their falls from the lightside. Visst remember looking up from Lysire's feet as she laid her hand on his chest while she healed him. Her focus was clearly on the battle that her beloved was engaged in. Visst remember seeing her left hand reached out towards Biggs the whole time.

He had used the Force to sense the other force users just as the battle started. He knew that it was fading but in that moment he could see a strong flow of energy from Lysire in to Biggs. He knew that the Sith had such powers and had even read up on them before. But this was something completely different. In that moment while Biggs stood toe to toe with the massive General Graff, she was giving herself to Biggs. 'It makes sense as why she was caught unaware of Graf's attack on herself.' Visst thought silently as he continued to remember that afternoon. He knew that had to be the only way Biggs could have stood up to such a highly skilled warrior and not die. The question of how she was able to pass so much of herself and so much energy to Biggs, was something that puzzled Visst.

No sooner had Visst pondered the thought did the scroll react. Visst looked down and saw a section of the scroll which was regarding those conduits which Lysire had spoken about the morning she had died. However, now the explanation was right there before his eyes. He knew it wasn't there before. There was so much of it that he didn't understand but so much of it did make sense. It also explained much of what the force users on Origin had learned. There was a link between them and what this scroll was teaching. He just nodded to the scroll, "you are very dangerous aren't you” he said as he carefully looked over the section. Some of it seemed pretty easy to understand but most of it was much like Lysire's notes. It confused him and when he looked up her notes on it he was left with more confusion. 'There is something hidden within these passages that I am missing.' He couldn't help but think as he read over the passages. There were simply concepts that was beyond his understanding at the moment.

He carefully he rolled the scroll back up and used the leather cord to tie it closed. He returned the scroll back in his robes for safe keeping. He started to get up from his place in the Garden aboard Carissa however voices caused him to remain where he was. He moved silently over to see Daz walking in and greeting Biggs, who seemed to be waiting for Daz. It was clear that they had spoken before. He had talked to Daz before and knew that Biggs wanted to meet with Daz. He recalled telling Daz to trust the Force and do the right thing. The tone in Daz voice showed his level of irritation at the meeting. Biggs' tone was level and calm, there was also a sense of surreal to Biggs' demeanor. It was clear that Biggs had been meditating just moments before Daz walked up. Visst set back and watched silently as the events unfolded.

He heard clearly Biggs explaining to Daz the events of his parents death. There was pain and remorse in Biggs' voice and a stand off attitude from Daz. Visst couldn't blame Daz, he was facing the man who murdered his father. Still this would stand to be a good test for Daz and something that Visst wanted to see within Biggs as well. Biggs spared enough details to be respectful of the dead but more then enough to show Daz the situation. Daz argued the fact that in how Biggs described the Daz who gave the order to murder the two Kel Dors. He stopped Biggs a number of times to make this correction. Biggs remained calm and never showed any signs of a change in his demeanor.

It was clear that Biggs had trouble even now in telling the two apart. Biggs explained how the murders were designed by the clone to limit disobedience by the other Kel Dor prisoners they were escorting. He explained how they didn't know at the time who the pair were and how this was Lysire's first taking of a life. The level of remorse grew as he relived the events just as Visst knew they had happened. Biggs was truthful in ever detail even the hate in his heart at the time over the event. Visst could tell that Daz didn't believe Biggs or the story which he was being shown. When Daz asked why they didn't simply refuse to follow the order, Biggs explained how the soldiers who were loyal to Daz would have killed them both. Daz seemed to have dismissed the claim and corrected Biggs once more that it wasn't him.

What happened next surprised Visst. He could feel the pain from Biggs as he attempted to reach out to Daz in some attempt to make amends. However, Daz went on the attack by asking questions about some girl that Biggs had supposedly murdered also. Biggs was fast to recover under the assaulting questions and faced with an attack changed his demeanor to a more defensive one. He outwardly refused to share any information about the girl claiming it was none of Daz's business. Visst could tell be the tones that this was going to get out of hand fast as they argued over the fate of this girl. Biggs questioned Daz about the girls name, past or any detail that would give him the right to ask any questions. Daz continued to poke at Biggs' past over and over. It was clear that this had fallen apart. Visst almost got up to interrupt the argument when Biggs busted out in laughter, saying, "I can say this. The girl you speak of is alive and well. She is certainly not beheaded."

It was if something in Biggs snapped and he was able to return back to that state of calm in his heart and mind which he started with. "Beyond that Daz, I cannot nor will not share."

This seemed to set Daz completely off. The emotion ran high as Biggs continued to listen to Daz's questions about his parents' death, the events of Thais, and a number of other issues. Daz then asked about another Jedi. Visst was unaware of the name but took mental note of it. Daz demanded information about this Jedi. Biggs had now completely regained his control and sense of calm. The answer seemed to only drive Daz further, "I am not going to apologize for that." It was something that Daz took personal offense to and this Jedi was someone of clear importance to Daz.

Daz seemed more disgusted then anything else. On that note he stormed out of the garden. Visst watched Biggs drop his head in defeat. He was surprised that Biggs held up a strong front against the relentless attacks but once Daz left the cloak fell away and Visst could see another side of Biggs. The look on his face of failure. He knew what a painful task this was for Biggs. He didn't handle it as well as Visst had hoped, but Biggs did attempt to handle it. It showed something to Visst. Both had shown something about their hearts and about their intentions. Visst smiled as he thought, 'now I am starting to think like her.'

Visst got up and calmly walked over to Biggs. Visst knew, thanks to the Teacher, each and every being that Biggs had killed or captured for the death camps. Biggs as well as other Hunter Squads had been given orders to hunt down "dangerous Jedi" and bring them in. For the past few weeks, Visst had a special view of Biggs past in terms of lives Biggs was responsible for ending. Visst couldn't recall this Jedi as being one the he had knowledge of Biggs killing. However the name did have some kind of meaning to Biggs. It was clear that he knew something and was not speaking on it.

Biggs looked up at Visst's approach. "Master Visst?" He said with surprise. Visst didn't say anything as he set across from Biggs. Biggs nodded and continued, "I don't know what I was expecting. I knew he would be angry and I am sure you heard. But I felt I owned him that. To tell him the truth of what happened that day."

"What you did, you did for yourself. You lifted a burden off your heart and accepted what you had done." Visst explained after taking some time to consider the words. Visst knew Biggs and his remarkable ability to lie all too well. However Visst could sense something deeper in Biggs. Pain, unbelievable pain was buried within the young man's heart. Biggs was lying about this pain. However it was the worse kind of lie. It was the lie to one's self. He knew that Lysire's loss had hurt the man greatly and now that suffering has been revealed.

Biggs listened carefully to what Visst said. "I have been thinking, Master Visst. All my life, being a Jedi Master was what I always wanted. The fame and glory that came with leading a Hunter Squad. I know now, that this is foolish. I don't think I deserve a place in the Order anymore because of what I had done. This was one reason why we didn't return" Biggs explained then paused as he thought of what he wanted to say. “The Teacher had explained to us, that serving the Force is not the same as being apart of something like the Order. The Order is not the Force, and one can not be loyal to both. I understand this now.” Visst could feel the young man's heart and knew that there were truth in what was being said. He was not holding anything back.

"I know you are right, that I have to face justice for my crimes. However, if I sit in some cell or secret place then I am a sitting target for your enemies and those who want me dead. I know the council has this ability, so I have a compromise. I asked to make a plea, I offer my blades" he said pulling his own and Lysire's lightsabers from his belt and placing them before Visst, "in your service. I will follow loyally till such a time that the council wishes to hand me over for trial."

Biggs seemed to think a bit longer, "should I die in service then at least my life was given for something better then what I am today. The past years I have wasted my talents and skills. I acted foolishly selfishly and horrifically. I know I will be facing life in prison or worse, I may be put to death for my crimes.” There was a grim acceptance in those last few words. Unlike Lysire's own words regarding her death, his words are fueled by that deep sense of remorse and loss. Combined, Visst could feel, have over powered the young man's will to defend his actions. “I accept this and will offer no defense during my trial. All I ask Master is to let me at least make just a bit more good out of my life before it comes to an end." Biggs finished as he lowered his head in respect.

Visst thought carefully about his next words while taking in everything that was said and done. Biggs had become the poster child for all that was evil from the Jedi Civil War. There was no doubt in Visst's mind that he had to answer for what was done. However, he was not in a position to hand Biggs over for trial while Quee was still in power. There were so many different ways to look at this choice. Leaning back some, Visst reached out with his mind and could feel Biggs. Sometime in the future, Visst could sense his own judgment coming to being. Biggs would stand or fall through his own actions. Visst opened his eyes slowly, “The choice will be yours. If this is what you wish, then I shall accept your blades with ours.”

Biggs nodded, “This is what I know I must do. Everything I can feel tells me this is the right thing to do.” Biggs started to get up with happiness in his eyes, but Visst could still sense the sense of loss in his heart. “Thank you Ma......”

Visst interrupted, “Sit, we are not finished” Visst said calmly and with a soft motion of his hand. “Lysire gave something to me for you. We need to talk about her, the pain in your heart and her parting gift to you.”