Chapter 32
A pair of guards salute as Y’sanne steps onto the Bridge. Timidly, she smiles and nods to the pair before walking over to Rend several meetings away. She salutes briskly and clears her throat, “General, I was hoping to find Commander Sun. Do you know where she is?” Rend looks up from the console he was reviewing and offers a light smile, “I believe she is in the training room at the moment. She will likely be there for a while. She has increased her physical training regiment drastically.” Y’sanne salutes again and adds quickly, “Thank you, General” and turns sharply to leave. However, she stops abruptly as Rend addresses her, “Thank you and well done, Y’sanne. I sense you do not understand the importance of your role in the last battle but you saved everyone aboard this vessel.” Embarrassed and somewhat confused, she nods while facing away before stating quietly, “Tha…thank you, General.” She strides briskly from the Bridge, making her way towards the training room.
Y’sanne arrives at the large training room a couple minutes after departing the Bridge and keys the door open. As it slides open, it reveals Sun clad in a skintight black training outfit with her hair pulled back in a short ponytail. She is in the center of the large room, her right palm flat against the metal floor supporting the whole of her body weight above. Her arm is perpendicular to the floor as is her torso with her right leg angled forward and the left angled backwards to balance the position. The arrival of Y’sanne triggers her to bring her legs down to gather herself before standing up straight. With somewhat labored breathing she addresses the slightly younger woman, “Ah, Y’sanne. Good to see you. Did you need something?” Sun’s deep green eyes appraise while she awaits an answer while bending over to stretch. The Lieutenant-Commander stands straight as she responds, “Yes ma’am. I wished to discuss details of the Hyper…” Her words trail off as Sun reaches out a hand, summoning the lightsaber hilt that lay on a bench just to the side of Y’sanne. Upon contacting her palm, the green blade ignites and the Padawan squats into a deep stance with the saber held in a reverse grip in her right hand. Mesmerized by the blade, Y’sanne forgets what she was saying as she looks intently upon the weapon. Recognizing the curiosity she so often exhibited, Sun smiles and begins to move through the stances of From V as she queries, “What did you wish to discuss about the Hyperdrive?”
Sun continues through the stances with Y’sanne watching on for nearly a minute before the Lieutenant-Commander gathered her thoughts, “I believe it is possible to significantly improve the Shadow Redeemer’s hyperdrive efficiency if we acquire the correct core module. But I wanted to gather your opinion on the data first.” Sun makes a wide sweeping slash to the left with the reversed saber before thrusting the point forward. She pulls the saber back to a ready stance, having the blade angled behind her back and says “I do not know that I could add much.” A frown indicates how Y’sanne feels about the response, also showing her continued lack of self confidence. Sun finishes the motions over the next minute and straightens, extinguishing the weapon. Gently, she beckons to Y’sanne who complies with a puzzled expression. As she approaches, Sun extends her hand holding the saber hilt. After hesitating, Sun re-assures the engineer by gesturing with the saber and Y’sanne takes it. Curiosity takes over as she grabs the weapon and she begins to turn it over in her hand, examining it. With wonder in her voice, she exclaims “This is a beautiful weapon.” Sun nods slowly several times before adding, “This is rudimentary compared to the Grandmaster’s sabers. They possess a level of detail and craftsmanship that I have never seen in any capacity. Should you find the opportunity, you should ask to examine them. I know of few who would appreciate their craftsmanship.” Y’sanne continues to examine the weapon before setting it back in Sun’s palm gently, adding quietly, “I do not think Admiral Dulcinae would see fit to let me handle such precious weapons.” While placing the weapon on her hip, Sun responds, “You remind me of myself not so long ago. Understand this, Y’sanne. Our leader does not make decisions without reason nor does she pity any person, friend or enemy. If you did not possess the ability that you do, you would not be in the position you are.”
Several corridors away, a nervous General knocks on a metallic door three times then takes a step back waiting for a response. A moment later, the Admiral’s voice is heard granting access to her quarters. After the door slides open, Rend steps over the threshold and bows, “Grandmaster, I apologize for coming unannounced. If you have the time, may I speak with you for a few minutes?” The silver haired woman looks up from the datapad she had been reviewing while seated at a small table and nods, “Of course, Rend. Have a seat and tell me what is on your mind.” After straightening, Rend moves to the open seat opposite of Anhiel and sits, folding his hands on the tabletop, exhaling deeply. “Ma’am, you have placed great responsibility on me, particularly in the last mission and I am grateful. However, I feel that I have failed to meet your expectations and I am at a loss of how to overcome these limitations.” His master sets down the datapad and lifts her fierce eyes to meet his own. While still commanding, her voice has a faint softness to it as she speaks, “While I have always been hard on you as your Master, you have been harder on yourself. But I understand your frustration as I went through the same struggle early in my training.” Quickly, to both of their surprise, Rend asks “How did you overcome this, Master?”
Anhiel leans back in her seat, folding her arms across her abdomen as she looks upwards slightly. Exhaling, she finally responds “It took me many years to do so. The catalyst for my growth was loss so great that I hope you never have to experience it.” She turns her eyes back, locking with Rend’s dark brown irises, “There is a temple here on Zonama where I spent much of my time. It showed me much that I was unable or unwilling to see before. But I cannot guarantee that you will have the same or even a similar experience.” Determination is clear in the Knight’s eyes as he gazes back at his master, unwavering. The same determination carries through his voice, “Show me the location of this temple, Grandmaster. I wish to follow in your footsteps and live up to your expectations.” Solemnly, Anhiel nods, making several keystrokes on her datapad, transferring the data to Rend before adding, “May the Force be with you, Rend.” Rend bows low, adding gently “Thank you, Grandmaster.” before turning sharply and exiting the woman’s quarters. After the door closes behind him, Anhiel exhales deeply and rises from her seat then heads towards the door as well.
Several minutes pass as the Admiral weaves her way through several corridors, coming to a stop by a closed door. She knocks twice before folding her hands behind her back under the cape as she waits for a response. The door slides open revealing Thea in a black skintight training uniform which overly accentuated her large chest. Those details do not go unnoticed by Anhiel nor does she attempt to hide the length with which her eyes linger on the other woman’s form. Her facial expression remains neutral though, giving the false impression she did not approve of the outfit before finally lifting her eyes to Thea’s face who tilts her head to the left slightly before asking, “Did you need me for something?” Anhiel nods ever so slightly, “I wish to discuss your future with us if you have the time.”
Thea clears her throat gently, stepping to the side awkwardly, “I am available.” As Anhiel enters the room, Thea moves to the bed on the edge of the room and picks up a loose fitting cloak made of brown material and wraps up in it, adding as she sits on the bed “I apologize for the outfit. I did not bring much with me and the appren…” She pauses, catching herself “Padawan Veranda, I believe?” Anhiel leans back in her seat, folding her hands in her lap and crossing her right leg over the left, her eyes scanning the room as she responds “Padawan Veruna.” Thea nods, “My apologies, Padawan Veruna gave me this in the meantime.” Anhiel’s eyes fall back to the other woman and she addresses her flatly, “I am not concerned about your attire. I would rather discuss your previous training and how you came to reside on that planet, alone.”
Thea tightens the robe around her as memories begin to arise within her mind. The Grandmaster’s cool eyes rest on the other woman, waiting patiently for her to speak. Many moments pass before Thea speaks with a soft voice, “Those are times I would rather not think about.” Anhiel’s continued stare spurred her on, “I was taken along with so many other younglings. We arrived at Korriban and were split up. I was forced to study Sith Alchemy, particularly focused on enhancing armor. But I was never quite good at that discipline…” Thea rubs her forearm as the sentence finishes, grimacing. “After a little more than a decade I was able to escape, the whole time buying as much time as I could. My ship crashed on that planet. I never had much skill with flying and plotted the hyperspace jump incorrectly. I was stranded. But during the years I spent there I found a way to apply the techniques I struggled with to a medium that I interfaced with more easily.” Anhiel listened quietly to the recitation, tilting her head slightly to the left “You were slated to be a healer when still with the Order, correct?” Astonished, Thea’s head lifts up quickly, “How do you know that?” Flatly, Anhiel states, “I am a Grandmaster. Although not on the best of terms with the main order, I still have access to their library and records. Do you think I would not learn all that I could about a stranger I allowed to accompany us?” Thea’s expression betrays her feelings on the question, showing an offended attitude to which the Grandmaster addresses in a knowing tone “You are here because I allow it, Miss Tragonus. While the Force may have brought us together, I do not trust you as of yet. All those present have shown their loyalty and their worth, as must you.”
A hint of nervousness comes through in Thea’s response despite her attempt at a proud response, “I…I do not wish to be a healer.” Silence hangs in the air as the women lock eyes but Thea is the first to look away, adding shortly “I can help in the mess. The food on this ship should be illegal.” With a small smile, Anhiel nods, “I have no intention of making you serve a role you do not wish to fill. I welcome your assistance with feeding the troops. They deserve better than we are often able to provide.” She pauses, keeping her eyes on Thea as her expression hardens and her usual command returns to her voice, “But you will begin training in the ways of the true Force under me. Otherwise, your potential will go to waste.” Defiance mixed with fear fills Thea’s eyes as she moves to respond but Anhiel rises quickly, interrupting “I warned you, Miss Tragonus. Joining me would set you on a path more difficult than anything you have experienced. But I also promise that at the end of your journey you will possess power you have never known.” A moment's pause cuts through the atmosphere before Anhiel adds solemnly, “And a home like you have never known.”
Several hours later, planetside, a hooded figure steps into the doorway of a large and ancient temple as a transport lifts from the ground and streaks into the sky. A musky, damp smell fills his airway as he makes his way into the center of the first room. Sekot speaks loudly as the young man looks over the stoney walls covered with moss, “Young Knight Vega, why do you seek solitude in this place?” Rend removes his hood and combs his hair nervously before responding, “I wish to understand my true self, as my master did when she was here before.” Sekot’s voice booms in response, “At the center of this temple you will find what you seek, if you possess the strength to go beyond your perceived limits. But tread carefully, young Jedi. Even your master was nearly defeated by what she faced.” Swallowing deeply, Rend nods and begins to move deeper into the temple. After navigating a few dark corridors he slowly steps to the center of a large room where the patterns of the floor tiles converge and sinks to his knees. The Jedi closes his eyes and slows his breathing as he sinks into meditation.
Rend’s mind begins to race and no matter how he tries to control it, thoughts of failure creep to the forefront of his mind. Each image flashes rapidly before his mind's eye until scenes from his first training session come into focus.
“Again! Pick up your staff and defend yourself, Rend.” His master’s gaze is heavy on the young boy and he picks his staff up, rising slowly to his feet. He holds the staff before him and is immediately disarmed and slammed to the floor once more. Anhiel growls in an irritated manner, “Why do you hesitate?” Gasping for air, Rend responds from his back, “I…am trying…Master.” Unimpressed, Anhiel states cooly, “I have felt your presence and measured your potential and you have not come close to what you are capable of. Release yourself and let the force flow.” The young Padawan picks himself up once more, trembling with anxiety and self doubt.
In an instant the next scene is snapped into place. The air is thickening and darkening throughout the room, filling the entire space except for the immediate area where Rend is kneeling.
A brown haired boy is seen moving through the piles of slain warriors. Saber marks are placed upon the bodies with surgical precision with limbs and heads strewn about. He fidgets with his hands as he steps over and around them, careful not to look in their faces as he makes his way to his master. Anhiel addresses the young padawan with a slightly aggravated tone. “Padawan, you disappoint me when you continue to hold yourself back. Your continued reluctance forced me to interfere in a simple mission that you should have been able to handle without issue.” The woman’s white ponytail whips around as she turns and strides away.
Whipping from one memory to the next Rend begins to grimace, almost disgusted at what he was reliving. The air has become so dense that one could barely see through it and its moisture content has risen to the point that everything in the room appears to have been rained upon.
A slightly older boy slams his hand down on the table in front of him. “Why doesn't it work?!” he yells in frustration. Parts are scattered all over the floor and table from the violent slap of his hand. At the center of the table is a large golden crystal. He continues to yell, “I did exactly as the text described. I don’t understand!” He slumps back into his seat and covers his face with his hands. Trembling profusely, several tears fall to his lap when the door to the room hisses open. Heavy armored footsteps reverberate through the air and without looking, Rend can sense the weight of familiar blue eyes upon him. The memory reveals an unknown detail. As the boy in the memory cowered under his hands, the man in the present could see the pain on his master’s face.
The young Jedi’s forehead is scrunched up enough that the sweat that is running from his brow is getting trapped in the wrinkles, waiting for the next droplet to release it from its prison. The atmosphere of the room has developed an electric feel to it as it continues to grow more dense. Many more memories of his most prominent failures continue to flash through his mind, eventually landing in more recent times.
Rend is standing on the bridge of the Shadow Redeemer in new amber and gold armor as an intense space battle is raging in front of him. He sees the ships under his command being pummeled by turbolaser fire originating from the many silver ships they are engaging. Several ships are lost already, not including those that arrived earlier as a diversion. Blinded by the heat of the battle, he continues to press forward in an attempt to break through the line to the dwindling group of Republic ships on the other side.
Only as a bystander to his own memory does he see the exit that presented itself. In the large tactical display he can see an open lane and the movements of the enemy beginning to close in on them. Wincing from the pain of his mistake that cost so many lives, he squints trying to stop the vision.
The door to the bridge slides open. An exhausted Anhiel speaks with great effort, giving the command to retreat that was needed so many moments before.
Small sparks are jumping, attempting to make vital connections through the dense atmosphere of the temple air. Rend is now slumped completely over. His head is matted to the drenched temple floor. Bent over in agony, he continues to see flashes in his mind as he weeps from the flood of emotions he is experiencing. In an instant, the young Jedi Knight hears something on the air whispering to him.
“If I only possessed a fraction of her confidence….”
“Then you would be an unstoppable force.”
The words ring through his mind repeatedly as he strains against the ground, making a long noise between a scream and a growl. Over a minute passes until Rend’s eyes snap open and he rests his head on the floor for a moment, no longer trembling or fidgeting. Slowly he stands from his kneeling position with his chin pressed into his chest. His head rises, exposing his eyes which now brandish streaks of yellow. His presence is now fully expanded and the Force flows freely through him. The small sparks in the air of the room become fully mature lighting bolts arcing from his being. They burn his robes and some even burn his skin, a result of only having partial control on the power flowing through him. The color is a mixture of deep blue/purple and green. Fully focused, Rend speaks aloud, “Master, forgive me. I now see what you have been trying to show me.” The lightning intensifies, causing Rend to shriek in pain as many more bolts burn through his clothing and leaves erratic burn lines across his body. A familiar voice cuts through the overbearing sound, yet it is softer than he had ever heard his master speak before. Aboard the Shadow Redeemer in orbit, Anhiel kneels in meditation within her meditation chamber witnessing Rend’s ordeal with the aid of Sekot. She speaks softly again and Rend is able to understand her words, “Peace, Rend. This is not a reflection of your failures. It is a reflection of mine for you have only ever lacked one thing… confidence. Forgive me for failing to show you that.” The lightning storm slowly ceases and Rend breathes heavily, he stumbles forward towards the wall as he processes Anhiel’s words.
Sun has been waiting outside the overgrown temple entrance for several hours when her Master steps out from the shadow of the doorway. A noticeable difference in his demeanor is immediately recognized by his Padawan, as are the many scorched holes on his robes and his slow movements. “Master, are you alright? You seem different. What happened in there?” She moves to support Rend and starts to pull out her communicator before Rend could begin to formulate any answers, “I'm calling for a transport.” Exhausted, Rend does not argue and responds breathily, “Thank you…Padawan. Please tell….our Grandmaster I would like….to see her, if possible.” Sun nods, concern on her face and keys on her communicator, “Send a medical transport to my location immediately. Inform the Admiral that General Rend is non-critically injured and requests her presence at her earliest convenience.” The soldier on the other end acknowledges the orders and sets to his tasks. Sun guides her master to the large steps and helps him to a seated position on the top step. As they wait for the transport, Rend asks with still somewhat labored breathing, “Padawan, have you and Y’sanne determined…what is needed to acquire…a new Hyperdrive Core Module?” Sun nods in confirmation, “Yes Master. The Shadow Redeemer is a Centurion class Capital ship, utilized by the Sith during the Great War. It will not be easy to acquire but I have the location of a small facility that should have several. It is located just inside Sith territory.” Her master lays back, exhaling deeply as he relaxes before speaking again, “Prepare the details and a team. We will move the day after tomorrow.” Shocked, Sun moves to retort but Rend makes a motion she had seen before. His hand comes up gently, halting her before she could speak in the same way she had so often seen the High Admiral do. His words were calm, despite his exhaustion and carried a confidence not normally shown by her master, “Hesitation hastens the grave, Padawan. We cannot afford a delay. The fleet’s flagship is severely hampered without a functioning Hyperdrive, making us unable to assist in any effective capacity.” Nervously, Sun acquiesces “Yes, Master. I shall come see you once the plans are finalized.”
A few standard hours have passed when a frosted transparisteel door opens to a private med bay that holds General Vega. The distinctive cadence is immediately recognized by Rend, causing him to rise in his bed swiftly to greet his master. The rapid movement causes him to wince, “Master…” Anhiel reaches his bed side and sits near his feet, folding the end of her cape gently. The High Admiral’s eyes appear different to Rend, somehow slightly softer in their gaze. Prideful. Anhiel scans her General from head to toe before addressing him, “You seemed to have found something in the temple. The one thing that is key to unlocking your full potential.” Rend, still exhausted, responds, “Thank you, Master. I know there is much to learn but I feel that I have broken the seal that was binding me. With your blessing, I want to take a small team to retrieve a proper Hyperdrive Core Module. Sun is currently building the team and establishing a plan. This mission will be dangerous but necessary in order to restore the Redeemer properly.” The Admiral stands up briskly and establishes her hands behind her back, as she often does, before responding. “You heard my words in the temple, yes?” Her face is solemn as she gazes just to the side of Rend. He nods quietly, “Yes, Master. But I do not understand part of it. You said I only ever lacked one thing. That does not make any sense to me. I have made many failures.” Anhiel sighs deeply, turning her eyes now towards Rend, “Confidence is all you ever lacked. Your potential, your power rivals that of even mine. More importantly, you have many qualities that I lack. Compassion, empathy, and adaptability. I failed in my training of you. I was not able to instill confidence and was unwilling to adapt my methods to something more fitting for you.” The atmosphere is silent for many moments before Rend moves to speak but she interrupts him. “Your mission is approved, General. Once you are completely healed, you may proceed as you see fit.” She turns quickly, flaring her cape outward and strides away, hiding the moisture that was beginning to form in her eyes.
The next morning Sun steps to knock on her master’s med bay door when it hisses open just before she makes contact. Rend, completely dressed in fresh tan robes and ornate armor, addresses Sun, “Padawan, good timing. Have you completed your tasks?” Not yet adjusted to her master’s demeanor, Sun replies, “Yes, Master. I have selected a team of six and prepared a detailed plan for acquiring the necessary parts.” Rend replies with a slight smile, “Good. Walk with me to my quarters. There we will go over what you have prepared. We have the High Admiral’s approval for launch tomorrow so there is no time to waste.” Without waiting for a response, Rend strides past the young Padawan, heading towards his quarters with Sun jogging moments later to catch up. Now following closely, Sun thinks to herself, “What could have possibly happened inside that temple that could have changed him this drastically?” She follows the thought so deep that she nearly walks into the back of Rend as he abruptly stops at the entrance of his quarters. Either not noticing or ignoring the young woman’s lapse in spatial awareness, Rend steps into the room.
The two find their way to a small round table that is positioned off center of the room. Rend pulls a seat out and signals to his padawan to sit with a vague gesture towards the chair, reminiscent of Anhiel’s non-verbal communication style. He then moves to the far side of the table, positioned directly across from Sun and takes a seat as he speaks, “First, thank you for putting together this mission so quickly, Sun. Now, enlighten me as to who you have chosen for this mission.” The young Jedi places her data pad at the center of the table while her right hand comes up subconsciously to shift her hair behind her ear before replying. “Master, I have chosen four individuals to accompany us and each possess a specific trait that I believe is essential to have a successful mission. They are as follows: Captain Styn, HK-40, Captain Jov’aine and Lieutenant-Commander Y’ssane Barnes.” Rend ponders the list for many moments before responding in a reserved voice, “Padawan, I am in agreement with all but Lieutenant-Commander Barnes. She has little field experience for this mission. Why have you chosen her?” After swallowing, Sun replies slowly, “I anticipated that there would be concern with this choice.” She pauses, gathering her thoughts before continuing, “Master, she may not have the field experience but she knows hyperdrives better than anyone. She is gifted with skills in technology that I only dream of. She will be able to guide us to what we need much more quickly than I can, reducing the amount of time we are on the ground.” Rend sits back in his seat, with one arm across the top of his stomach and folds his right arm up to pinch his chin between his thumb and first finger. The young Knight replies, “Your reasoning is solid but it adds a complexity that we must be sure to account for.” Sun smiles and continues, “I understand, Master. This is why I selected Captain Jov’aine as opposed to another member. He will be her escort should a split be required. Overall, I believe I have a mission plan that will account for having a non- militant member.”
The young padawan reaches for the data tablet at the center of the table and brings up a holographic image of Balmorra. With a few more taps, the world spins and zooms into a topographical view of a large complex. Sun continues to detail the mission, “This is a hyperdrive manufacturing facility situated on Balmorra adjacent to the major hyperspace trade route for the system. We cannot approach this planet un-announced so Mirr has acquired the supply chain details for this facility and we have a freighter marked for commandeering.” Rend raises his eyebrow in surprise but remains quiet, listening. “We will take control of the freighter and fly right into the facility. There we will unload the freight. During this time, Y’sanne, Captain Jov’aine and myself will separate from the main party to collect the appropriate hardware. The rest is as simple as returning to the trade route and jumping back.”
Rend, still in his pondering position, replies,” And?” Confusion strikes in Sun's facial features as she replies, “I am not sure what you mean, Master.” Rend readjusts his position to be tall in his seat and retorts, “What should we do if it is not simple? Your plan also leaves Mirr, HK and myself at the ship unable to support you.” She had not given the slightest consideration to the mission not going exactly to plan. Sun looks up with heavy eyes, replying to the question without a word exiting her lips. Rend’s features soften, “This plan is good, but we need an alternative plan should something go wrong. Each team member needs to know their role. But we can work through those details on the way. You have done well, Padawan.” Bowing her head deeply, Sun speaks softly, “Thank you, Master. I will go gather the others and make final preparations. It will take us some time to travel to Balmorra so we should leave as soon as possible.”