NationStates Jolt Archive

This is a character side thread from Ghosts of Asfaltum (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=532230). This is only open to those who have an in-game reason to know of Hera's existance, and importance.

Two Jedi knights stood by a small window, peering into a blue room. The slight glow reflected from the glass, as the two Jedi, their heads covered by brown robes watched.

“Are you sure we can help her?” One Jedi asked. He was a young man, the one who found her orbiting Jurai. He could feel her power, he knew she had a destiny, yet he could not shake the feeling that something terrible might come from her training.

“We have to help her, who else will she go to? If we do nothing, what will happen when Vader, or worse Remiel find her. She is more than a girl, she is the key. The key to saving a dozen worlds, maybe more. If we do nothing, then billions will remain in the darkness, bound to it, forever.”

They turned their gaze to the window. Their arms held together under their brown robes.

Inside the room, a young girl, no more than seventeen years old, paced back and forth. She wore the uniform of her home worlds, the colonies. Her uniform was all black, unlike the navy blue of the Colonial Fleer, and she had no rank insignia on her collar. Her hair was a tumbled mess. As she turned, the jedi could see the empty holster, that once housed a pistol, that earlier shot up the floor of the jedi temple.

She paced back and forth, walking across the large room, filled with large comfortable chairs. The walls were blue, a beautiful soothing blue, and the floor was a simple, white and grey marble. Such luxury, for those who were to deny possessions. Hera continued to pace, never leaving the same line. Point A to B, B to A, she said, as she ran her pale hand through her tangled dark brown hair. B to A, A to B, two points that are connected, but only by the symbols. Do they exist independent of each other, or dependant. Are they lines, or are they rays? She asked, to no one, as she continued to walk faster.

She slowly turned her head, and the two jedi could clearly see her face. Her several strands of hair covered her left eye. She walked over to one of the chairs, and began to touch it, gently sliding her fingers over the padding, the very chair no more than two hours ago, Emily laid her in to meditate, to quiet her mind, to see the horrors the force inflicted on her delicate psyche.

As her thin fingers ran over the chair, she stared it, feeling the horror of the dark storm that surrounded it, reliving the storm, and the mountain icecaps.

She jerked her hand back, “There is a pea in the chair.” She grabbed the chair, and tossed it aside. The chair bounced off the wall, and collided with another, before falling backside first on the floor. She pounced on it, like a lion pouncing on her pray, and ripped her fingers into the padding. As she tore the backing off with relative ease, white feathers floated to the sky. She looked up, at the explosion of white, and like a small child she smiled. Hera reached her hand into the air, and touched one of the falling feathers. “The birds cried.” she said, smiling gleefully.

The male Jedi looked to Emily, “You have your work cut out for you.”

3:13am

The village was peaceful a quiet place filled with the laughter of children, the busying of old men and women, and of course the distant shouting of the market as the days trading drew to an end. Surrounded by crisp snow peaked mountains the village of Derwen Fawr was an isolated place, a small rural settlement that had abandoned technology years ago in favour of a peaceful existence.

With only one path in, and one path out every new traveller as rare as they are was always met by the same old man who just rocked in his chair fiddling with his pipe.

The sun beamed down upon Nitelis perfecting his already leathery brown skin. Doing nothing apart from smoking and rocking the old man looked up with a smile on his face as a newcomer came to town.

She was tall for a woman of these parts and also dressed strangely, something that peaked the old mans interest as she crossed the creek bridge. “Afternoon.” He said warmly as she passed over. “Stranger to Derwen Fawr?” Nitelis looked over her clothing, rather strange wearing nothing but black in a day like this. His eyes looked up and focused upon her hair which was also black. “You have a name stranger?” Nitelis asked warmly only to be taken aback at the pale white face that looked up at him.

Trying to regain his composure out of interests of not being rude, the old man winked and looked back into his small cottage. “Are you thirsty stranger? You must be after such a long trek, please come on in and sit down for a moment, I can fetch you some water.” Nitelis rose from his chair with a few creeks and clicks of his joints before heading into his home.

The room was pitch black as Hera now laid in her bed. Her torment finally over, for the first time in days, she laid there resting, her oval shaped eyes closed to the world, to the power and terror of the day. She turned gently in her bed, her pink nightgown strap showing just barely from the safety and security of the comforter.

"My name is Hera." she said, fast asleep, yet as clearly as if she were awake.

The teenage girl looked to the old man, attempting to get up, her eyes focused on the pipe. She looked at it, as the smoke blew towards her face. The little gray rings, then the steady stream of smoke. She could smell it, the pipe tobacco. It was a familiar smell, one of home. She reached out with her fingers, trying to grab one of the rings, the smoke fading into a puff as she tried to grab it.

“Just an illusion, it is there but not imaginary.” she said out loud, as she looked to the old man, his skin aged from years in the sun. He struggled to walk, barely able to hold himself up under his own strength.

“You must be new,” Hera said looking to the old man, “Who are you, and how long have you been wandering in these parts.” she said copying the old man’s accent perfectly.

She began to follow, her bare feet under her black uniform touching the over grown grass. She could feel every prickly blade touching her feet, slowly being crushed as she walked. Hera walked up to the old house, looking a little better than a shack. She watched it, staring at it, speaking volumes, without saying a word. Like a statue, she stood still, the smoke coming out of the chimney, the old paint chipping off, the wood that looked like it has seen better days.

The scenery was beautiful, the mountains, the creeks, the snow covered tops. The warmth of the sun hitting her back. She looked to her hands, spreading her fingers apart as wide as they can go. They seemed to glow in the sun, like an aura of light. “They are just attachments, with a purpose, yet without the main body they are nothing.” she replied, as if talking to her hands.

She looked to the old man, who was now walking back with a glass of fresh mountain water. He held it to her, Take it, come on now lass.

She held her hand out and grabbed the cold glass of water. Hera slowly lifted it to the light, and could see the prism of colors diffused by the glass and water. She stared at it, and turned the glass slightly. The beautiful Red, orange, yellow, green Blue, indigo and violet, colors, broken apart into a rainbow.

“It is broken”, she said, staring at the glass.

*TAG* because Thread subscriptions don't seem to work with my cell phone...

Jedi Temple
Konoha
3:35A.M

The Jedi Master left the hanger of the Jedi Temple moving quickly, his well worn and weather brown leather cloak swirled in the air behind him. It was clear that under the hooded traveling cloak that he wore not the traditional Jedi robes but rather the armor of a Republican Marine. That one was one indication of who this particular Jedi Master was, the other was his imposing stature, he stood no less then 6’5’’ and his body was that of a career marine, thick with muscles, and also horribly scarred from burns, and laser blasts, even the knives of Chronosian tortures. He was not a handsome man but he had earned his wounds, and bore them with a survivor’s pride. Jedi Master Hawkins was the senior Jedi Master in the “Rebellion”, and he had accumulated the most combat experience of any Jedi as well, young Padawans and trainees often thought of him as their generation’s Mace Windu.

A Cordian Jedi Knight intercepted Hawkins as he made his way through the temple.

“Master Hawkins we were not expecting your arrival.” He said hurriedly.

“Nor was I until a few nights ago, Knight -?”

“Jedi Knight Oliver, sir.” He informed Hawkins of his name.

“I have received a calling through the Force in the form of a most peculiar vision. It was of a young woman, with an addled mind, she was being stalked by a strange dark preditor, who I think wants to possess if not her body than her soul. I was informed by Daniel Masaki who shared the vision that the young woman was a Hera Agathon. I must be taken to her, and the one in charge of her care.” Hawkins informed his fellow Jedi.

“Sir, I’m afraid that is not possible, there’s been an incident, both Hera and Master Emily are indisposed.”

“Ah good, where are they then? I can see them both at once.” Hawkins’ tone made it clear that he was not asking.

The Jedi clearly did not want to argue with the infamous Hawkins and he lead him toward Hera’s quarters. As they neared her quarters Hawkins was filled with a sense of dread, of an evil presence that tainted the whole area. He had felt it only twice in the past, each in the presence of a powerful Sith Lord. The first time was as a taint on his wife’s possessed body, as she acted in subservience to a Sith Lord, before Hawkins struck her down. The next occasion was when the Prime Minister of the Reformed Republic finally succumbed to Palpatine’s possession of his body, Hawkins after confronting the Reborn Emperor was forced to retreat. I was this particular darkness he felt now, again.

It was a chaotic scene they came upon, one Jedi held his hand over a clearly broken nose, and the hall was covered by broken bits of door. Hawkins appeared in the archway where the door was when he heard Hera’s last words to Emily, It truly was the girl from his dreams. And there was definitely something horribly wrong here.

3:22am

“That should cool you down.” Nitelis said with a smile on his face as he watched Hera gulping down the clear glass of water, as she finished one drip fell from the rim, dropping carelessly towards the floor with a slight inaudible splash. Hera just paused, staring downwards at the small damp spot on the wooden splintered floor. Concerned Nitelis put his hand on her shoulder and shepherded her towards the front door. “Some sunshine will do you good my dear. One so young shouldn't be so pale.” Both of them walked out onto the front porch and Niteles took his place on his slow, aged rocking chair.

“So?” He asked kindly. “What hurts you so much that you have to come here Hera. I have found in my many years that only those in the greatest of pains ever come to see me? How can I help you child? What can I make go away?”

3:34 am

Hera sat down, crosslegged on the old wooden splintered porch, her back perfectly straight, she looked out to the distance, where she could see two young children playing in the yard. As she looked, for the first time, she smiles.

She lifts her left hand to the children, completely forgetting the glass that currently occupied the grasp of her fingers. Like a spectre, she opened her hand, and extended her index finger to the children.

The glass falls to the floor shattering into a thousand razor sharp pieces, little pieces that were once whole, now fragmented into a thousand points, small hard to pick up, nearly impossible to but back together. All in all it was easier to discard the glass, than try to salvage it.

Her soft brown eyes began to dilate, as she fixed her gaze upon the children. "They run and they play, prince and princess. THe princess hides in her tower waiting for her prince, but the prince never came. She still waits, hiding from the demons below, who hide in their transparent masks.

As she said that, she grabbed her head, the venom from the snakes moving through her brain, corrupting her, distorting her mind even more. SHe put her hands to it, "Make it stop!" she cried out, at the top of her voice, as her temples began to tighten, like they were in a vice grip, pressing and compressing her head, til it would pop. She could do nothing about it, only hold her head, from falling off her shoulders.

Evil swirls around the young girl, searching for a way through. The snakes did their best to poison the girl, but this time, an antidote was available, washing the venom away.

Emily sat besides the bed, doing her best to fight the evil wanting to grab Hera. But for all her strength, she knew it would not be enough. She needed help, and the Force provided. "Hello, Hawkins. It's been some time."

What in the name of the gods was going on her? Hawkins found himself wondering as he walked slowly into the room. He saw Emily near the prone sleeping form of a young woman, was that Hera?

His skin went cold as he felt the evil incarnate in the room, it was a sensation he only felt in the presence of a powerful Sith Lord, and it was pulsing quite strongly from the girl. He could tell that she was in distress, she seemed to be in the midst of a Nightmare, but he knew it was more than just that. It was probably similar to the vision he had, and in those actions would have consequences in the waking world, one could be tempted their with the darkside just as they could otherwise.

"Not long enough." Hawkins said gruffly as he neared the pair of women, "Can you not feel it? The darkness that lies with in her? That is tormenting her even now? Yet, here you are only trying to stanch the bleeding rather than trying to repair the artery." He sadly clearly angered at what was going on, she should know better than this. "You can not begin to fight what is happening within from without, you must meet the enemy head on, it is the only way." Hawkins knew time was short the girl now was yelling for help, unaware of the exchange between the two Jedi, as she screamed about a snake and pains. He reached out and placed his calloused hand on her forehead, and he breathed deeply seeking entrance.

Hera world revealed itself to him, he saw the old man on the porch and the tormented Hera near him, he heard their who exchange, and soon found himself wearing the uniform of a sheriff of the law, he approached them.

The old man radiated evil and vile intent, he had not sensed such darkness since Palpatine, not even in Vader. Something was wrong, and if he could not convince Hera, soon she would be lost to the Dark Side.

"Hey there Darling, my name is Wyatt Earp and I am the Lawman for these here parts, didn't your mother teach you not to talk to strangers?" Hawkins asked her in a slow drawl, "Ole' Nitelis there is found of befriending little girls and boys," He now held out his hand, "Come on here now and I will take you away from all this chaos and pain. I live to protect and serve, he does not. I know it seems strange but there is not much time, you have reached a crossroads, only you may choose your path. I can walk by your side if you go one direction, but along his I can not tread." The sun glittered off his badge, a five pointed gold star that said Sheriff.

He wished Hera would realize what was at stake before choosing, if she chose Nitelis, Hawkins would have no choice but to kill her in the waking world before her sith powers manifested themselves.

The world was a confusing place, one with masks and hidden intentions, as the old man and the sheriff, neither of whom appeared to be what they were stood, watching the young black haired girl, waiting for a decision. Hera stood up, and as she did her clothing changed, from the black uniform that she once wore, now into a black dress, her shoulders now exposed, yet the length of the dress coming down to her knees. She was barefoot, as she gracefully walked to the sheriff, her head cocked to the side slightly, she walked up to about twelve inches away from him. She stared at Wyatt, staring through him, seeing what could not be seen.

She raised her hand to him, raised above his own extended hand, she slowly extended her index finger and touched his chest, touching his very heart. “You have scars, lawman, from those that you hate. Yet you find yourself in danger of becoming that which you hunt.” She turns her head to Nicholas, the old man who was kind enough to give her water. She stared at him, “You want the princess in the tower.” she said as she looked, staring at him, “but not in the way that he thinks.”

She turned back to Hawkins, looking into his mind heart and soul. “You are broken, lawman, you have issues, and you need help.”

As Hawkins began to talk about the crossroads, Hera smiled. She pointed to the path, “The fork is an illusion, both go the same direction, both end in the same place. Right and Left, do not exist, the question is up or down.” She begins to laugh, giggling hysterically. “I have no idea what I am saying, I never know what I am saying, I just gibber, talking nonsense to the world, as the world never listens. I cry yet I do not know why, I can see but I am truly blind. The world would be better off without me." She looked to Wyatt, "Will you arrest me, and hang me from the tree? Will you let me sway in the wind til the crows come to eat my flesh, nourishing the eggs within them, til they give birth, their young fed on by me?"

Emily sighed as she sensed the anger rolling out of Hawkins. There is still much anger in that man.

She, too, sought entrance into Hera's mind...and found it.

A woman entered the scene, her dark brown dress flowing slightly in the cold breeze and a cloak was wrapped around her shoulders. She could sense the stern Earp and the cold Nitelis vye for the control of the young girl. She silently shook her head.

"Mr. Earp. Nitelis. A pleasure to see you two. Ah, dear Hera. The tormented and the troubled." The woman smiled. "I am Eleanor."

She looked around, noting the path laid out before Hera. One path leads to a future that will harden the girl's heart into a black hole. The other leads to strict order to the letter of the Code (Coredian Jedi follow the spirit of the Code) which has lead to stagnation in ages past. Neither path presents a good choice for Hera and the Colonies at large, in her opinion. There was always another choice in every decision.

"You say you are blind. I will help you see. You say the world never listens to you. I will give you a voice to speak. You cry, yet I shall wipe the tears from your eyes. You say the world would be better off without you. I say that is the last thing you should ever think. Together, we shall teach the world to listen. Come with me, and you shall be healed."

Hawkins was taken aback by Hera’s words. He could tell that though she was being stalked by the dark side and a Sith Lord, she was not defenseless. She had considerable powers of her own. Of those powers apparently she could see into his mind, through to his most guarded thoughts and secrets, and that was something no one, not even Masaki could do, or for that mater he himself. After what he assumed was Emily’s intrusion, had she finally realized her mistake? He spoke to Hera.

“Darling you are right. I do have issues but so do you, we are alike there I suppose. Mine come from the hazards of my job though, when you try to bring justice to bad men often bad things happen to you, or worst to those whom you love. But you know that already I reckon.” He paused before continuing,

“You have your own nightmares and a I have mine. I am a lawman not a doctor, I can not heal you, but I can teach you. My own nightmares remind me of my mistakes and failures in the past that have cost me and others much. They remind me of my limitation as well as drive me to not fail again. They are a tool, as much as we wish to be rid of it. Your’s show you important imagines to guide you in changing the future in the present. That is a powerful gift and a horrible reality. But for you Darling that is your burden to bear, but you don’t need to bear that alone.”

“Before you decided what you are going to choose Darling, realize that 80% of deaths in domestic violence cases occur when the abused chooses to leave the relationship. If you do choose to leave here with me I expect old Nitelis to take offense he may try something untoward. I will try to stop him, but he is far more than a kindly looking old man. His path will be far safer for you but I fear it will cost you your soul, until one day you wake up with one like mine.” Hawkins had see Nitelis kind before, quite literally the same man, even though he wasn’t willing to admit it yet. He had personally saw what happened the last time a Sith Lord had possessed a good man and corrupted his mind and soul until it became evil incarnate. He would be damned to see it occur again.


“My path may very well cost you your life, but know if it does, it will be after my heart has stopped beating and my body has gone cold.” He extended his left hand to Hera. “Please take it, and we will leave this place, and face our demon’s together.”

The wind spoke whispers, as the young girl listened quietly, the slight breeze carrying much more on it’s back than dust, and a scorching hot temperatures. She watched the wind, as dust from the path lifted up into the air, filling her nostrils with the slight smell of dirt, and decay.

She watched, her head looking at the newcomer, Eleanor, her radiant light shining as bright as the sun, so bright, that Hera dared not look, yet she be blinded. She lowered her eyes, and stood still, like stone, as the air flew over her, and through her, burning the sweat off her neck, drying it up, like the sun would a puddle in the desert


As Hawkins began to speak, again she did not move, his offer, his concern washed over her, as if it was not even there. Minutes went by as Emily and Hawkins waited, along with old man. She finally looked up and smiled. In a moment of horror, Hera walked over to the old kindly man, her intentions unknown.

She spread her thin pale arms wide, and embraced the old man. She smiled and whispered in his ear. “She needs help, she does not know what she is doing. I must do something, before he gets his way, I can not let him harm her. He is trying to harm her, to make me murder her. She needs help.”

She smiled at him, “I must go now, but I will see you later.” She turned to Eleanor and the sheriff, and walked over to them, slowly, almost ghost like, as she walked up to them. She reached out to them, her hands reaching for theirs. “I will help you both.” she replies, smiling like the young girl she is for the first time. All she was now was happiness.

As she held their hands she looked into their eyes, she smiled, goodness radiated from Hera, as she held their hands, her sweaty clammy hands in theirs, holding on tightly, as a child holds on to their parents hands as they cross a road. She gently rests her head on Eleanor’s shoulder, and looks at her, with her brown eyes, staring into her eyes. “It is not over, a storm is coming, soon.”

As Hera said that, thunder cracked in the background, as dark ominous clouds began to gather on the horizon. A crackle of lighting, one solemn bolt, almost as if daring the two jedi to stand against it, strikes the ground. The winds begin to pick up, blowing stronger and stronger, as in the distance, the golden sun, the giver of life begins to set, behind the dark storm. The Shadow begins to creep across the land.

The village turns black, vanishing into the waking world, as Hera, lying perfectly still opens her eyes. The room was bright, not dark like it was before she went to bed, above her, the sheriff and Eleanor waited. Would they cure her or arrest her?

"Well you certainly are a person of much surprise Hera Agathon, just remember I do not like people poking around inside my head." Hawkins told her. "Tell me, why are you here? Did you send me that vision of the ballroom I witnessed two days ago? And how long have you been having visions of that old man?" He asked of the Colonial Lieutenant.

"How would I arrest you Hera?" He said answering her question, "I am far from a sheriff just an old soldier, and you have already met the enemy and seen his face, Nitelis, I believe is a powerful Sith Lord." He did not say which one he thought he truly was, yet. "I would 'arrest' you if you willingly comply with him, but so long as you do not desire his presence in your mind I will do what I can to protect you, that I swear."

Hera begins to wiggle her way, into an upright position. She smiled, wrapped up in her snug bed, the warmth and security of the blanket, comforting her, as they wrapped around her legs, protecting her from the elements in the room.

She began to giggle like a small school girl, as Hawkins seemingly grilled her, interrigating her, trying to pry into her secrets.

"Doves fly in the air, lawman, they carry pieces of paper through the air, waiting to find the statue to perch on." She began to laugh, almost insanely, as she tried to continue. "She does not understand what she does, or how she does it. She did not let the doves loose, those who danced, choose to dance, as the cries for help came answered."

She turned her head slightly to Emily, and reached to her, touching her cheek slightly with the backside of her hand, like a mother would touch their sick young. "I can see Hawkins, I can see you. You scars are visible, wounds of the lover that is now in the trees. She does not pry into your head, your ear cavity is too small, and if she were to climb into it, your head would explode, not enough room for the three of us, you have too many people in the ceberal cavity. You speak when you do not know you do, you cry, and hold the world back. You are alone, like she is."

Hera stopped and smiled, "Is it time for breakfast yet?"

"Very nearly so." Emily Rydo smiled and nodded. It seems Hera has chosen her path and all was well with her, although she still tends to ramble. Now begins the next stage: keeping her in control of her emotions and getting her ready for actual training.

The sun began to rise, as a small sliver of light appeared on the wall. The room began to fill with the warm glow of the sunrise, as Hera got out of her bed, and got ready for the day. Within the hour, Hera emerged from her room, wearing a soft purple dress, a very plain dress, except for the shoulder straps. They seemed strapless, except they were really holes, that only had her shoulders uncovered. The rest of her arms were covered in a sleeve that seemed to emerge from no where. The dress, being a one piece covered her body to her knees. She did not wear any shoes.

She walked over to the door, ignoring everyone, as the doors opened for her, to her new way of life. Before her laid the gray and white marble path, one that would take her soon to her destination. She looked around and smiled, as she walked over to the red colored walls. She slowly reached out to the wall, gently touching it. “This is what is to come.” she said as she smiled at the nothingness of the wall.

She turned towards the cafeteria, walking, her feet feeling the cold of the marble, it’s strength, it’s solid form, as her right hand touched the red colored wall. She never took her fingers off of it.

Hera came to two solid gray doors, adorned with many designs. She had arrived. The doors opened for her, as she peaked her head around the corner cautiously. Until now she had been alone, in beautiful silence, alone with herself. As she peeked around into the room, there were hundreds of brown cloaked people, and all of them were staring at her, their black eyes reaching into her soul. She pulled her head back around the corner, breathing hard. “Their eyes are black.” she replied, as she gasped for air. She sat down on the floor, pulling her legs up to her chest, sitting, shaking, in fear of the black eyed demons in the room.

A few of the jedi students, dressed in their brown robes walked by her, remembering from the night before, they looked at her, but continued to walk by. As they walked by, they looked to her, “Sithspit.”, “Why is she still here?” ; “I guess we take any stray in off the street these days”; they all said, in their silence as they walked by her.

She sat there for an eternity, taunted by the demons hiding in angels clothing, until the voice of an angel appeared to Hera. “It is ok, they will not hurt you. Go on inside, today you will begin to walk your path.” Hera slowly got up and walked inside.

The noise was exceptional, as the students laughed together, smiled, and ate an exquisite range of foods. Meats, Eggs, Fruits of almost every kind, laid before them, and before her. Hera walked over and grabbed a plate, as she sat down at the table. As Hera sat down, the students at the table immediately got up. “She is dangerous.” one said in complete silence. “You do not belong here, go back to wherever it is you came from.” another said, as they all left, to sit at other tables. Hera was truly alone.

She stared at the food, her stomach growling, yet she never touched the food. She looked at it, and at her empty plate. “You should eat.” the angelic voice told her. “It is quite alight.”

Hera replied, “It is poisoned, it looks delicious, but it is deadly. I can not.” she said out loud.

“No it is not, do not be silly, try a bite. It will not harm you, nothing here will harm you.” the voice replied.

“No I can not.” Hera yelled, as the students now actually turning their heads to her, “It will harm me, I will not.” she yelled as she got up and ran out of the cafeteria. The students around her look bewildered, at the strange teenage girl, as with lightning speed she ran, sprinting as fast as she can out of the cafeteria. She turned the corner at blinding speed, the cylon half of her pushing her body past the speed of a normal human. She turned the corners, running for her life, until she came to a door. The door lead outside, to a golden field. The grass was knee deep, as she ran into it.

Hera stopped in amazement. She looked around, and held her hand out, touching the long grass, now turned brown. “She had seen this field before”, Hera responded, as her mind thought back until she remembered the vision on Galactica, where her and Ryan stood. Hera could not believe it, she just smiled.

“You are late.” a strong male voice from behind said. “Next time try to be on time.”

Jedi Master Armas Elendil is an elf, complete with the pointy ears, handsome look and long, flowing hair. He's also old enough to have known Master Yoda from the time when he was a Padawan. He is the Grand Master of the New Jedi Order, taking over after Ben Skywalker was murdered by the Empire, and prefers to negotiate than fight, although when he must, he's an expert swordmaster and Force user. He also hosts the Sense class, the very first class an Academy student takes.

He stared sternly at Hera as she giggled. "Next time, I will start without you, young lady."

"Now, let us begin." He announced to the colorful new initiates as he stroked a plant. There were students of all shapes, sizes and species, although the largest percentage was human or near-human.

"The Force has many names among the universe. Some call it magic. Some call it psychic ability or mind over matter. But none of that is of importance. It is important to know that it is considered an energy field that life creates and in turn, the Force sustains life. It is important to understand that it surrounds us, penetrates us, binds us together and it holds the universe together in harmony. It is also important that you put that datapad away and pay attention, Miss Nottingham." His stern eyes bore onto a young redheaded girl, who eeped and pocketed her datapad among the giggles of the students and paid more attention now.

He moved on as if the interruption hadn't happened. "The first thing you must do today is unlearn what you have learned. Throw away everything you know about the Force up to this point, all your prejudice, your misconceptions, your opinions of what the Force is. None of that is of importance. Then, feel. Feel your fellow students. Feel the plants around you, the animals in this field. Feel the molecules of the air and the cells in your body. Feel the rocks and the water in the area. Feel me if you can."

His voice began to fade away, and many students closed their eyes to shut out their senses and feel their surroundings. How does Hera fare?

Innocence, the purity that all beings have before being thrust into the world, the cold and uncaring world, that is usually lost. For Hera though, the teachers tried their best to give her back the once lost treasure, happiness, and true innocence. The students hated and feared her, but she could feel the teachers trying to help her, out of love, and fear. They cared for her. They wanted to save her, from the darkness that shrouded her, from the dark and unrelenting embrace of the shadow.

Hera closed her eyes, and could still see. As if her eyes never closed, she could still see the blades of grass, the students fumbling in the darkness of their eyes trying to see as she could. She watched, like an observer, as some of the bugs landed and began to bite the students, before they lost their concentration and smacked the bugs.

Hera slowly pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs. She watched, as the fear of her seemed to vanish as these students for the first time in their lives began to reach out to their God, hoping their God would give them the sight, and allow them to merge with it.

Hera began to feel her stomach rumble. The pain in the pit of her stomach, from the lack of food, began to grow. She could feel it, beginning to consume her, and she could not stand it. She stood up, and walked over to the tree, where she with her eyes closed could see a beautiful golden apple.

Hera reached for it, but she was not tall enough. She tried to grab it, again, but again she failed. Hera began to get a bit frustrated, as she jumped, her hands reaching and grabbing the apple. She could see the golden apple in her hand. She slowly turned, her eyes still closed, as she walked back to her original spot. Every blade of the long grass she could feel beneath her bare feet. Every branch she could see, and the most curious reaction of all was the teachers remark on his face.

Hawkins emerged from his quarters ‘refresher module cleansed from his morning run, as a Jedi such physical activity was not necessary but old habits like morning PT died hard. He dressed himself in simple plain cloths, instead of his habitual marine armor, being here at the Cordian Academy what need he for armor? Only low boots, khaki pants and a white tunic, over which he wore his brown Jedi robes, as he dressed his mind raced over the preceding night’s events. If anything was clear to him it was that his quest had something to do with that young woman Hera Agaethon. She was troubled but unique, and she was also he was sure of it, being seduced by the Dark Side, which moved in the shadows of her dreams. A Sith Lord, wanted her as an apprentice, but whom, Vader, Atrox, Nightshade, or Reimel? No remaining Lords were left alive, even Palpatine had fallen, had he not Hawkins would think it was him, it was a situation all to similar to the fall of the reformed Republic not ten years earlier.

Hawkins needed to speak with Hera, he had questions for her and concerns about her wellbeing. It was also unclear to him why she remained at the Academy, it was not a safe location for her, too well known. If she wanted to become a Jedi this was hardly the place in any case. The Cordian Academy was not in Hawkins’ opinion worthy of the name, their training consisted more in ninjutsu and Sith attacks that proper Jedi techniques. The Cordian Academy sought to produce “Jedi” who were talented in all areas but only ever produced “Jedi” mediocre in all those trained areas.

Hawkins quietly entered Jedi Master Armas Elendil classroom and listened to his discussion politely, when it was clear that he was letting the student attempt to use the force he approached the elf.

“Armas, I need to speak with Hera Agatheon, I am afraid I will be taking her from your class for a few moments.” Hawkins informed his fellow master. Hawkins saw the young woman eating an apple with her eyes closed at the moment, as if in some other place. Hawkins was not asking for the elves’ permission, simply informing him of what he was doing. Hawkins was on a quest, that took precedence over any class.

“Hera Agathaon ! Come with me, I need to speak with you in private.” Hawkins said a bit loudly to wake her up from whatever place she was. Hawkins started to walk off to the door, “Master Elendil, good day to you, good luck with the rest of your studies.” Hawkins said in parting.

“Hera Agathaon ! Come with me, I need to speak with you in private.” Hawkins said a bit loudly to wake her up from whatever place she was.

Hera sat still, as the old solder, who was the lawman stood waiting for her. He had questions, she knew, but how would he accept the answers. She stood up, ignoring the class, as she gently walked over to Hawkins, her eyes fixated on him, as if he was the only person in the world.

The walk was short, but with each step the scenery began to change, Day soon became night, as the air grew slightly colder. The stars shown very brightly, as well as the single moon, as she continued to walk. Ancient trees began to appear, older than time, as crickets began to chirp in the background.

A terrace once white, but now covered with vines, long dead now appeared, with the old solder, who was here for her stood. Under his feet were the leaves of the ages, and the softest blackest topsoil. The wind began to pick up, as she approached, in utter silence.

Hera looked into Hawkins eyes, her dark brown eyes, stared into his. “She will come, she has nothing to hide.” Hera replies smiling. She begins to walk deeper into the forrest, as if leading Hawkins into a more private place, a place of peace and tranquility, one that evil could never invade

Master Elendil didn't look it, but he was quite surprised when Hera grabbed a golden apple with the Force in her very first training session. He then frowned when she was frustrated when she did so. She is strong, but she has much patience to learn. She seems to get distracted easily and that could be an issue to work on.

Annoyance appeared as a thinning of the Master's mouth when Master Hawkins appeared. "Very well, but do not take long, if you please. Hera has just begun, after all."

Hawkins followed the girl deeper into the woods, where ever she wanted to go where she would feel more comfortable. As they moved to that place Hawkins asked of her a few questions.

“Sera Agathaon,” Hawkins referred to her using the customary pronoun for an unwed woman, “Do you like this place, do you prefer these illusionary places better than reality?” did she even know that she retreated to this illusion or was she aware of her choice, in any case this realm appeared to be free of Sith threat.

“Do you wish to be trained as a Jedi, in the Cordian-style, or do u wish to just learn of the force to understand better what afflicts you. The cordian academy is steeped in its own tradition, misguided though it is, to produce what they call Jedi, but who in realty are really soldiers of their special operations branch. They use not only the force but also ninjutsu, and Sith attacks, a philosophy of teaching that I do not share.”

“What I think you are Hera, has not appeared in our ranks for over a century, you are I believe a seer. Your talents and abilities with the force revolve around your clairvoyance and your visions, not in learning the Cordian style of Jedi. They believe that Jedi are like cookie cutters able to produce someone who is strong in all areas, but they, you and me as well are not that. Jedi all learn certain things like how to use a lightsaber, but we all also have strong abilities unique or rare.

“If you will allow it I intend to take you as my own apprentice, and I hope to teach you how to cope with your visions as well as train you in the ways of the force. Though I do have to say, it will not be easy, I do not run a school full of preppies like this, nor can I even promise that you will survive, I have many enemies, and so do you, but you will be stronger for it.

A small voice nipped at the very bowels of heras heart, a familiar fealing one of compassion and care. “You may not like him my dear, but he's right.” The voice of sweet Nitelis fluttered in her mind. “Go with him, now, tonight, before it's too late.” The voice gone disappeared with the wind.

Hera walked gently and gracefully to a large clear lake, deep in the forest, surrounded only by the large and ancient trees, and the Jedi Master. She got on her hands and knees, and peeked into the lake.

The lake was like glass, not a ripple across the large body of water, dispite the soft gentle breeze, blowing across it, wrapping itself around Hawkins and Hera, like a warm blanket, like a mother holding her child. The moon shined bright, as it was full, and through the trees, a slight silver beam crossed her back as she stared into the water.

“Sera Agathaon, do you like this place, do you prefer these illusionary places better than reality?” the jedi master asked the young woman. Hera smiled, at her own reflection, as she reached out and touched the water. Softly and gently, she placed her index finger on the surface of the warm lake. A small ring encircled her finger tip, as she slowly and gently pulled her finger out of the water. Small waves ran across the lake, at surprising speeds, disturbing the once pristine lake.

Hera could not help herself, as she laughed a soft light chuckle, at the ripple as it raced across the surface. Slowly she stood up and looked into the Jedi's eyes, before bowing her head. "Master Jedi, this place is real. Everything around you is real, the air the ground, everything you see." she replied, "is real." Hera, keeping her head bowed out of respect for Hawkins and his position, replies, "Master, if you will come with me please, and look over here, you can see for yourself." she walks over to the lake and bends back over. "Touch it, it is quite warm." she replied, staring over to the lake. Unlike before however the lake was no longer clear and pristine, instead it was slightly distorted.

She looks at the image of her protector, her sheriff through the distortion of the small ripples, "Yes, master, this is my favorite spot. Here is it quiet, only the small chirps, the smell of the Lilly pads. It is quiet and peaceful."

“Do you wish to be trained as a Jedi, in the Cordian-style, or do u wish to just learn of the force to understand better what afflicts you. The cordian academy is steeped in its own tradition, misguided though it is, to produce what they call Jedi, but who in realty are really soldiers of their special operations branch. They use not only the force but also ninjutsu, and Sith attacks, a philosophy of teaching that I do not share.”

“What I think you are Hera, has not appeared in our ranks for over a century, you are I believe a seer. Your talents and abilities with the force revolve around your clairvoyance and your visions, not in learning the Cordian style of Jedi. They believe that Jedi are like cookie cutters able to produce someone who is strong in all areas, but they, you and me as well are not that. Jedi all learn certain things like how to use a lightsaber, but we all also have strong abilities unique or rare.

“If you will allow it I intend to take you as my own apprentice, and I hope to teach you how to cope with your visions as well as train you in the ways of the force. Though I do have to say, it will not be easy, I do not run a school full of preppies like this, nor can I even promise that you will survive, I have many enemies, and so do you, but you will be stronger for it." Jedo Master Hawkins asked of her. She turned her head up to him, her face clearly showing her confusion.

"Master sir," she replied. "Please understand, I do not know what you mean. What are Jedi and Sith? What is this ninjitsu? I wish to understand what you mean by all of this."

Then Hera felt a small feeling, pushing her on. A voice, as gentle and kind as a grandfather came to her, “You may not like him my dear, but he's right.”

Hera leans her back up against a tree, it's rough bark pressing against her think purple dress, as she pulls her knees up to her chest. A small sliver of moonlight streaks across her arm, and her legs.

"I am truly honored that you wish to teach me, and I do wish to learn. I need to know what is attacking me, what is destroying my home, my family. I need the strength to fight it, to fight for them. If you can show me that then I would gladly go. But I can not leave without saying goodbye to Master Emily. She has been very kind to me, and it would be quite rude for me to go anywhere without thanking her first." Hera looked up to the sky, the perfect stars above, the bright moonlight shining down. She was in heaven.

Hera smiled at Hawkins, reaching up, she touched his face. Slowly she slid her hand down the side of his cheek. He was in pain, tortured by his past, haunted by the deeds that he had done. He wore his guilt on his sleeve, for the world to see, but he tried to hide it under his cloak.

“You have strength,” she replies, “Do you know your role in all of this?” she asked. She stared up to the troubled man, wondering if for all his power he knew what would occur, what must occur.

Hera, like a cordial lady, unlike the troubled youth no more than ten minutes ago, held her arm out, towards the path that would lead them back to the field, to the silent torment and insults of the other students. She dreaded walking back, their stares, behind their black insidious eyes, filled with hate and fear awaited her. She comforted herself as she walked with Hawkins, “It will not last much longer.”

As they walked, next to each other, the forest soon vanished, back to the field of gold. She stepped closer to the class, smiling like a child, as the wind began to blow stronger. The sun began to grow dark as she walked up to the Elven Master. She looked up to him, as the sky grew darker. “Master, a storm is coming. Hera replied. As she spoke, a lightning bolt, searing with hate, burning with white fury descended from the sky, knocking her backwards. She flew back, twenty feet, and landed unconscious. The wind began to whip around her, as hail stones fell from the sky, Ice, as big as baseballs fell, pounding her small and frail body.

She laid in the field, surrounded by the darkness of her deep sleep, beaten and bruised, unable to defend herself. Although no one else could see the storm, it was truly real, as bruises, and small cuts began to form all over her body. Blood, from an invisible knife began to cut her, as her eyes began to become blackened. Her breathing began to become slower, her pulse weaker, as the storm continued to throw it’s might against the seventeen year old girl. She was helpless.

The students stood in horror as Master Elendil watched the girl collapse and writh with invisible blows striking her. He immediately ordered the students to get the healers out immediately, kneeling down to do what he can in the healing area. It was a horrifying sight indeed and he struggled to heal her.

The healers came out with a stretcher and placed her on it, wheeling her back into the ICU Unit for Severe Cases. They immediately set on stabilizing her vitals as the Master watched.

"Armas, what happened to her?" Master Rydo came up, extremely concerned with her newest student.

"Hawkins has come, seeking to make her an apprentice. They spoke for a while and returned. One minute, she was fine, the next, she has collapsed as if she was being punched and stabbed. It is troubling indeed." The Headmaster said.

"I see. I have a suspicion that this may be tied to what's happening in her homeland." Emily said. "Although how it has come to be that someone from a particular homeland could be so tied as to serve as an indication of the state of that homeland is a mystery to say the least."

Master Elendil nodded. "It's a very rare and poorly understood mechanism of the Force and clearly a double-edge sword. I am sorry that the girl should suffer so."

"Oh, Hera. Were that I would be able to take away your pains and your fears." Emily lamented as she watched the girl being treated. She spoke to Hawkins next. "I'm afraid, Hawkins, that she will have to remain here for the time being. If you wish to train her, you will have to remain as well. She is completely vulnerable to the Dark Side at this point and if you take her now, the Sith will all too easily approach her."

As Hera spoke to Hawkins, he laughed for a moment after she finally paused, he spoke.

“Hera, look at me and not your feet, I will not take a trainee who is always walking into objects and people because she will not look up.” Hawkins adhered to the old ways of the Jedi, though bowing a head out of respect was not something he encouraged. “Also address me as Hawkins, or being military as you are, sir. I am no person’s master.” He added.

“I will train you to fight what hunts you girl. You, Hera, see me as a Protector, a lawman, others at this Academy do not, and they see me as a bitter old soldier, gruff, hypocritical, and unlikable. There is a point to all that Hera, I do not care in the slightest what others think, even those who call themselves my peers. They may prejudice themselves against me and my beliefs and actions, they may think themselves smarter, wiser, superior, but it matters not. I know my path, if not my fate, I know what action I must make must do, for the Jedi Code binds my actions. I have in my life only cared what close friends, comrades and family thought of me, and I hope I lived up to their expectations and ideals, but that is something in the past now because they are all dead, because of the my actions and those of mine enemies. You have seen what our enemy can do what they threaten to do, what they have done to your home. Know if you follow me, your family will be targets, they are soldiers I know, but still they will be at greater risk. The Sith will do harm to our friends and family and blame their pain on our resistance. I can promise you that while I breath I will train and protect you from the enemy until you can meet them on your own, at that point the path you choose to follow will be your own.” He told her gravelly. As she replied by touching his face Hawkins was chilled to his spine, as she pulled her hand away he felt much better, healed almost, he had come to help her, but was it to be the other way around?

As they walked into the fields of gold, Hawkins grabbed a bit of the grain into his fist and looked closely at the plant,

All that glitters is not gold He thought to himself as he heard Hera’s omen. He heard the storm approach even saw the Lightning bolt and its target before it hit Hera, fast though Hawkins is, even he could not move faster than the speed of light. He did manage to use the force to lessen her impact as she was thrown through the air, instead of killing her, she would only have fractures and quite painfully bruising.

As the young woman was rendered helpless and beaten by the elements Hawkins moved quickly throwing his own much larger body over her own. He looked down at her face as he was on all fours above her, her face seemed peaceful under the flowing blood and seemingly entire body of bruises. He grimaced in pain as the stones and hail rained down upon him, but he bore it.

Something was very wrong here, this was not like the other night, this was Hera’s own safe refuge in her mind, if even this place was under assault, under this heavy of siege, things were much worst than he even feared.

A large stone struck his left hand breaking it, more his legs and arm, fracturing them as well, as the minutes passed the Jedi was increasing beaten down, his body being battered closer to the ground, the pain was unbearable. Hawkins mind could barely work through it, he could not move, any further impacts would kill the Hera, he had already attempted to use a force shield, but too much damage had been done and something was affecting his abilities. They both were trapped, in what the Cordians would call a Genjetsu, or an illusionary reality of some Sith Lord’s creation where the actions that occupied were anything buy illusionary, though in the real world only seconds would elapse. Hawkins knew they had only one chance to survive and that was for the Elven Master or Emily to figure out what was going on an break the illusion, he could not in his position.

Hawkins did not know how much longer he could hold on, but he had to endure to protect Hera, that was his final thought as he heard a slight mocking laugh as things went black.

Hawkins was back in reality as he felt both Emily’s and the Elves hands upon him, he heard their words,

“Out of my way, there is little time.” He said hurriedly, as Hawkins moved to the prone form of Hera, his cloak flowed in the air behind him, his white tunic was red with blood, his left arm was limp at his side as if dislocated, his hand mangled. A meter before Hera was a tall silver upright, Hawkins with a grunt and loud pop against it managed to set his shoulder back into its joint. His eyes rolled back in his head for a second as he fought to stay conscience. Now over Hera he took his good right hand and used it to pull up both of the Colonial girl’s eyelids, he saw only white, her eyes so turned in her head the pupils were not visible, it was a sign that she was being assaulted by a Sith mind attack.

Hera you must fight him too!

“You have no power here Sith, you will leave her mind now!” Hawkins shouted as he began to fight back, as he begin to shunt his own living force into Hera’s mind he hoped giving her the power she needed to back up her considerable abilities. It was a lot of raw energy for the girl to convert to her own uses and if she could not stabilize it, it would likely kill her just as well, but he thought it to be the only way.

The forest of green and gold burned as it withered and died. Left to the cruel nature of the darkside the force swept away any pretence of safety and compassion for this new barren wasteland of damnation. Around the two figures as they lay crumpled upon the earth, black jets of fire surrounded them licking at thier feet, even engulfing the very horizon beyond, as lightning stretched from cloud to cloud above.

Heras beauty and serenity was lost now, rocks and pain were cast from the heavens, projectiles from the mountains now crushed into volcanoes of anger and pain. Liquid magma crawled down the side of these titans, the heat of destiny melting anything that dared oppose their power, while the forest trees all fell and collapsed without second thought for the world.

Through the ruins a lone figure stalked the flames, his pale yellow eyes could just be glimpsed as he stalked keeping to the shadows. His hood, black and draping covered his face holding him in an unnatural shadow.

The beast waved his hand and the circle of fire opened for him to walk peacefully through. It would seem as though a cloud of protection enveloped him from this tragedy, protected him from the turmoil of prophecy that crushed the spirit of this one girl.

“Jedi.” The beast said disgusted as the crumpled form of Hawkins disappeared into the waking world. “I know what harms you child.” Hera lay writhing on the lifeless grass. “It is fear, sadness, terror of power and the fear of losing those that you love. What a sad life you have my dear.” The hooded man almost mourned for the crying girl as she quivered. “I can help you, I can make the pain go away.”

A surge of energy passed into the mind of Hera almost quenching the fires of her world, yet the shadow grasped it, the shadow trained the light away from its recipient, almost like a parasite and moulded it within his own two hands.

Glimmering the yellowed talons brushed the hair away from the girls face. “I can make the pain go away Hera.” His said again, this time whispering it into her ear. “I can heal your wounds, I can protect you from the shadow and the light.” His razored claws brushed along her forehead, using the misguided energy of Hawkins to heal the wounded girl.

“So like the Jedi.” The darkness snidely laughed. “Incapable of saving the things they truly need.”

“You will be whole in time Hera, to be truly rid of this curse they have placed upon you. Come and find me, I lie entombed within the storms of Asfaltum. Only can I free you.” The shadow moved back until it has passed through through the inferno of fire and flame.

Six days had passed, since she was expelled from her garden, her own paradise. Six days, she endured, fighting the evil within, fighting against the shadow with every fiber of her being. For six days she had been losing. The light shined ever brighter, everyday trying to expel the darkness, and for six days, the shadow grew darker, in the wake of the ever present light.

The forest she so loved burned, as she once saw ten years ago. The man in black, the man out of her nightmares as a child had come, as he had promised, yellow eyes and teeth, and set fire to what she loved. She was alone now, lost in the silence of the tank, robbed of her garden, she stood outside of it, naked, staring at the angels with swords of fire.

He whispered to her, not as a conqueror but as a friend. “I will give you what you have lost, you will be healed. Find me at Asfaltum. Asfaltum... Asfaltum... Hera repeated.

“Find me... Find me...” she repeated, to the world, unknowingly in her peaceful slumber, as the sith continued to hound her heart mind and soul. She could not leave, she pleaded, “I can not leave, not yet there is too much to do. Emily, Hawkins” she said to the darkness, in vain.

“They can not help you, you will continue to suffer as long as you are with them. Your home will suffer, your mother and father will die unless you come find me.” the dark robed man replied, his voice kind as a grandfather, but his soul as black as coal.

On the seventh day, her eyes opened, and she could see once more. She floated in a tank of liquid, her very breath and food coming from a tube, as she struggled to move. Her chest hurt, her arms sore, her legs ached in pain, but she was healed. She looked down, watching herself float in the reddish liquid, wearing nothing but a white bathing suit. She looked out and saw no one, she heard nothing. She could do nothing. She was trapped.

“Look at what they have done to you Hera, a voice told her. You were stuck down, and they put you in a tank for the world to see, exposed, humiliated. You should make them pay. Students have walked by you and laughed. Look at the freak, they said, look at her body.” Hera grew angrier at the very thought. She tried to find the door but could not. How did she get in? How would she get out? She was trapped, like a ship in a bottle.

She tried to scream, but her voice would not get out of the respirator. Trapped, scared, her eyes turned yellow, as her rage hit the breaking point.

An explosion occurred, as the glass flew across the room. The red liquid began to drain out of the tank as she was swept away with the tide. Her body finally free, she had to find refuge. She had to get free, she had to find Asfaltum.

“I do not ever remember taking orders from you” Hawkins said to Emily in disgust and anger. “And you are sorry but do nothing to prevent this from happening in your own classroom, and Academy!” He now shouted at the Master of Cordian Jedi who was not even worthy enough to bring Yoda his morning cup of caf. “I wonder why the dark side has so much influence in this place when your own student are so able to use Sith powers at will, such talent does not come free and without infection.” His voice now more strained and pained as blood pooled up at his feet as the Medics finally came to his aide.

“Do you even know who it is that is doing this to her, who it is who is stalking her dreams, and seducing her?” Hawkins voice now changed, full of concern for Hera rather than his frustration at the Cordian’s methods. “Just as my body died in her illusion I heard his laugh, it is something you never forget once you hear it, it sticks with you. The last time I heard it was when he seized power and overthrew the Reformed Republic. It is Palpatine, he is responsible for her pain, and I fear he wants to use her body as his next vessel at the very least he will take her as an apprentice."


Seven Days Later
A thick woolen blanket was draped over Hera as her hands clutched at the trac tube, Hawkins could tell she was confused and scared, not unexpected for someone who had just endured their first experience of bacta.

“Easy, Easy Hera, you need to breathe out as he removed the tube from her mouth. “You need to learn to control your emotions, our enemies will seek to manipulate them for their advantage.” He said patting her on her back,

“Do not be scared Hera, I have been standing here for seven days waiting for you to wake up, I was supposed to keep you calm as the droids removed you from the tank, I did not expect you to react so violently to the bacta, and with such raw force.

“You can either puke up the bacta remains, or you can take a pull of rye.” Hawkins said extending her a worn hip flask. As she went about doing either, Hawkins continued to speak to her.

“Bacta is not without its side effects but it can heal exceptionally well, for most people at least, I am glad to see its worked its magic on you. I am not so lucky.” He laughed his lacerations had been stitched up and wrapped in gauze, Hawkins bones in the real world after all were unbreakable, his bodies tissues were another matter.

“That room over there has a shower and cloths go clean yourself up, then we need to speak, in this world if you don’t mind.” He told her in a voice of a commanding officer, he was sure she’d recognize.

Hera looked at Hawkins, staring at him, her brown eyes still yellow. The dark side flowed through her, as easy as water through a pipe. Her blood boiled, as the shock of what had happened to her consumed her. Hera was not Hera, she was more bestial. As Hawkins spoke, she heard another voice, from the darkness that had consumed her, without her choice or her consent.

“Strike him down now, and your journey to the dark side will be complete. Listen to me, he wants you to suffer, he wants you to fail. He wants to hold you back, to keep you weak. I want you to be strong. Strike him down now.” the voice echoed through her mind.

Hera looked to Hawkins, as the darkside tried to lash out at him. The darkness rose, as the young girl resisted. “I can not. I will not. He is my commander.” In her mind, she grabbed her anger, her hate, and cast it down. “Not Him.” she said to it. “The Students, yes. The pompous masters who hate and fear me yes. Hawkins no.” she told the darkness, using it’s strength, and will to hold her own.

Her mind was in conflict, “I can not cast him out. He is confused, he is in need of help. He is so close, give him time.” she said to herself, clearly conflicted on the issue. The darkness tried to lash out once more, as the young tortured girl fought it. “Do what must be done. Do not Hesitate, show him no mercy.”

Hera replied, “No, not him.” as she began to vomit up the contents of her stomach. The red fluid, that filled her for a week, coming up out of her mouth, spewing forth. She gasped for air, trying to suck down that precious oxygen. She gasped as she tried to speak, but she could not. She felt like she was choking, like she was dying. Her hands reached out to her new commander, her small hands shaking from the shock, and from the cold she grabbed the silver flask.

Her throat burned, as she gulped down the rye. It burned, like the fire of the forest, and tasted like crap, but it did it’s job. Her throat was cleared. She gaged as she removed the flask from her lips, as she gasped once more, this time not from the Bacta, but from the taste in her mouth.

Hera slowly turned her head to Hawkins, her eyes now Dark Brown, she looked to him. “Hit the shower, and come back, we need to talk.” he said to her. Her reason nearly gone, but her instinct, and her training kicked in. She obeyed without question.

Soon after the greasy liquid was gone from her body, Hera came out of the shower. Her bloody dress laid out to the side, she wore the clothes given to her, that of a Jedi apprentice. She walked out, silently, still barefoot, she walked to him. “I must fly to the storm, or else all will die. It is no longer safe.”

She looked to the table, at her blood soaked dress. Her thin fingers reached for it, touching her own dried stains. “I do not want to hurt anyone, but I am a monster. Put me out of my misery sir, he will follow and destroy all until I set foot in the storm. Until I reach Asfaltum.” She said, her voice cold, as the darkside energy still resided within the small thin frame of the seventeen year old girl.

In the days following Hera's treatments, the Jedi Masters reeled at the thought that Palpatine must be behind the machinations behind Hera's growing darkness and 'internal storm'. Daniel had told the Council of what happened to Palpatine, but they didn't realize that he still has influence, even as a Force storm with no end in sight. Somehow, something had to be done about that storm in order to permanently destroy Palpatine, but in the meantime, Hera had to be contained.

Emily Rydo, who had loved the child from the moments she laid eyes on her, reluctantly allowed Hawkins to care for her. For one thing, she learned over the week that the two of them were now connected by a strong Force Bond, similar to the one that connected Bastila Shan and Revan when Hawkins poured his lifeforce into Hera to keep her alive. Hawkins and Hera now was able to locate each other no matter where they were in the galaxy. They would also be able to sense each other's state as well. The flip side of this bond would be that if one was harmed, the other would know intimately, as if they were twins. If one died, the other would have a hole torn out of their heart. And, if Emily's suspicions about Hera being connected to the state of the Colonies was correct, Hawkins would also be tied to the state of the Colonies. Such a double-edged sword it was. What did the Force have in mind by bringing them together?

In the days following Hera's treatments, the Jedi Masters reeled at the thought that Palpatine must be behind the machinations behind Hera's growing darkness and 'internal storm'. Daniel had told the Council of what happened to Palpatine, but they didn't realize that he still has influence, even as a Force storm with no end in sight. Somehow, something had to be done about that storm in order to permanently destroy Palpatine, but in the meantime, Hera had to be contained.

Emily Rydo, who had loved the child from the moments she laid eyes on her, reluctantly allowed Hawkins to care for her. For one thing, she learned over the week that the two of them were now connected by a strong Force Bond, similar to the one that connected Bastila Shan and Revan when Hawkins poured his lifeforce into Hera to keep her alive. Hawkins and Hera now was able to locate each other no matter where they were in the galaxy. They would also be able to sense each other's state as well. The flip side of this bond would be that if one was harmed, the other would know intimately, as if they were twins. If one died, the other would have a hole torn out of their heart. And, if Emily's suspicions about Hera being connected to the state of the Colonies was correct, Hawkins would also be tied to the state of the Colonies. Such a double-edged sword it was. What did the Force have in mind by bringing them together?

I disagree entirely with the force bond part due to the machinations and manipulations of myself to stop it from forming. But the force bond is for OG to post not CW ^_^

OOC: Lets keep OOC comments to MSN. http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Force_bond

Hawkins saw Hera’s eyes. And for a moment his heart was frozen cold, he felt anguish for the young women, he pitied her, he felt grief. He saw the same eyes as he saw in his fiancée before she jabbed her lightsaber through his chest. His scar throbbed painfully, Would this girl do the same, would she fall to darkness too, if so he swore then and there it would be over his dead body.

Hawkins tossed a foil wrapped bar at Hera,

“Open it and eat it, it tastes like chocolate flavored sawdust, but has enough calories and vitamins to sustain you for two days, you will need it.” Hawkins told her throwing her what the Farstars military called a Ranger Bar.

“I told you already girl, the verse is not a safe place, there a legions of bad people wanting to do the good and innocent harm. The only thing that’s stands in their way and evil intent are rough men like me, and you. Make no mistake you are not an innocent, you have had training, you have a duty, both to the Colonies and now as a Jedi Trainee to put yourself in harms way and if necessary to sacrifice yourself for others. As a Jedi you are a protector, a sort of Lawman as the marshals of old. We Jedi are always at war though with the SIth, our eternal enemy who are like Palpatine, they car only for themselves and their own power, and everything else is secondary. By training here Hera the Sith see you as a Jedi, perhaps they know of your torment, and would want to change your allegiance rather than kill you, but it is they not you who put your family and friends at risk.

“I am much concerned about what you have just said and I see some truths about it,” Hawkins relented

“You must go to Asfaltum.” Hawkins told her plainly, “You must go to the storm. You must face Palpatine elemental alone, If you do not the whole universe will be slaughtered until you do.

Is that what he tell you Hera? Do you fear that he or his minions will kill your family if you do not, or ravage your home? Is that what he said to you Hera? Is that what he has told you?”

“You love your parents more than words can say, I can feel that in you, and you love your home as I mine. Palpatine also knows this, he is using your most powerful emotions against you, trying to coerce you. This is why in the Old Republic Jedi were taught that there is no emotion, that it was a weakness and an unnecessary attachment. This is not the Old Republic and we are not those Jedi, and you though unlike me still have a living family so his threats are real. If you want to rush off to Asfaltum, go, I will not stop you.

“You would be rushing off to your doom though, Save your family you might, but your parents would not recognize you. Hera, Palpatine would change you, he would make you into a monster, he would make you into his apprentice if you are lucky, if you are not perhaps you would be his new host body. Would your parents want that of you?”

“I advise you to stay with me, train, become strong in your understanding of the Force before you go and face Palpatine, and when you do, I will be there with you

The Pain of Hera (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u2eQYJSOjQ)

The Darkness does not die, it only bides it’s time, like a snake in a bush waiting for the perfect time to strike. The Darkness does not let go, once tainting your soul, you are never free. She could feel it, she could feel everything at once. Love, Hate, Happiness, Sadness, Hope and Despair. Her veins continued to boil, as the war continued to wage, long after her unwilling surrender. Why did she fight? No one knew, especially Hera.

Hera, looked down at the tasteless food that Hawkins held out. “It is poison” she heard again. “Do not eat it, it will harm you.”

Hera looked to Hawkins, “You promised you would never harm me.” she said, as she took the bar from his hands, and began to eat it. Bit by bit, her starved body consumed the bar, until in a matter of seconds it was gone.

Hawkins continued to speak, his words ringing of wisdom, she knew him to be correct. She reached out to him, her body still cold, as the darkside continued to hold it’s sway over her. “He took her from you. He stole Valentine’s day. He ate your chocolates, stole your ring, left you nothing but empty boxes. She is dead now, dead to the world, but not to you. She forgives you, she knows it was not you.” Hera said to her new commanding officer, her thin cold fingers held to his cheeks. “One day you will see her again, you will say she was right.”

Hera then, turned her pale face to the wall, her eyes looking at something intently, although it was not clear what it was. As she stared, as Hawkins waited for his reply, Hera began to giggle. Like a twelve year old girl, she giggled and giggled. Finally after she caught her breath she turned back to Hawkins. “I will stay with you. I will learn what you have to teach me. I trust you, and I know you. You keep your word, you will not harm me.”

Hera slowly began to stand up, and she reached for Hawkins hand. “Come. Come, she replied it is almost time for my first day at school. We do not want to be late.” Hera replied, as she smiled to her new master. Her mouth slightly ajar, she smiled, as if nothing in the world was wrong. As if nothing could be wrong.

She walked out of the medical ward, holding his hand tightly. As they got closer to the classroom Hera began to squeeze Hawkins hand. Her grip was deadly, like she was a 240 pound man, in a 90 pound girls body. She looked at the classroom door, as her pupils began to get bigger and bigger. She began to shake uncontrollably. “They hate me.” she said scared out of her mind. “They fear me, and I can feel it.” She turned to Hawkins for guidance, for council. In the doorway stood a Yin and Yang, the Lightside with the Dark.

A small girl passes by the Jedi Hawkins and his new apprentice. She would have moved on but for a quizzical look as she watched Hera. The little one's eyes widened slightly as she saw and felt that Hera was frightened. Frightened...of whom? The little girl looked where Hera looked and made a small squeak of understanding.

"You must be new." The girl beamed, revealing a missing front tooth. "Everyone's scared when they're new. Wanna hear a story?"

Not waiting for an answer, she continued. "When I was little, and I mean real small, I was scared of water. But then Daddy told me that I didn't have to be afraid of water because it's good to drink and good to swim in. When I started swimming, I wasn't scared no more. I think Daddy said then that I made peace with what I'm afraid of, but I don't really know what he means."

Then the little girl giggled cutely, her twin ponytails laughing along with her as she rocked on the balls of her feet. "Oh, I'm sorry! I'm Nina. What's yours?"

“Nina, my name is Master Hawkins, Perhaps you could take your seat and give us a moment?” Hawkins asked her, it was clear it was not a question rather it was an order. This academy was falling apart, if the Cordian did not maintain some discipline around here, the place Hawkins thought, was a bad joke.

“She is right though Hera , I can tell you are scared Hera, Hell I can feel you are scared” Hawkins said referring with that last to her vice grip on his hand.

“Jedi do not fear, Hold your back straight and your head high, face your fears and overcome them.” Hawkins comforted her, “Why are you scared of these students, they are like you, learning of the force as you. They are not better or worst then you but your peers. I think it is they who are scared of you because they do not know you yet, give them time, you will make friends perhaps with girls like Nina. Undisciplined though she is she could teach you much of this place and you could teach her a lot about proper customs and courtesies.”

His voice was low only she could hear his words now,

“It is Palpatine who wants you to hate them for their fear and caution around you. He wants your heart to burn with revenge for the juvenile actions of the students against you. Do not fall into his trap, do not hate others even your enemies, and seek instead to understand them.”

“Go and take your seat, I will remain here for a few more minutes, then I need to go and take care of some matters. I want you to meet me at the training center at 1400 hours in PT gear, we have training to conduct. If you make a friend, feel free to bring one, we could use the sparring partner. Clear?”

After Hawkins finished issuing Hera’s orders, and mission, she quickly saluted him. Out of instinct, from her years at the military academy, she replied, “Sir yes sir.” Her head higher now, she began to feel concern, and confidence. She watched Hawkins, acting more like a father, than an officer. He was concerned for her, she could see this. It was more than not wanting Palpitine to win, it was becoming personal for the old solder. He had fought too many battles, lost too many wars. He was determined not to lose this time. She could see it in his eyes, he played to win.

Hera then looked to Nina, the young girl, the first student to actually get near her, let alone talk to her. She kneeled down, looking into her big eyes. Happiness began to fill Hera’s heart, and the fabled lost innocence, like the tide, came rushing in, filling her body. The tide was strong, but still the darkness lingered. Hera new one day this girl would grow up to hate her, but that was a different day.

Hera reached out her hand to Nina. “Hello, my name is Hera.” she responded to Nina’s earlier question. “I do not know why I am so scared, why the nightmares haunt me so. I do not know why the others fear me, or why you do not.” Hera responded, as she tilted her head slightly to the right, as if she was examining a piece of artwork.

Hera reached out her hand, to Nina, as the young child, filled with innocence and joy quickly reached out to Hera. “Come, you have to come.” the small child replied. “We are late.”

Nina almost yanked Hera into the classroom. As she entered, the marble floor below, felt icy cold, on Hera’s feet. She looked around, seeing the eyes of black, all but the teacher and Nina stared at her for a split second.

“Oh the freak is here.” she heard in her mind, as one student spoke to her. “Hello lightning rod. “ another said, without saying a word. “Didn’t she learn her lesson the last time.” a third student said, in his silence. The darkness swelled, rising like the tide. She could see them all clearly, she could feel their bodies in her mind, the frailty of their throats. “Why won’t they leave me alone.” she thought to herself, as she could feel the desire to squeeze the life out of them, all of them.

As the darkside began to expand, almost beyond the breaking point, a new feeling came into her, peace, happiness. Hera looked around the room, as the students continued to look at the teacher, as they had been the entire time. Tug tug, she felt as she looked down. “Hera you need to sit, the teacher does not like it when you stand. Nina replied to the lost girl.

Hera began to walk to a pillow, as a voice cried out, “Sit next to me.” Hera looked at the six year old girl and smiled. She sat down ready for her second "official" lesson.

Ironically, the class that was next for Hera was called Control, something she had trouble in her training. Fortunately for her, she had one of her favorite Masters for the job of teaching the class.

Master Rydo smiled softly as Hera and Nina entered the room. The other students felt fear (not wanting to see another breakdown episode) when Hera entered and she knew that she would have to talk with them individually later, but for now, it seems that she will have to get on with the class.

"I am glad you managed to arrive on time, girls." Emily smiled at the girls and nodded respectfully at Master Hawkins. "This class is now in session."

She addressed the class next. "You have mastered Sense, or at least I hope you have. This class is a little more difficult, for you must learn Control. It is not enough that you have the ability to sense the flow of the Force. More, it is that you have to maintain control of your powers. What I would like for you all to do is simple. You will take a deep breath and let it out and use your Sense power to reach out. Then, you will allow the Force to flow freely within you. Let it flow from your head to your toes and back again. Let it flow around your bones, into your muscles, through the veins in your blood. If you are successful, you shall feel calm, serene, at peace. For only when you are calm and your mind is stilled, shall you have peace. Begin."

The sound of collective breath rushing into and out of a dozen young lungs filled the air. The Force began to swirl as students struggled to reach for that elusive calmness and peace. Nevertheless, the room seemed a lot calmer, more peaceful than when Hera stepped in it as students began settling, if not in peace, than at least more at ease with their emotions. An effective therapy for a troubled one, perhaps.

Sensing came as easy to Hera as breathing. However if you stop breathing, you will die. Hera feared closing her eyes again, she knew that monsters laid behind them, waiting in the darkness, wanting to convent the last shred of her. She knew the dark, and she was becoming accustomed to it. However Emily asked her to, and Hera knew she had to do it.

Hera closed her eyes, and as before could see. She watched the students struggle to find peace, and some did. She could still hear their thoughts, “Find peace, feel the force.” seemed to be the common theme. The noise in the silence was deafening. She lifted her hands to her ears, and pressed tightly, trying to drown out the sound of silence. She was failing.

As Emily walked around the classroom, Hera watched her. She could see her friend, her new mother as clear as day. Nina, beside her, she could also see. However she could not feel them, none of them. She could see herself, but not feel herself.

She kept trying, “I must feel myself, I need to feel.” she whispered. She concentrated, putting her whole effort, fighting her way to find peace. A voice from the darkness began to laugh, “There is no peace, only passion. You know this to be true.” the dark voice in the back of her mind, whispered to her. She began to hold her ears tighter, as she tried to find the lie, as she tried to find peace.

Minutes went by, as the students began to talk less, but Hera still could not do it, the noise was too loud for her, the thoughts of the students flowed through her, her hands useless against the noise. And the laughter, was frustrating. Hera yelled, “It is too noisy in here.” as she opened her eyes. She was a failure.

Several students lost their concentration when Hera yelled out. A few, however, finally understood what is happening to her, for they have gone through the same thing (just not to the same intensity). Her telepathic powers were impressive, but uncontained, and that's what is causing her to be distracted to the point of frustration. Sympathy rolled out from those few students.

Emily Rydo watched in silence as one of the students gathered his courage and moved his pillow to Hera.

The lad, raven haired with a bit of a tail, was a young man of 16, a student training in the Force. "Maybe I could be of assistance, my friend."

The student began to approach Hera, his soul filled with sympathy, for the troubled young teenager, he moved in unconcerned for his safety, unconcerned for the potential physical ramifications. His only concern was helping her.

Hera watched him, like a predator does it’s prey, her eyes never leaving him for a second. He slowly placed his red pillow next to hers.

Hera smiled at him, as he looked to her. A small voice in her head whispered, “Careful with this one, he is going to use you, then discard you with the evening trash.” Hera listened to the whisper, but she could also hear the student. “I only want to help.” she heard him speak.

Hera looked to him, “You may help her, if you desire.” she spoke, to the young jedi.

Softly, the lad took the hand of the young girl before him and seemed to feel the torment in her soul. "It appears that you have yet to learn how to block the thoughts of others. I was much like you, until a mentor of mine showed me how to turn my mind into a barrier from wayward thoughts. It is simple, but takes effort and resilence."

"All it takes is to imagine a shield around your mind. One strong and stable. One that will block out everything and help you take control of your mind. So, uh, try it." Henry said.

Warmth flowed over Hera, as the body heat from the teenage male washed over her icy cold hand. He looked to her, as she looked at him. She watched him, listening to him. She knew he wanted her, but more than wanting a date, he wanted to aid her. She could feel Henry, his inner thoughts, his desires. She knew him to be sincere. Hera said nothing, there was nothing to say, she just smiled.

Hera, gently squeezed his hand, not like before with a strong vice grip, but instead out of reassurance. Her eyes closed, she could see herself, surrounded by the darkness. She floated in the nothingness, the dark energy that surrounded her, went through her, and was her.

She looked around, no longer scared of the darkness, instead somewhat comforted. A voice beckoned from the otherside, a raspy yet fimiliar voice, almost as if out of a dream. “They fill your head with lies my child. If it is so easy, then why am I here. The Jedi are weak, you see it now, they lie and twist their words. Only their slaves are given real power to defend themselves."

The voice continues, “It is time to leave, they teach you about many things, while you writhe in pain. Are they so selfish for a weapon that they will allow you to suffer alone? I can free you. I can release you from your chains. My new, apprentice.”

Hera listened to the voice, to the darkness around her. It’s words were harsh, and cold. She listened to it, her own inner voice.

She floated in what seemed to be an endless darkness. Floating, she could do nothing but co-exist in the darkness of space. Until she noticed, a small candle. “Try what Henry says, it will save you.” Hera had to try. She closed her eyes, and began to project. The darkness soon turned to the devestated sanctuary, the lave still hot, the great trees of old, turned ash, the peaceful lake filled with sulfer, and the air was now poisioned. This is the place she would try to reclaim her innocence. She closed her eyes, and began to build a wall. White energy began to radiate out from her. Peaceful, calm energy, began to drown out the voices.

Silence was all she heard, as the shield grew, restoring the belovied land. Grass grew, and the ashes, began to reform into flowers. The lave cooled, and returned to topsoil. She had done it, inside her white bubble, she had made peace.

Hera opened her eyes, and looked to Henry. She lowered her eyes slightly, “Thank you.” she said smiling.

She closed her eyes again, to enjoy the sound of silence. There was no thought, no emotion, just her. Hera smiled, finally free from her burdens, free from her insanity, free to be a teenage girl. She soon began to dance, in her world. As the light grew, and the forrest continued to be restored, she looked to the moon and laughed, she smiled.

Then something caught her eye. She stared at it, not knowing what it was, it was just outside her shield, her new protection. The figure got closer and closer, dressed in black robes as it passed through the barrier. “I told you, they lied. Nothing can keep me away from you. You are mine.”

Hera watched in horror, as the shield began to crumple, as all she had worked for, all she had gained began to slip away. Hera returned to the world, as she was before, maybe worse. For a moment she had peace, and she wanted it back. She could do nothing but cry.

For a moment, peace flooded the room as Hera learned how to shield her mind. For a tiny moment, she had peace. And then...it came crashing down around her. That one second of peace was lost.

Nina looked sad. "Please don't cry, friend Hera."

Henry groaned as he struggled to find the words that will help her recover. Damn. This is harder than I thought.

Emily walked over to Hera and Henry. "You've done all you could, Henry. I will take it from here. Do not despair, for you have given her a powerful tool to help her succeed."

"Yes, Master." Henry bowed and gave way for the Master.

"Class is dismissed." Emily announced, and the students piled out of the room. "Hera. Hera. Look at me."

The weeping girl raised her head.

"You have done well. Not many students could do what you have done and fight darkness on their second day of training." Emily said. "You have much to learn. There is something that I shall teach you now. It is the Code of the Jedi, our most sacred creed. It follows thus."

There is no emotion, there is peace.
There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.
There is no passion, there is serenity.
There is no chaos, there is harmony.
There is no death, there is the Force.

Emily began to explain what it's all about. "The Code is a guide to the conduct of the Jedi. That is not to say, however, that we deny all these things. To have emotion is to be alive. To know ignorance is the beginning of wisdom. To have passion is to revere life. To know chaos is to seek the storm's eye. To know death is to accept that all things pass in the Force in time."

"Emotions are not to be overcome or denied, but rather understood and dealt with, for that is the path to peace. Ignorance is not to be feared, but a sign to seek the light of knowledge. Passion: A Jedi may be passionate for good, but it must be tempered by a serene mind and a steady hand. Chaos: Every event has a purpose, every tragedy a meaning. The Jedi must acknowledge disappointments and failures and take them in stride. That is the path to harmony. Death is not to be feared, for it is only the natural part of life. The Force still lives on, even after we die, so there is no death, only the Force."

“Oh my dear.” The sympathetic voice said slowly. “The Jedi continue to throw their lies upon you. The seek to limit your power, contain your pain instead of ridding you of it.” The world inside Hera drooled away revealing an ash laden landscape that resembled Mustafar.

“This is my world my dear, look at the fire burning from the earth.” Bright yellowed eyes watched an explosion of magma. “It is nature itself, the chaos, the.” The voice seethed. “The destruction. How is that not natural? The Jedi continue to lie in hypocrisy, they shroud you with nothing but distractions hoping to use you, like your former masters. They preach one thing but do another, you and your people are above such frail lies.”

“Their code.” The malevolence turned his scarred and deformed face and looked directly at Hera. “Is not like their practice. They hide the truth from you again, but I am not so jealous in my words; hear me Hera and learn the nature of your destiny,

“Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
Through passion, you will gain strength.
Through strength, you shall gain power.
Through power, you will grasp victory.
Through victory, your chains will be broken.
Only I can set you free. “

Invite your Jedi master into this world, let her see the terror you face. Let her witness the destruction that will rain down upon her if you do not leave this world.”

Hera world changed once more to a sterile barren landscape. In one corner was Darth Vader talking to some old man, while other crew members quickly scuttled to and from. “DEATH STAR IN RANGE IN FIFTEEN MINUTES.”

“This is her future Hera, but you can change it....”

Emily continued to sit with Hera, and with her calming words, she did all she could do to heal the teenage girl. Her warmth poured over Hera, her peace her kindness. Emily genuinely cared for Hera, and Hera refused to believe that Emily would lie to her. She could not lie to her, for if she did Hera knew that she would know.

Hera looked up to Emily, her voice lacking the luster for life almost as if she had already died, “You have to leave this planet. He is coming soon, and he will destroy it with fire from above, not like my home, but with a blaze so strong nothing but ash and rock will be left.”

As she spoke the classroom faded, and they were on the Bridge of the Deathstar. To Hera’s right, stood the Dark Lord of the Sith, Palpitine, not disguised as before but in his full dark vestment. “Peace is a lie.” the dark lord told her. Hera retorted, “Peace is not a lie, I felt it, I knew it. You ripped it from me.” Hera said her voice full of anger, full of passion.

The dark lord, seemingly oblivious to Emily just laughed. “Good, Good. Get angry, force me out of your mind. Your anger makes you stronger. Attack me, I am unarmed, unable to fight back. Kill me, force me out of your mind, reclaim your forest your peace.” Hera just looked at the dark lord, as in the background another voice said “We are within Range Lord Vader.” Another man in black, looking more like a robot than a man, his voice raspy and hidden behind his respirator replied, “You may begin, today we will see the end of this pathetic rebellion.”

“Both of you might want to watch this.” the dark lord replied. Hera turned out the window, as x-wings and Cordian, Abh, Godularian, even some strange ships that looked similar to the colonial battlestars, but bearing a different emblem fired all they had at the death star. Alliance Gunships and skimmer, X-wings, Y wings, and Tie fighters, along with Vipers danced in space, as the Battlestar Coredia and her friends and allies fought against the onslaught of the Empire. Like Hera fighting in vain, against an unstoppable foe.

“Fire.” the man in black, said, as a green beam struck out from the deathstar, heading to Konoha. Within a second, the planet was gone. Hera collapsed, her knees weak, as she felt millions of lives vanish in an instant. “Hawkins, Nina.” Hera cried out. You murdered them.” she yelled out.

Palpitine laughed, “No Hera you did. You did all of this. I want to set you free, but you are stubborn. You do not wish to come, you wanted to stay out of misplaced loyalty to your friends. I only wish to set you free, but you refuse to come out of the cage. Your stubbornness killed them, not me. You can still change all of this, you can come to Asfaltum and be free. You can face me there, use your passion to find your... peace. You will not have peace so long as I am with you, and until you come, you will never be free.”

Hera turned to Palpitine, her Eyes yellow, as her anger and hate swelled. She reached out to him, to choke the life out of him. All he did in return was laugh. "Is that the best you can do, you are stronger than this. Hit me harder, use your anger, use your passion, to regain your peace, to find your lie."

The mind-walk took a lot out of Master Rydo. She saw with horror the plans Palpatine laid out for Konoha. She knew that if nothing was done, Hera would be forced to take a path that no one would wish. She knew that once Palpatine has had Hera, the Colonies were doomed, perhaps forever. Therefore, she did the only thing she could.

She accepted. She accepted with compassion, without judgement, that Hera might choose the path of darkness. She accepted that the Empire may attack and destroy Konoha and perhaps even rip her away from Hera. From that acceptance came a peace. A peace stronger than the passion of the Emperor Palpatine. A peace brighter than the superlaser of the Death Star. A peace that washed over Hera.

"Ask and you shall recieve. Seek and you shall find. The truth shall set you free. I tell you the truth when I say that Palpatine will use the Death Star on this planet regardless of whether you go to Asfaltum or not. I tell you the truth when I say the Dark Side is easier, more seductive to use. I tell you the truth when I say the road to enlightenment is long and narrow, with many pitfalls. I tell you the truth when I say you may war with the Dark inside you all your life."

"But I also tell you the truth when I say that peace does not come from passion or anger or hatred or despair. I tell you the truth when I say that power is useless without mercy and compassion. I tell you the truth when I accept that Palpatine may kill me, destroy this planet and this nation. I tell you the truth when I say that I forgive my foes for their sins, even if they will sneer at my 'weakness' and kill me. From the meek shall come true strength. From the weak shall come true power. The smallest voice that whispers is the loudest that shouts."

"The path is laid out for you, dear Hera. You need only let go of your fear, your anger. Accept that all these things may come to pass, without anger, without fear, without despair, without hatred. With sadness, yes, but with joy that they are one with the Force. Forgive your enemies as you forgive your friends. Fight not with force of arms, but with love. Fight not with darkness, but with light."

At this point, Emily was pleading with all her might, praying with all her power. She accepted that it may not be enough, but she fought harder than she has ever fought before, fighting against the greatest Sith the universe has ever seen with all her love, all her compassion, all her strength.

From within the control class room, Chaos ensued. Dark energies, as strong as a sith lord flowed around the class, swirling around the class, as if it were the eye within the hurricane. The energies howled, as with each passing moment, Hera’s soul became blacker. With each passing moment, Palpitine was being proven right. She was becoming his apprentice, she was his.

Her power was becoming undeniable, as Hera fought against the darkness, by calling on more darkness. All she heard was laughter, the mocking noise from the pale man in black. Her soul now was like charcoal, darker than nightshade, almost as black as the sith lord himself.

Hera fought to defend those she liked, those she loved. Her passion burned in her, to save Emily, to save her other master Hawkins, to save the pure innocence of Nina. She fought more importantly, for herself. She tasted peace, the never ending goal. She felt tranquility, and every fiber of her being burned to have it back. To have something was one thing, but to lose it, to have it stolen from you was another. She had fallen. Despair, anger, and hate was all she had, she was becoming free.

As she fought with all she had, her every attack was thwarted by the ghost. “How can you kill a ghost.” a small voice said in the back of her mind. “You can not kill what is dead, he is a part of you, he always will be. Accept that. He will live in you forever, and although you may be free, you will be forever imprisoned.”

As she fought, sweat began to drip from her body, she moved like lightning, the force enchaining her half cylon body. Her anger rose, and she moved, hitting harder, and harder, pushing her body to the limit, and still he laughed at her. She could do nothing to him, she could not stop him.

“Accept it Hera, he is a part of you, he is you. You can not kill yourself, you can not win against yourself, let him be.” the small voice said again.

Hera began to slow down, she was exhausted, fighting the nothingness of the ghost, she despaired. “You can not hurt him with anger, he is anger. You can not fight him with fear, he is fear. Accept what I say, you can not save everyone, you can only save yourself.” the voice said.

Hera fought on, the voice fueling her anger. “I must save them, I have to save them.” she replied, as her heart rate pounded in her chest, sweat dripped from her pores. “You can not, you can only save yourself. Let the will of the force be. Look at me.” the voice said.

She stopped her attack on the phantom, and turned her head. Hera saw Emily, watching her, calm peaceful, the embodiment of all she had lost, and continued to lose. Emily just looked at Hera, her adopted daughter, and although Hera had fallen so deep, like a mother Emily just smiled at her. “How can she be so calm, watching everything she loved die? Her home, her friends her family, all gone.” Hera asked. The voice replied, “She accepts that all things die, whether through the death star, or the cold grip of age all will die. Even your mother will one day die, a final death, when the parts of the resurrection ship fail, and there are no more bodies, she too will die. It is the inevitable, no one can stop it.

As Hera watched, Palpitine came up from behind her, and placed his cold wrinkled hands on her shoulders. “You see Master Rydo, you have failed.” Hera, lost in the moment continued to stare into Emily’s eyes, as a single tear rolled down, falling from her left eye, it slowly flowed, down to her chin. The tear hung on for a second, hanging from her chin, before falling to the cold metal floor of the death star. Emily did not say anything, she did not do anything. She did not need to.

Hera’s anger had passed, she now felt shame. She was forsaking her, the woman who was so kind to her, cared for her when no one else would. The woman who protected her from the greedy and hateful eyes of the other jedi. The woman who would protect her from the serpents. Hera in trying to protect Emily, learned she was failing her. The darkness had truly infected Hera’s soul, but Hera could not abandon Emily. The death star faded, as the classroom reemerged, Hera sat dripping in sweat, her clothes soaked. Darkness had nearly covered her soul, had almost consumed her every fiber, but still good existed. Hidden within, like a diamond in a coal mine, it was there, waiting to be refined, polished, Emily searched the young girl and dragged the precious gem out.

Emily it would seem, was Hera’s Achilles heel.

As the room returned, as the dark energy subsided, Hera emerged anew. She looked to Emily, no longer scared, as she finally began to learn. With everything she threw, she began to learn of the force. Hera smiled at Emily as she wrapped her arms around her. Her wet arms soaking through Emily's cloak, Hera squeezed gently, as she rested her head on Emily's shoulders. "I will not let Sidious harm you." she said, her voice although still sweet, yet cold.

The doors to the classroom burst open as Hawkins stood in the archway, Hera was thirty minutes late for their meeting. He decided to go looking for her and as he neared the classroom he was filled with a sense of dread. He called two Cordian Knights to him as he approached the classroom, taking in the aftermath of the scene he spoke to them first, “Get the children out of the room, quickly.” Hawkins now moved down the amphitheaters steps approaching the huddled Hera and Master Rydo. When he spoke his voice was loud and clear,

“Lieutenant Agathon! Stand at Attention! You are an officer of the Colonial Fleet, my Apprentice, start to act like it! Enough fucking bellyaching and crying like a little school girl, you are not a school girl like the others here get that through your head!” Hawkins shouted like the Marine Drill Sergeant he was for ten years.

There was anger and disappointment laced through his voice none of it was really at Hera she was the victim her wounds of her own hands, manipulated by Palpatine, something Rydo was not willing to admit until now and how much has her arrogant mistake cost Hera, too fucking much was the answer, he was to say the least livid at the woman who should have known a lot better.

Hera stood up, her clothes soaked with sweat, as if she had just run a 30 mile marathon through the desert. Her hands steady, she stood up with confidence, and gave her commanding officer a quick salute. She seemed different.

Hera turned her attention to Hawkins, as he walked in. Her eyes were strong, her back straight with pride. She knew she had attempted the impossible and survived, something no one else could brag about. She protected Konoha, she protected Emily.

She watched Hawkins moving into the classroom, clearly pissed off. She could feel his anger, and it felt good. She began to crack a smile, as her sweat soaked hair laid in front of her face. What could he do that the dark lord of the sith could not. What power did he have over her, she was free.

"Hawkins." Emily sighed. Calm, compassionate, with a disapproving ring to her voice. "I have only just helped her escape the Dark Lord's grasp. She has a great darkness about her, but there is a heart of goodness about it. I, will require your assistance in releasing that goodness."

"Leutenant Report, now!" Hawkins commanded of his Apprentice as she recounted the event that transpired to create the force hurricane, and her duel with Palpatine, her allure to the power and emotion of the dark side. Hawkins was not surprised by any of it, it is what he feared would happen if Emily opened up Hera besieged mind.

"Master Rydo, were all have darkness in us. She is no different than hundreds that have come before her. Do you forget that Master Skywalker turned to the Dark side for a period, he returned to the light stronger for it. I myself while imprisoned on Wayland was forced to kill for the pleasure of the Emperor and his Sith for ten years. Did you think these scars on my face were from shaving? Palpatine and August liked to carve me up just to hear my screams. I too have a great darkness about me. Her situation is something I understand quite well. While her torments have been in her mind, mine were done in reality." Hawkins told them something he has not told many others.

"Do you think that you are special Hera, do you think for a moment that you have done something here that scores of Jedi before you have not done? It is true that you have survived the experience when they have not, but do you think that makes you better than them?" Hawkins asked of her, his voice no longer angry but low and sad remembering the past. "I have seen much better Jedi and Soldiers than I face the greatest of threats only to be killed, would that be the way we are finally killed protecting our family and friends."

"Do you think that you have done the impossible than, and that has made you mighty? I got news for you girl, Palpatine may be "the" Dark Lord of the Sith, but he is a man not an immortal monster. I have faced him twice and survived though not without cost to my soul, I can see even you can feel the differences he has forced on you as well. You are not mighty Hera only a scarred survivor like myself.

"Beware of your pride Hera, It is good to have and will make you confident, but Pride can also be a deadly sin. The Sith will attempt to have you wrap yourself in it, and to turn yourself against everything you love destroying what you want to protect most. It is what I have done in the past and it is something that you cant wash away."

Hawkins turned to the door and begin walking,

"I will ask you one more time Hera, walk alongside of me as my apprentice?"

Nota bene Emily is welcome to come if she wants

Hera stood at another crossroad. To go or not to go. She saw in Hawkins sincerity. He like Emily beside her, desired to help her, to want her to go down the right path. She had to choose though.

The Dark Lord now gone from her mind, his devastation and havoc done, what else could she do. She did not want to let Emily down, she did not want to let Hawkins down. She slowly walked next to her commanding officer. “I told you before I would be your apprentice. I am not a liar.” She took the walk.

"So you are not." Hawkins told her as they entered the corridor and began walking through the academy. "Palpatine if your were to accept his ways would make you one. You would lie to me and Master Rydo even your family. Though to you it would not be deceit, because you would know better than us, it would be our fault for believing you, and you would tell yourself if you believe what you said was true was it truly a lie then." Hawkins told her.


"So, you have met Palpatine now. I feared it was he who was stalking your mind Hera, I told Master Rydo that he was back I am saddened to see I was not headed. Powerful Palpatine is even in this state, I am comforted somewhat by that you were able to used your feelings for Emily to prevent your acceptance of the Dark Side."

"I tell you know Hera that the greatest advantage we Jedi have over the Sith, The one thing Emily and I can offer you that they never can is Love. Love for your family, love for your friends, love for comrades and each other. The Sith love only themselves and that is their greatest weakness and is something to be pitied, I know Master Rydo would agree in this."

They turned a corner, and Hawkins continued speaking,

"Tell me the Jedi Code Hera."

Hera walked with Emily and Hawkins, step for step, as she quietly listened to him. Love, love is the key. Love is what can save her, she thought to herself. This was the answer, this was the path to Serenity, to peace, the peace she had for a brief instance, the peace she would have again. As she listened she now knew her error. She fought for peace, nearly lost herself as well, and still she did not have peace. Peace could not be won, nor fought for, it had to be earned, obtained from within.

Love and Acceptance was the answer. She could feel Hawkins restless state, she knew now what she was. She could feel the natural peace around Emily, even though she disliked this Master. Their emotions washed over her, filling her void, attacking at the very soul of the darkness within. Like the tide washing on the beach, smashing against the hot lava, cooling it into a solidified rock, their emotions hit Hera.

Hera turned her head to Hawkins. She replied,

“There is no emotion, there is peace.
There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.
There is no passion, there is serenity.
There is no chaos, there is harmony.
There is no death, there is the Force”

Walking with Hera and Master Hawkins, Master Rydo was beginning -only beginning, mind you- to see that perhaps it was a good idea to have Hawkins train Hera. Hawkins was gruff and perhaps not the ideal Jedi, but he has met the Darkness personally and fought it, just as Hera has now. She would have to wait and see if their relationship will grow, but for now, it seems that perhaps she was wrong to judge him so quickly...

Hawkins smiled,

"It seems that this school can manage to teach something right. Yes, Hera that is the Code of the Old Order. It is also something that we do not follow verbatim anymore. It is a code that is eons old and our enemies have dissected it and used its tenants against us.

"We Jedi are not droids, we feel emotions true enough, but we can not let our emotions determine our path. Do not let your emotions Hera every decided your actions. It is not an infallible code anymore, We Jedi feel passion, I had a fiancee once long ago, when I was a young Jedi and her as well and we shared a great passion for one another. But I learned then that there is death. Jedi die just as normal people do, we are but human. Yet, we do not fear death as Palpatine or any of his Sith do. When I die another will be born, life and death is a cycle the natural way of things not to be feared but embraced, that is the force.

"A code that we teach in the Republic is something you can identify better with Hera,

Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy.
Jedi use their powers to defend and to protect.
Jedi respect all life, in any form.
Jedi serve others rather then ruling over them, for the good of the galaxy.
Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.

They turned another corner and Hawkins pushed open the door, it was a dojo light with dozen of candles, orange light bathed the room as they walked to its center over the bamboo floors.

"If you are my Apprentice Hera you must swear to uphold that code at all times even if it means your death or that of your family. Can you swear to that to fight for something greater than any personal attachment?"

Hera listened to her master, her officer as he walked. He spoke wisdom, he seemed to speak the truth, until she heard the unthinkable. “We are not droids.” Hera stopped walking when he said that, her heart began to fill with fire again, as her mind remembered the years at the academy.

“Frakking toasters we should just shoot all of them.” “Hey Blender, what are you up to.” The derogatory statements of old, the statements that she thought she would never hear again came back to her. She glared at Hawkins, she wanted to break his neck for saying that.

Here, in a place where robots and humans co-existed, here in a virtual utopia, one that she thought accepted cylons and human, even here she heard the distain in his voice. “We are not droids.”

She looked to him, as a small voice could be heard in her head, “He does not know, do not be so hard on him, forgive... forgive...”

Hera winced at him. “You may not be a Droid, but my mother is, and I would appreciate it if you would not make comments about them.” she said, politely but sternly.

She listened after that begrudgingly, to Hawkins, his mistake clear. “I do not know if I can accept the code completely, since Jedi are not droids, sir, but I will do my best. I have been PROGRAMMED to serve the best interest of the Quorium of Twelve, and to put my personal feelings, I mean emotional chip aside for the greater good of the Colonies. I think I can live out my life, under such rules, Sir.”

"So your mother is a droid? I could have sworn that she was a Cylon, a flesh and blood member of a sentient race. Droids after all are tools created for specific purposes like the calculation of hyperspace routes. As for you Hera I think you do yourself a disservice. Have you truly been programmed is their really an emotions chip in your head, I find that unlikely from what I know of you. No amount of programing will determine your actions only your will, and it is that which I want you to swear by." Hawkins told her trying to appease her not meaning to set her off by his reference to droids.

"Oh, well thank you for your clarification. Cylons were originally designed as slaves to humans, to make their caculations for them, to take out their trash, and do odd jobs. Not that you would know that though, the colonials rarely like to talk of their past sins." Hera replied to her Jedi Master.

"But for clarification no, I am not programmed, nor have I been, nor do I think it is even possible. After all I was born, not created, unlike my mother. My mother does not even have any visible "software." Hera said, anger still in her voice. "You did not know this though, so I will drop it." she replied.

She continued to walk next to Hawkins and Emily, still fuming, but she replied,"I think I can live by those standards. They seem to be a very basic and simple code of morality. Humans do need morality to keep themselves in check. If a human can do it, I am quite sure I can live by it. I swear to." she retorted.

"Good." Hawkins knew little of the colonies nor the years of hatred about droids there. He was a Jedi and respected all life even that of an asromech droid, some did not, but it was not a crime in this galaxy much as he detested them.

"This is where you were to meet me today, I was going to teach you the basics of Combat as a Jedi, and I still will later tonight, but first if I am to teach you the ways of war as a Jedi you need a Jedi's weapon." Hawkins told her, as he extended an worn silver lightsaber, it was plain and spartan in design, as she activated the white blade it could be extended an additional half-meter.

"This light saber was created by my last apprentice, he became a great Jedi Knight, he was one of those I referred to earlier, died fighting Fiona Masaki when she turned to the Sith. Let that blade serve you as well as it did him."

Hera stared at the blade, it’s pure energy, it’s white glow. She was entranced by it, like a snake staring at it’s charmer, she watched it. She listened carefully to it’s hum, as the blade ionized the air around it. It was perfect. It’s energy roared with unbridled passion, yet it was confined within a space, not to hinder it, but to make it that much more potent.

Hawkins began to describe the events that unfolded, that forced the previous companion to this blade to fall, because of darkness, into death. Hera slightly tiled her head, as she moved the blade, watching it, it’s beauty, it’s passion, it’s peace.

She clicked the blade off, watching it retract into it’s hilt. Such power, in such a small thing, she thought to herself. She looked to Hawkins, “It is beautiful, thank you sir.” as she let out a smile, to his most gracious gift.

She looked to Emily, holding the hilt in her right hand, and she smiled. It did not take a reader to know what she was feeling, what she was thinking. Hera knew Emily was uneasy about the transaction.

Hera reached up with her left hand, and placed it on Emily’s shoulder. “Do not worry, do you honestly believe I would harm you? Do you think I will destroy what you hold dear, that I am a monster? I can see now, you have taught me that. I am beginning to understand, and I am free of the monsters in the darkness. Hera smiled at Emily, although her soul still tainted, as it would probably be for the rest of her life, still Hera did not lie. Hera smiled at Emily, like the little girl she was when they first met.

Visibly, Emily relaxed. Yes, Hera had darkness. But she could sense that the girl was no longer troubled. For the first time in a while, Emily returned the smile. "Thank you, Hera. I believe Hawkins will make a good master for you. Just so, if you need any additional assistance, you know you can always come to me."

Emily knew that she had to do what she must until she could truly trust that Hera would not harm anyone in the school. Still, she saw that the darkness and the light were balanced in the girl and hoped that Hawkins would be able to train Hera well. Only time would tell in this matter.

"If you excuse me, Hera, Master Hawkins, I have some errands to run. The Force be with you, always." Emily bowed and left the twosome to their training session.

The Tragedy of Hera (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnoBqtJfVHs&mode=related&search=)

Sadness of a thousand suns dying at once, one where a thousand tears could be shed. Hera watched her old master, her old teacher, her surrogate mother, turn away. As Emily turned, to leave Hera with her new teacher, someone who seemed to understand her better, Hera simply whispered, “She no longer trusts me. I have never lied, I did what I thought was right. Futile as it was, I still tried.”

Hera did not cry. Hera internalized it, pushing it down deep within her soul. Emily continued to walk, and Hera knew it would be one of the last times she would see her. She turned to Hawkins, the last person in the world, besides the Dark Lord that still talked to her, that would talk to her. “I guess it is just us now. They are too frightened by their dogma, to get anywhere near me. Even after I promised not to harm anyone. Is this how the Jedi try to turn people away from the darkness, by alienating them?"

She turned to a small gravel road, surrounded by willow trees, dogwoods, and other assorted plants. “With your permission sir, I would like to walk some more.” She turned, her heart filled with pain, but she would not show it, not anymore.

"Yes we can walk some more if you wish." Hawkins told Hera, they left the dojo. "It is not our way to alienate anyone Hera. You will come to understand that there are several sects of Jedi, I represent one and the Cordians the other far larger sect. The Jedi whom I train and who follow my teaching are considered to be stuck in the past when viewed by the Cordians, we are much more akin to the Jedi of old with the exceptions that Master Skywalker created when it came to love and marriage. We draw the line however at the inclusion of Sith Attacks or any dark side power in what we teach our Jedi, the Cordians do not. Did you know they actually have their students force attack one another with coking and lightning powers?" Hawkins asked her.

"When we use those powers the slope becomes very slippery, and one's who are touched by darkness already like us would be likely to fall into wholly." Now they walked outside through a courtyard, Hawkins stopped and placed a cigarette in his mouth and light it, puffing on it a moment. "I am sorry I know its quite cold out but the Cordians have laws against smoking indoors if you can believe it." He extended the pack to her with a butt sticking out further than the rest. "Smoke?" He asked her.

"Another example is that light saber I've given you Hera, the cordians would think it a weapon or a tool like any other to be used responsibly of course. But it is so much more than that. In the Old Republic every Jedi fashioned their own lightsaber, the same applies to Cordian Jedi, but not to mine, except for unique circumstances. You see Hera we Jedi are few in number, we are outnumbered by the Sith and the Empire wishes our extinction. At one point there was thousands of Jedi in the Old Republic, now there are but a score. We do not fashion our own sabers but inherit them from our fallen comrades. Yours has had a dozen masters before, it is laced with their memories and sacred honor. You must remember that each time you activate your saber to think not about whose life you are about to take but instead whose life you are about to spare.

"In those visions of your Hera you have done your own physical body and mine harm. I do not think it is the Palpatine's power doing this, he has instigated it sure but I think it is your own uncontrolled powers that he is taking advantage of. Earlier today you learned the to shield your mind, your defense is new and untested that is why it failed against someone like Palpatine. I however can place a seal on your mind that even he will not be able to break, it will keep his influence or anyone else's interference out of your mind. Your visions will continue I can do nothing about those but at least Palpatine will not be able to interfere anymore with your visions. Would you agree to such a thing, it is not without risk..."

Hera reached for the pack, and pulled out the small white cylinder of paper surrounding the tobacco. She then reached for Hawkin’s lighter. Flick Flick, the lighter came ablaze, as Hera took a small drag, inhaling the smoke into her lungs.

She looked to Hawkins, “Forcing smoker’s outside, what strange laws they have. I have never even heard of such an absurd concept, but then again if they tried that at home, there would be planetary wide riots.”

Hera, pulled her cloak closer to her, holding back the cold elements as she took another drag. “I had not witnessed the students being trained in the dark side, nor have I gleamed it from the masters in my time here. Not that it matters. I do not see the harm in such teachings. Wisdom without strength, is futile, and strength without wisdom, is pure idiocy. Hera retorted to the claims of her master.

She listened, as she inhaled, listening to her new masters claims. She just stared at Hawkins. “Does it matter now, he has already taken everything from me. My home is devastated, my friends are divided, my family is at war. My mind was turned to mush, my heart filled with the night, my serenity stolen. She glances over to Emily, before the Jedi master walked around the corner out of sight, “and he took away my friends and allies. I have nothing left, except you, this cigarette and this lightsaber.” Hera slowly glances down at it, the pure silver handle, so simple, yet so beautiful. “If you think it will improve me you may try. I offer you my trust.” she said coldly.

"You may be right about that, The Cordians would also tell you that they are elemental based attacks, but then so couldn't the Sith's attacks also be, and when your skin is burned off your body what then is the difference?" Anyone looking at Hawkins could see the evidence of his many duels with the Sith. "Wisdom Hera is strength, it is always better to think your way out of situation then to fight your way out. There will be times however when you need to fight, trust in the force and your abilities then, never resort to the abilities of a Sith, they will tempt you so."

"You have held Palpatine at bay once, he is relentless in attaining his goals and he will return to your mind, when he does you must be able to keep him out. This sealing technique will make his intrusion impossible, it will be quite painful and exerting for your body, after what you have already endured I am reluctant to attempt the technique, but I think we must. Follow me then." Hawkins told her as they walked back inside, into the warmth of the academy.

They began to walk into the habitat quarters where visiting Jedi were given their quarters,

"Do not ever think for one second that the Empire's invasion of the Colonies was due to the fact that Palpatine has invaded your mind. I know you have seen visions of a great snake and fire consuming the colonies. But I am not a man who puts much stock into omens of doom and destruction. The Empire invades other nations it is how it is able to survive their invasion was inevitable. But they have not won, not while people like your parents and you fight on and draw breath. You saw only the beginning of the invasion, not its conclusion. Remember our fate is what we make of it, we are not predestined." Hawkins told her as they entered his quarters it was dimly light, a small refuge for Hawkins from the Cordian Academy. There were few things in the room, a few old books lay scattered about the table, a couple half empty bottles of liquor and bottoms of lum.

"Forgive me I did not think I would be entertaining a guest here. My ways still resemble that of an old soldier when I am alone. But I wanted to show you something before I start the sealing technique." Hawkins rumbaed through an old rucksack and pulled out a long leather sheathed book, he flipped it open, in it was a montage of old photos, of friends and family, of his home world. In the center was a short but obviously confident woman wearing the orange jumpsuit of a pilot, and next to her was a much younger Hawkins in his Marine digicams.

"We always must remember why we fight. Even though most of those people are dead or lost, some still breath and continue on. Those worlds in those pictures are still free because of our sacrifice. Put that at your heart, lost comrades are not a darkness but the purest of light, to think of it as anything else would be the greatest dishonor.

Hera walked into the dark, and messy room. The air reeked of two day old smoke, trapped with no where to go. The room looked like a college dorm, small cramp, with bottles and trash everywhere. It reminded Hera, of her old room at the Military Academy. She walked over to Hawkins, now standing at his desk. She slowly tiptoed over the empty bottles that laid everywhere.

She held her hand out. “Might I see your photo album?” she asked, curious about the life of her new mentor and teacher. “Photos give an insight into people, and unlike memories, they are not distorted by the lie of our past.” she said smiling.

As she received the photo album, she looked at it, studying it. She could see the ghosts of Hawkins past, the lover he had slain who fell into the darkness, the friends and comrades who died, perhaps in vain, against the empire. One thing that no one could deny however, the Republic Remnant was still free.

As she flipped through the book, she could feel the memories, see them as if they were happening before her. She began to realize that the Darkness was strength, but the lightside was also not weak, unlike what the voices in her head told her.

She handed it back to Hawkins, and began to smile. “You loved them, and they have left their scars on you, as I have on me. My home is gone, my friends what few I had are probably dead. Those here who liked me are now afraid that I will break my word. It is a shame what has happened to us. Maybe that is why we are together in this. I can see you Hawkins, in time you will see me.”

Hera walked over and sat next to Hawkins. “I am sure Emily has searched my things, and they are no longer in her apartment. Where will I stay now that I am an exile, under arrest?”

She turned her glaze up to Hawkin’s, looking into his eyes, his very soul. “They hate you here as well. They curse your name, the Coredians. They despise you as much as they now hate me. Why do you still fight for them? Why do you desire to protect those who had abandon you, and turned their back on you, your sacrifices, with so little of their own. Why?”

"I can tell that the Dark Side is still in you Hera, for you to say those words with such conviction. The Cordians do not Hate you or me, fear maybe, misunderstand, but their caution and slander is not driven by hate." Hawkins shook his head,

"I think it is time for the sealing. This is an ancient Jedi Technique that will keep the influence of the Sith out of your mind, as I said though it is not without risk. It will cause you pain when the seal is first activated, it wont last more than a minute but you will be exhausted afterward and will need rest. Most likely it would render you unconscience for a time. It is better that we do this sooner than later Hera, are you ready?"

Conflict sprang forth like a bolt of lighting. Hate wrestled with Love, Duty with Selfish desires, as Hawkins offered to put Hera under. She could feel the tension, the desire to run, the mistrust of her new teacher. The darkside it seemed did not want this to occur.

Hera’s mind became conflicted, but she knew that it had to occur. How else was she to get Hawkins to trust her, to teach her? How else could she win Emily back? She knew of no other way.

Hera slowly laid down, on Hawkins couch. Her body was cold, her hands shaking in fear. As Hawkins came close to her, the old solder, she just looked up at him. “I trust you, do not betray it.” She closed her eyes, and waited, for the inevitable.

Hawkins placed his hand on the back of Hera's head,

"The sealing technique will leave what will look to others to be a black tribal tattoo that wraps around your neck and with reach up to the top of your head. It will burn when I place it, but it will only be temporary.

Hawkins then was silent as he concentrated on his manipulation of the force, slowly his hand heated up, at first it was warm but soon it would have felt searing hot. Hera tried to shake her head, but he held firm despite her pain and protests. After a minute the seal was complete, Hera would feel exhausted like she had run a marathon.

"It is over I am sorry for the discomfort. You must know however that this seal will prevent anyone from entering your mind. Whether that person is Palpatine or Emily, or Me, or anyone else. It will do this only as long as you wish it to, only as long as your willpower and soul power it. The moment you lose faith in it, the moment you give in to the temptation of the Dark side, the seal will become permeable." Hawkins informed the young woman who said nothing, but only remain prone on the couch breathing heavily until she was soon asleep.

"So exhausted she couldn't even talk. But she survived the sealing remarkably well, her power amazes me." Hawkins pulled a heavy blanket and pillow from a nearby closet and draped the blanket over Hera's body, knowing all that sweat would soon make her cold, and he placed the pillow under her head as she rested. He knew not for how long she would rest after what she been threw it could be a week even a month. He would have to ensure that she was proper cleaned and nourished if that was the case.

As his mind pondered Hera's well being he got the sense that he was being watched, he got a cold feeling in his gut that he was not alone that there was someone else in his quarters. He swung around quickly fully alert and was greeted by a flash of blinding white light.

The young girl, so helpless, so weak laid in her near death like state, as Hawkins branded her, like a piece of meat. Like she was his slave, he put his mark on her, searing in pain, and burned her flesh. The problem was she was not his, she belonged to another.

A flash of light appeared, as Hawkins spun around. A man, surrounded by a glowing white light, warm as the summer sun, adorned robes as pure as snow. His hood hung down, hiding his face, as he walked over to Hawkins. His hands clasped under his robes, like a benedictine monk, he walked closer, til Hawkins could feel the warmth of his glow.

“Hello Christopher.” the ominous voice replied, “It has been a long time. I am so happy to hear that you are well.” the man said his sarcasm quite prevalent. He slowly walked around Hawkins, like a wolf circling it’s wounded game. “How many years has it been? Four, Five? I forget, oh yes Twelve years.” the voice asked, as his laugh echoed across the room. The specter then slowly began to walk towards Hera. He reached his hand out to her and began to brush her soaking wet hair aside. He looked at the bed, watching her, so peaceful in her sleep. Like a lion cub. So sweet, yet will grow up to be a killer.

He sat next to her, and watched Hawkins. The man laughed, Hawkins face was priceless, shocked yet determined. “Tell me Hawkins.” he replied, “What good do you think this brand will do? She is on the dark side of the force. Nothing other than a complete selfless act can bring her back. Had you done this when I was say... Old Nitlis... you may have had a chance. She is now mine.” he said, grinning as his hand continued to stroke her hair.

“However, I am thinking of letting you train her. How great will it be, for such a Jedi, to train a Sith. How marvelous would it be. The irony alone will be worth it.” the man cackled at the Stalwart jedi. “Tell me, will you kill her? If you fail her like you did your Fiancee? What was her name again, it has been so long, and it is so hard for me to remember the little people in your life.” The man laughed, mocking Hawkins pain, his suffering.

A disturbance in the Force permeated the Academy that evening. Emily Rydo felt it in her bones. Something was wrong. Very wrong.

Using her perogative as High Councilor of the Jedi Order, she procured two ANBU members and made for the disturbance. To her surprise, it was inside Hawkins' own apartment, and she could hear Hawkins talking with another. That other seemed to be the source of the disturbance. She knocked. "Hawkins, are you well in there?"

Who was this man in white?

He wore a Hooded cloak, his face obscured, a coward's tactic who did not want his identity known perhaps. Yet the man radiated a visible bright white energy, which was comparable to the force powers of the greatest of Jedi, of whom Master Christoper Hawkins and Daniel Masaki were the only surviving Jedi capable of such intensity. Yet, the bright light that touched Hawkins did not fill him with life and warmth but rather seemed to leach it from him, giving him only bone chilling cold in return.

How had he gotten in his quarters, and how did he get past the teleportation block? Whatever the reason it must be some strange new technique and it had the most dangerous of consequences.

Hawkins watched as he sat down next to Hera and spouted his evil villain tirade. He felt a pit of anger well up in his core as he stroked her hair like some loving father or perhaps a master to his pet. That is something no one seemed to get, Hera was not some little girl to be coddled nor was she the property of some greater master, she had to walk her own path and Hawkins hoped that it would be nearer to the path of the good that he as a Jedi walk versus something else. In any case he would give her the chance to choose her destiny, and he would protect her with his life until the point in time that she was capable of walking her path alone.

He would not let anyone, this guy or even Cordian Jedi force their ways upon her, not while he still drew breath.

The man in white was lifted up out of the bed as Hawkins manipulated the force to move him away from Hera, Hawkins walked between Hera and the stranger putting himself between the sleeping girl and danger. Hawkins did not move his arms at all or make any sort of gesture to manipulate the force but instead his arms remained at his sides, the force being manipulated nonetheless. While the Man-in-White's powers were seen through the white light Hawkins was exhibited at the moment by his lack of action.

Hawkins held the man there like a puppet.

"So you know my name but I do not know yours, and you know a bit of my history, so that means you can read a book or two, I am impressed to say the least. So what is the deal? The seal is keeping you out of her head so now you want to mess with mine. You will never again have access to her head so long as she wants you out. She will not be your servant, Sith." Hawkins said Icily.

"Alyssa was forced into becoming a Sith, she did not will it. Her mind was raped and then broken by Darth Sirius, killing her was a thing of mercy. Hera is still young, she is emotional and makes mistakes, but her fate is not predetermined there is still time for her to choose the right path. " Emily interrupted their conversation at this moment,

"It appears it is time for you to go, permanently." Hawkins told immobilized man as his hand was filled by his activated saber, the emerald blade arcing to behead the intruder in one quick motion.

Laughter filled the room, as the man in white waved his hand, dismissing Hawkin’s futile gesture to attack him. The force began to slip, as the man gently landed on his feet. “Please Christopher, we do not want any unpleasantness to occur. After I come here, unarmed. I am not attacking you or your new pet. If you strike me down, as you desire, you will be murdering me. That will make you become what you hate most... me.” the man replied laughing at Hawkins.

The man smiled, the audacity of Hawkins, his arrogance, his anger. How long would it be, before he became what he hated most. How long would it be before he turned, the man thought, as Emily continued to knock.

The man in white smiled, as he ducked the power and anger of Hawkins, easier than a child ducks in a game of dodge ball.

“Temper, Temper, Hawkins. I come to you as a friend, offer you a gift, and you attack me out of anger.” Anger is the path to the dark side.” he said laughing, under his hood. “My gift to you is the girl before you. She will seek me out in time, and she will get everything she deserves. For now, you need her. You will have her.” he said, letting Hawkins know exactly who she belonged to, and to whom she would return.

The man in white walked over to Hera. His pale hand protruding from his sleeve, he took out a strange object, and put it on her temple. The object began to sink in to her skull, not through flesh, but instead melted into her. “Have fun... Master Hawkins.” the man replied, as he vanished.

As the man in white disappeared, the door barged open revealing the Jedi Master and her two ANBU. Hawkins had his lightsaber raised, prompting the ANBU to unsheathe their white ones in turn. Emily demanded, "Master Hawkins! What is going on here?"

Hawkins voice was calm and low though cold and filled with ice.

"As I said before, When do I ever have to answer your demands, Master Rydo. Tell your puppets to put away their weapons before they get hurt, I was simply practicing with my light saber. It something that I do often enough at night in my own quarters. I do not like my privacy being breached in this manner, especially when Hera needs her rest." Hawkins was clearly not happy with the situation.

The ANBU put away their weapons, as Master Rydo frowned. "My apologies, Master Hawkins. I have simply felt a great disturbance from this room and come to investigate. You know I have this Academy's best interests at heart and any potential danger must be investigated."

“Keep it hidden” Hera heard, as she slept, “this is how you hide your nature, push it down, do not deny it, instead store it away, like a hidden weapon.”

Hera continued to sleep, as the darkness within, seemed to withdraw. Like the sun rise, the shadow began to creep back within, to the dark caves and shadows of her soul. She could still feel the pain, the suffering, the burn on her neck, as her strength was sapped. It was horrible. But the world was silent.

She laid their seemingly peaceful, as a flood entered her mind. Forbidden knowledge crashed through the walls, dark heresy, and true power. She could feel the surge occur, the power of the waves, as her mind flooded with new ideas. Like a explorer, she embraced all the new discoveries, charted them, loved them.

She could see clearly, lovely swords, fantastic creatures, power beyond anything she had ever dreamed, beyond what she could ever know. She saw the truth, the beauty in the darkness. Still though, the darkness receded, storing itself in small dark stones, hidden from the world. They were her treasures, they would always be hers.

Her dark brown eyes began to blink rapidly, as she began to wake. She was exhausted, yet still she woke, with all of the noise in the room. She could hear Emily, “What is going on in here?”

She then heard Hawkins reply, the obvious lie. Hera lifted her arms and stretched. She could feel her muscles tighten, and then relax. She lifted her head up, and could clearly see Emily.

Hera smiled as she was filled with happiness. She got up slowly and walked over to Emily, her lightsaber still attached to her waist. Hera crept towards Emily, as her body was racked with pain, and opened her arms. Her voice a bit shaky, Hera smiled and said, “I thought I would never see you again.” She embraced Emily, and turned to her master, Hawkins. “I had the strangest dream, Hera responded, as her legs grew weak. She looked to Hawkins, then the weight of her body gave way.

The teenage girl began to collapse, under her own weight. She fell on the floor, crumbling into nothingness. She just laid their, her eyes open. “Do not fight please.” was the last thing she said, as she laid on the floor, writhing in her own torment.

Emily's heart went out for the girl as she caught Hera and set her down softly on the bed. It was strange that before she was darkness and yet now filled with happiness. Hera was an engima and someone even Emily couldn't figure out. All she knew was that now, she was akin to one of the Masaki Clan. Touched, even scarred by darkness, yet filled with light. She was a tough one to figure out, but perhaps, just perhaps she would be a Knight one day...

"I told you to keep your voices down." Hawkins said angry that they had woken Hera. "The Sealing has exhausted her and myself. If you could Master Rydo go put her in the bed in my room. I would think that she will be resting for a week perhaps longer, If you could see to it that a medic can come twice a day to hook up and maintain some intervienous fluids and sustenance for her, and have a nurse to take care of her hygienic requirements?" Hawkins asked his voice quiet.

"I didn't mean sound so upset just now, but the sealing took a lot out of me as well. When you barged in I was practicing Vaapad, as you know I can emit some dark energy when I practice that form. That is probably what you detected." Hawkins told his fellow master.

Emily sighed. She knew that Hawkins was hiding something, but she didn't know what. Besides, prying into him is likely to antagonize him further. "I see. My apologies for barging in. I feared for the students because it was particularly intense."

Emily glanced at the tattoo on Hera's sleeping form. "I see the sealing went well. I hope it will be a success. Poor girl. She's gone through so much in her short stay here."

"Yes that is certainty true, well you know I trust about that particular seal. It is a technique I adopted from your Order's Ninjutsu. Hera already beat back the Sith Lord who is stalking her, who we believe to be Palpatine. The seal will get its power to cast him out from her own will so long as she desires the darkness to remain out of her it shall be. I do not intend to let her emotions change that nor the actions of anyone else." Hawkins informed his fellow master.

"Well I am tired" he said sitting down in a lotus position, "I have much to meditate on. Come tomorrow I will wish to speak to you High Council, I have much to ask of them, and for all our sakes I only can hope that they agree with my decisions. I fear what will result if we do not come to an accommodation."

"Very well. I shall make sure the Council will hear what you have to say the morrow." Emily nodded. "Good night, my friend."

Without further ado, she sent the ANBU back to their posts and retired for the evening after speaking with Master Elendil that Master Hawkins wishes to address them tomorrow.

The next morning after taking his breakfast Hawkins moved through the corridors of the Jedi Academy. He was granted a meeting with the Cordian Jedi's High Council, and he wanted to be on time when he addressed them. His long worn brown coat he wore over his jedi robes flowed behind him as he moved qickly to be on time.

Normally the High Council consisted of twelve Jedi Masters, however at this time due to casualties there would be only eight sitting members with four empty seats.

Hawkins knew they likely would not agree with what he was going to propose nor would they likely understand the reasons behind it. Yet he would do what he could to explain it to them. The council he feared would think along the lines of its Cordian bias and the only one who wouldn't would be the fellow from the Woodians, but he to would be behind Daniel Masaki coattails.

Well he would have to try at the very least, being on their planet and in their academy. No matter how much he disagreed with their methods and methology he would do this much at least.

Hawkins Approached the two ANBU guards standing outside the doors to the High Council.

"Master Hawkins to see the High Council." He informed them respecting entry procedure.

"You may enter." One of the ANBU said with a curt, military nod.

The High Council was consisted of eight members, two long-lived, two more recent, one from EWT, and the three who truly rule Coreworlds. Four seats were vacant, a stark presence of the war against the Empire.

Master Blayden, Elendil, Lowbacca and Rydo were all in person for the meeting. Sarinon was on Issus and Masters Tsunade and Masaki were on Jurai. Whitfield was also notified and came along for the ride. The last four were using holoprojectors for this meeting as they couldn't come in person. Without further ado, it was time to begin.

"On behalf of the Jedi High Council, we welcome Master Hawkins to this conclave of the Order." Elendil began, presiding as was his job being the Grand Master of the Order. "You may begin, Master Hawkins."

"As you all know I have been given the responsibility of training Hera Agathon in the ways of the Jedi, due to her recent troubles under other's tutelage her at the Academy. You should also already be aware that there is some great dark power that is constantly stalking her, trying to corrupt her emotions, and use them to turn her to the Dark Side. I have met this Sith Lord in her visions, and he is powerful, whether he is Palpatine reborn or another new enemy I know not." Hawkins informed the Council of things that they should already know, now he told them thinks they may not.

"As Hera's new master it was my decision to use the sealing jutsu on her to cut her mind off from this threat. She is now un detectable in the force to him or anyone else who wishes to search for her by means of the force. Yet, he knows she is here, for Hera's own safety and that of the Academy I intend to take her off this planet. She will train with me over the course of the next year in seclusion. When she is finished she will be a Jedi Knight. That is not something possible her in the Academy. She has through the fault of this Sith Lord and the unintentional actions of others many great memories of loss and pain here. With her heart and soul so conflicted it does her no good to remain here where her pain is greatest.

"I will not deceive you about her, she has touched the darkness, I noticed the change in her the other day after she was assaulted in Master Elendil's class, for a moment she had the golden eyes, but she suppressed them. She is a good capable warrior, but she has much pain in grief in her, to remain her, known to her enemies it will be only a matter of time before she becomes one of their Adepts. If she remains her and succumbs to her darker thoughts she would not hesitate to kill any of you or I. Master Rydo has been witness to her awesome raw powers, they must be honed and controlled and put to use for the light. That is not something I think possible in this environment surrounded by fear and suspicion from students and you Master yourselves. It will lead to more anger at her isolation here and then she will become aggressive to protect herself and you all know what that will lead to. "

Hawkins then was not looking at the gathered masters instead he turned to look out of the windows of the Academy’s highest tower, he saw the Hokage’s faces, he saw the village of the Leaf and the tranquil woods beyond. This world so far unscarred like those of the Republic, or like himself. He know told them the bombshell

“I know exactly what can save her, I know because unlike all of you I was prisoner to the Dark Side for over ten years. When I was captured on Coruscant after intervening on an ambush intended to capture Master Masaki, I was sent to Wayland. There the Emperor himself and his puppet Sith Lords tortured my mind and body, you can see the results of that enough I imagine. I was their gladiator; I fought and killed for their amusement, men, women, alien and beast alike. I know what the dark side is like, I know how it tempts the soul and I know what it is doing to her right now. I know all to well. Eventually I regained the light when I realized the weakness of the dark side and the Sith, so much of their quest for power is in the pursuit of selfishness and wishing eternal life. When I died for the first time, I regain who I was. After that they could not break me again, and I was frozen in carbonate as a trophy. I know what it is like to control the darkness inside, to use it for better means, I will teach this to Hera.” He told them slowly his voice full of gief, bitter anger, and pain.


Hawkins had been able to redeem himself in the end, something he forsook to others his entire life, he had tried to kill himself in the past because of his sins but just couldn’t.

“You now know only what the six members of the Ossus council know, it is privileged information. You know where I stand, who I am, what I’ve done and what I can do. I tell you now if you do no heed my counsel the results for Hera will be tragic.”

Hera, cold, exhausted, waited silently alone in the Garden of the Jedi Academy. The air was still, she was alone, as all of the lights of the academy turned off. There was no one here, for the first time she was alone, for the first time since she could remember.

The voice she feared, she hated, had vanished. She never knew how comforting a thing was, no matter how horrible it is, until it is gone. She began to miss him, his vile evil, his monestrous ways, yet still he was a part of her and now that part is gone.

Hera looked to the sky, the moonless night, with trillions of small pin point dots in the night sky. Out there, somewhere was her home. She missed it. Would she ever see her mother and father again? Would she ever find the peace she once had? Would anyone ever trust her, like her for who she was?

She just stared into the night sky, watching, as small flakes of snow, from a cloudless night, began to descend. Hera reached her hand out, her small pale hand, shaking from the cold, with nothing but a simple cloak to keep her warm.

A small flake landed on her hand, and vanished into a tiny drop of water. Hera watched it transform, from what it was, to what it would become. Change was inevitable, for everyone. Everyone but her. She sat, with nothing but the cloak, as the ground began to become dusted with nothing but snow. It was a dream, but a dream as real as life itself.

The snow continued to pour, covering the plants, the grass, and Hera. She sat still as a statue, as snow continued to pile up on her. Half an inch, then an inch, it continued to fall, and still she waited. She could not leave, she could not move, despite her desires. She did not know the way, to get back. She was lost in the garden, and this time, she liked it. Happiness and continent were all she could feel as the snow covered her small body.

The snow fell, as a small set of footprints emerged in the snow. No one walked there, there was no one else around, yet even now, footprints emerged in the snow, not from someone walking currently, but from the past, or the future. Hera stood up, shaking the snow off her like an animal. She walked, placing her foot, in the exact spot, of the footprint before her.

Curiosity over came her, as she continued to walk the path, the path that had been laid out for her. Was it her path, or the path someone wanted her to follow, she did not know, but she walked it, silent as a ghost. She followed it inside, as the snow continued to cover the floor of the jedi academy. No one was around. No one was here, they had all left. She walked her path alone. She followed it, through the dark hallways, past the magnificent pillars, to a pair of grand doors.

No one was at the door, no guards, no life. Only Hera. She slowly opened the doors, and walked inside, invisible to the world. She could see Hawkins, Emily, and the rest of the Jedi Council, as they debated her life. As if she were theirs. As if she were a slave that could be forced where to go, and what to do. No one owned her, she was free.

Meanwhile in Hawkins room, the nurse came by, and placed small needle in the sleeping Hera. The prick was simple, as a red fluid began to fill the tube, to sustain her life, until she gathered the energy to rise once more.

It was a story of sadness and of grief. Of a terrible struggle with the Dark Side. A story told time and time again and never ceases to amaze and sadden. Tsunade and I both knew what Hawkins went through, for we have personally met with darkness and come out scathed but wiser for it. The other Jedi varied from great sympathy to "oh noes, not another redeemed former Dark Sider!"

Personally, a little chaotic good never hurt.

Still, it was time to debate on whether Hawkin's idea was a good one.

"My dear Hawkins. There is truth in what you say, that Hera and the Academy are not on good terms these recent days. However, there is as much danger for Hera here as it is for out there. If you are to go out before Hera is ready, the Sith will more easily find her." Emily said, concerned for Hera. "I do not disregard the sealing jutsu in any way, but the Sith have an uncanny knack for finding the things they want. She would be quite protected enough here."

"But at least the Academy won't be targeted by the Sith." Master Blayden pointed out pragmatically. "At least not any more than it already is."

"(I am inclined to agree with Master Hawkins on the issue of the girl's darkness. Darkness is something that can never be fully banished once released, but can be contained and even controlled.)" Master Lowbacca rumbled.

"I concur." I replied with a wry smile. "I myself walk the razor's edge between light and dark and for that reason I do sympathize with Hera's plight. For the turmoil surrounding the girl is also the turmoil surrounding the Colonies. Darkened by the civil war, but the light has not been fully extinguished. It appears to me that the Force has brought them together for a reason and it would be far from me to defy its will."

"I will have to say that there is much surrounding the girl." Sarinon spoke. "Even I have felt the stirrings in the Force from Issus and for good or for ill, Miss Agathon will certainly be important one day. I say we allow her to choose whether to stay or go."

"A valid point." Master Elendil nodded to his draconic counterpart. "And one I'm inclined to believe as well. Let her choose the path to walk, but also guide her."

"All good points, my fellow Councilors. I personally hope she would stay a few weeks longer, long enough to learn more skills in the Jedi arts." Tsunade replied with a theaterical sigh. "She makes an interesting subj-er, student in the Academy, if troubled."

I rolled my eyes at Tsunade's "mistake". She's still sore about not gaining access to the Cylon half of Hera's blood. Then again, she's interested in all things medical, so I wouldn't blame her...too much. "Not that again, Tsunade. The answer's still no."

"Hmph. We'll see about that." Tsunade huffed, pertubed.

"I'm sure." I smiled disarmingly at her, then moved on. "Master Whitfield, what about you? What's your take on the situation?"

It was a story of sadness and of grief. Of a terrible struggle with the Dark Side. A story told time and time again and never ceases to amaze and sadden. Tsunade and I both knew what Hawkins went through, for we have personally met with darkness and come out scathed but wiser for it. The other Jedi varied from great sympathy to "oh noes, not another redeemed former Dark Sider!"

Personally, a little chaotic good never hurt.

Still, it was time to debate on whether Hawkin's idea was a good one.

"My dear Hawkins. There is truth in what you say, that Hera and the Academy are not on good terms these recent days. However, there is as much danger for Hera here as it is for out there. If you are to go out before Hera is ready, the Sith will more easily find her." Emily said, concerned for Hera. "I do not disregard the sealing jutsu in any way, but the Sith have an uncanny knack for finding the things they want. She would be quite protected enough here."

"But at least the Academy won't be targeted by the Sith." Master Blayden pointed out pragmatically. "At least not any more than it already is."

"(I am inclined to agree with Master Hawkins on the issue of the girl's darkness. Darkness is something that can never be fully banished once released, but can be contained and even controlled.)" Master Lowbacca rumbled.

"I concur." I replied with a wry smile. "I myself walk the razor's edge between light and dark and for that reason I do sympathize with Hera's plight. For the turmoil surrounding the girl is also the turmoil surrounding the Colonies. Darkened by the civil war, but the light has not been fully extinguished. It appears to me that the Force has brought them together for a reason and it would be far from me to defy its will."

"I will have to say that there is much surrounding the girl." Sarinon spoke. "Even I have felt the stirrings in the Force from Issus and for good or for ill, Miss Agathon will certainly be important one day. I say we allow her to choose whether to stay or go."

"A valid point." Master Elendil nodded to his draconic counterpart. "And one I'm inclined to believe as well. Let her choose the path to walk, but also guide her."

"All good points, my fellow Councilors. I personally hope she would stay a few weeks longer, long enough to learn more skills in the Jedi arts." Tsunade replied with a theaterical sigh. "She makes an interesting subj-er, student in the Academy, if troubled."

I rolled my eyes at Tsunade's "mistake". She's still sore about not gaining access to the Cylon half of Hera's blood. Then again, she's interested in all things medical, so I wouldn't blame her...too much. "Not that again, Tsunade. The answer's still no."

"Hmph. We'll see about that." Tsunade huffed, pertubed.

"I'm sure." I smiled disarmingly at her, then moved on. "Master Whitfield, what about you? What's your take on the situation?"

Master Whitfield glared at Tsunade's "mistake," much more severely than Daniel's eye roll, so much so that even his hologram would have made a typical person shudder. Then again, Tsunade wasn't a typical person. Nevertheless, Daniel's response to Tsunade's slip-up told, or rather betrayed to alert senses, all that Whitfield needed to know. This wasn't the first time Whitfield disagreed with Tsunade, and it probably wouldn't be the last.

"Apparently you have no problem with using unconscious people as medical subjects, Tsunade? I suppose that if those 'subjects' die, you should be charged with murder then." Whitfield made no attempt to conceal his contempt for the thought from his voice.

Diverting his attention away from Tsunade before she could respond, Whitfield turned his gaze to Master Hawkins, his expression suddenly softening to neutral. "Master Hawkins, if you could please tell us more about these visions..."

Hera listened and watched, as the truth of the events unfolded. Her legs pulled up close to her, as she watched and listened to the debate in the Jedi Council, completely undetected by the masters in the room.

Hera began to feel relief, as her spirit began to wash away the anger and the fear, as the Masters debated on. “They can see the truth, they can see that my life is my own.” she said to herself, as she sighed in relief. Maybe, just maybe the Coredians were not the monsters their minds lead them to seem, the way she was told.

In her seemingly absence, these Jedi were calm, caring, except for one. One, that hid in the flicker of light, and shadows. Tsunade began as she made her obvious mistake. Hera’s mouth dropped in horror. “She wants my blood.” Hera yelled, as she jumped to her feet, and backed away to a corner of the room. Her ghostly presence could not believe it. What a monestrous and evil creature, this Tsunade was. Hera looked to Hawkins, hoping praying, that he would intervene, and strike down this would be vampire who wanted to steal her life force.

As Daniel spoke, the horror of the truth was seen. Tsunade asked before, wanted her for untold experiments. Did she want to stick needles in her brain, drain every drop til she died, then dissect her like an insect. Hera could not believe it, if she could she would have been in complete fear. Tsunade then retorted, “We’ll see about that.”

Hera could not move, she was paralyzed by anger by hate. Tsunade was going to make a move to attack Hera. She was going to pry into her. No one seemed to care. No one. Hera looked down, faced with the obvious truth in front of her. The Jedi are truly evil, or at least Tsunade was. Daniel, the emperor of the Coreworlds seemed content to let her sit on his council, and blantently disregard his order. She had to run.

Hera slowly turned around, and began to walk out the door, as Master Whitfield retorted. Hera turned her head around, as he began to assert the claim that if Tsunade did these events, and Hera died, that Tsunade would be tried for murder.

Hera turned around and continued to walk out of the door. “I need to get out of here, before that monster kilsl me.” Moments later she awoke, as her body began to struggle. She was exhausted, weak. If it was not for her cylon half, she would have been immobilized. She had to leave. She opened her eyes, to the needle with the tube. The red fluid filled the tube. Hera screamed, as she ripped the needle out of her arm. They were doing it already. She began to sit up, her body so very heavy, as she reached for her lightsaber. She looked around, seeing that no body was in the room. It was her chance, her only chance to avoid being a lab rat, to survive. Hera slowly sat up, her legs so heavy, like her feet were encased in cement. Her back was sore, her neck burned with the fire of Hades. Even with all of these disadvantages, she had to escape. She walked over to the door, and opened it. She could clearly see her freedom in front of her.

One step, then another, Hera crept through the hallway to the garden, like an old hag. Each step got heavier, and heavier, until Gravity won over the girl’s broken body. She fell, slamming her head and body against the floor.

Pain pulsed through her body, as she slammed into the floor. As her head hit the floor, she winced in pain, but Hera had to leave, before she became a slave of Tsunade. She tried to stand, but her legs would not comply. She could feel darkness coming over her again, as Hera struggled to remain conscious. She had to stay awake, to live. She reached forward, crawling, as she entered the garden. For an eternity she crawled, until she came to the tree, where everything began. Slowly, and in pain she reached for the tree, as the lights faded.

Hera was alone, in the still night air and the cold temperature of the Konoha night. She had nothing to protect her now, but her cloak. She opened her eyes, for a second, her breathing was hard. As the smoke like vapor left her mouth from the cold air. Her breath turned gray, as it rose and became nothingness with the outside air. She laid there helpless, unable to move, to talk. She could only watch as the cold took her. She looked to the side, and saw somehting small dancing through the air. It was a snowflake, it was begining to snow.

Hawkins held his comments as Daniel and the Hokage argued for not wanting to reveal his intense distrust and dislike of them and their council. If that slug women was able to drain Hera of her blood it would be only after Hawkins stopped breathing.

He listened to the newest Master to be accepted to the Cordian High Council, and then answered his question even though it galled him to have Hera's fate entrusted to those who knew so little about the situation.

"Hera has since her earliest days been plauged by prophecific visions of the colonies and the future. There are some who have put much stock in these visions as being clairvoyant and others who think them self-fulfilling. However most recently these visions have become much more intense and violent, effects in the visions affect the witnesses bodies in the real world. I have witnessed now near to half a dozen of Hera's visions, in them she has been stalked by some dark power whom I believe to be a Sith Lord, Palpatine to be presese. I heard his gloating laugh, the last time i heard it was in the senate hall on Coruscant when the New Republic fell, it is not something you forgot. As a result I placed a seal on Hera that has made her effectively undetectable in the force. Who ever was stalking her visions can no longer do so, and no one else can detect her force presence in the waking world either.

:Hera posses a singular gift for the powers of the mind and divinity, however she needs to refine her gift to make it more efficient she also needs to learn the ways of the Jedi, these are what will teach her when we leave to continue her training.

"I am Hera's master I will train her where she will learn the most and be the safest possible. Holding her here is neither of those. It doesn't matter how thick your castle's wall are against the Sith they will find a way in here, our best chance is to fade into the shadows into the unknown, to keep moving. I do not need an academy to train a Jedi, I only need a willing student."

The nurse who was detailed to check up on Hera walked in. "Ok, dearie, time to take your medicine---ahh!"

She gasped when she saw Hera's bed empty and the needle torn out and ran out to alert someone important...who happened to be Shizune, the Hokage's administrative assistant. "Ma'am! Hera's gone! Oh, please help me find her!"

"What?" Shizune dropped her files. "I'll find her. Don't you worry!"

Shizune looked high and low for the young apprentice. Because for some reason, she couldn't be found through the Force, Shizune had to use her ninja tracking skills to find her. In the end, she found Hera in the gardens, collapsed in the cold. "Oh no!"

Her medical diagnosis showing Hera to be alive, but hypothermic, she rushed the girl back into the medical center for recovery. This time, someone will be there for Hera 24 hours a day until she recovers. Namely Shizune.

"Indeed, you do not," Master Whitfield conceded; even though he wanted to meet Hera he had one of those feelings that now might not be the best time to ask. "There is yet another reason to keep her away from the Academy that you might not see. She should be kept as far away from Tsunade as possible. Otherwise, she might revert to the Dark Side to protect herself from someone...who believes that killing people in the name of medical science is perfectly acceptable." The hologram representing him glared harshly at Tsunade. She had slipped up, indeed, and badly.

"Additionally, I recommend additional privacy measures. Hera's association with you must be kept as quiet as possible. Otherwise, the Sith might get the idea to track her...by following you."

"Indeed, you do not," Master Whitfield conceded; even though he wanted to meet Hera he had one of those feelings that now might not be the best time to ask. "There is yet another reason to keep her away from the Academy that you might not see. She should be kept as far away from Tsunade as possible. Otherwise, she might revert to the Dark Side to protect herself from someone...who believes that killing people in the name of medical science is perfectly acceptable." The hologram representing him glared harshly at Tsunade. She had slipped up, indeed, and badly.
"Master Whitfield, I would never allow a patient to come to harm!" Tsunade replied sharply, feeling insulted. "To insinuate that I, a Doctor of Medicine by trade, would allow one to come to harm under my care..." She shook her head. "The worst I would do to Hera would be to draw blood for the sake of compatibility in case of a necessary transfusion."

"I understand, Tsunade." I replied, trying to disarm the argument. "However, it still remains for me to put my foot down. You know the reasons for this."

"The rest of the council will have to agree, Godaime Hokage." Elendil noted, using her full title.

"Oh, very well." Tsunade sighed, relenting. At least it's likely I got a good amount of information from the treatments during her stay. I will have to look at them ASAP.

"Additionally, I recommend additional privacy measures. Hera's association with you must be kept as quiet as possible. Otherwise, the Sith might get the idea to track her...by following you."
"(A valid point, Master Whitfield.)" Lowbacca roared. "(I would recommend destroying all records of her ever being a student of the Academy.)"

"Agreed." Sarinon nodded. "As soon as we vote, all records of Hera Agathon will be destroyed."

"I will do that myself. Now, it is time for the vote." Elendil said. "All in favor of the girl to stay in the Academy?"

Emily Rydo and unsurpisingly the Hokage both ayed.

"All in favor of allowing Hawkins to take Hera, provided she agrees to this?" Elendil asked once more. Me, Elendil, Lowbacca, Blayden and Sarinon agreed.

"I vote to allow Master Hawkins to take Hera and to delete the records concerning her," Master Whitfield added. It was highly unusual for him to vote to purge any record, so the last part may have come as a surprise...

The decision was made, Hawkins would be able to take Hera away from this place.

“As ever I bow to the wisdom of this council and the will of the force which guides its decisions.” Hawkins said to the gathered masters with a bow. “If that is all I will take my leave. I have preparation to make for departure. Once Hera is recovered I intend to leave here, and in keeping with this secrecy I can not say where I intend to take her. I will need a year to train her, after that time she will either be a Jedi Knight or we will most likely be dead.” Hawkins waited then to see if the esteemed Council had anything else to comment on before he would leave the chamber.

"Then may the Force be with you, Master Hawkins. And take good care of Hera." Emily said. The holograms nodded in unison and vanished. The decision was made. Hera and Hawkins can leave.

For seven days Hera slept, silent, unmoving, she waited like Sleeping Beauty waiting for her Prince. Her body laid still, not twitching, not moving, as the warm heating pads, and the thick blankets attempted to fight off her stage one hypothermia.

No dreams came to her, as her body struggled just to survive, no warnings of gloom and doom, no visions of peaceful fields, just the nothingness, like life itself ceased, for seven days.

She laid still, almost like a corpse, as hey eyes suddenly became ajar. Her body ached, but was healed, as she got up from her bed, in the sterilized room of the infirmary. All was white, the sheets the walls, all but the electronic equipment hooked up to her.

Hera looked around, and was again alone. It seemed to be her destiny, the only one of her race, the only one who was stalked, the only one discarded like garbage. She lowered her head, as she searched the room, the hallway, the academy, seeing everyone, feeling them, looking for the dreaded Vampire who wanted to steal her soul.

The lady of Darkness, shrouded by shadow and light was gone. She looked, and found no ill will towards her, no hate, almost as if she had been erased from the hearts and minds of the academy. She sighed, as she walked over to the tray next to her. She reached for Hawkins gift, her lightsaber, and the pack of cigarettes she stole from her master. Hera then walked over to a coat rack, and picked up her cloak, to keep the cold off her, and her form fitting blue dress, as she walked out of the door. No one seemed to notice her, as she walked into the marble hallway. She had to clear her head, something was going on, something beyond her control.

Hera walked briskly, walking past the students, as she walked to her destination, the last place of peace she had, the Garden. She walked alone, in silence, feeling the mood of the crowd. Their emotions were jumbled, she could feel the crowded halls, hear the thoughts of those she passed, as if they were talking to her and her alone. She ignored them, as she continued.

Hera then turned the corner, her mind racing, filled with the shallow thoughts of those around her. It was so crowded in here, she thought to herself as she continued. Where was her master, where was Emily? She thought to herself, until she came to two of the students.

One was a male, about seventeen years old, sitting next to a fifteen year old female. Hera stopped, as the wave of emotion crashed over her. There were no thoughts, none needed to be said. Hera could feel the passion, her body tingled, as she watched them, kissing each other in the hallway. Hera slowly put her hand to her lips, as she could feel them, as if she were them. Hera closed her eyes as the teenagers smiled at each other. Hera was paralyzed by them.

“You need to move.” she heard, “Leave them be.” Hera looked confused, for a second then continued to the Garden, where the fresh snow laid on the ground, dusting the plants, the pillars, in the cold embrace that had almost seduced her. She gently wrapped her cloak tight around her, as she rested her body against one of the pillars, and looked out to the garden. Hera fumbled in her cloak, as she pulled out Hawkins cigerettes and a lighter. She flicked the lighter, and lite the cigerette. She slowly inhaled, as she came to realize, This place, this garden was her peace, her serenity.

"I wondered when you would come, dear." A voice, soft in the gardens, voiced towards her. It was Emily, but she seemed hidden in some invisibility spell. Nevertheless, the voice was soft and warm, motherly even. "The Council has reached its decision. You and Master Hawkins are now free to go as you will. He will teach you well."

Hera stood still, as the voice spoke, haunting her mind? Was it real, was it imaginary, who knew. Hera heard so many voices, so often, that is was hard to know the truth. Hera looked to the ground, as the sweet motherly voice spoke. She reached down, and lifted her cigarette to her lips. She slowly inhaled, breathing down the toxins into her lungs. It was not like it mattered anymore, not much did these days.

She lowered her right hand, as she exhaled. Still staring at the ground, her heart empty, Hera replied, “I do not know if you are real, or just another voice but I doubt it matters. How long have you been waiting for me?” she sighed out, as she took another drag.

Hera, the shattered form of herself, her heart consumed by darkness, but darkness hidden by an aura of light, as the voice continued.

“I see, then my fate is now sealed. She will be found, and become what you fear her to be now. She will work hard, she will never break her word, but she will not be the same as you know her.” she replied to the motherly voice, as she took another drag.

Hera turned, staring at the invisible voice, her breath gray from the cold condensation. “I hope you will never abandon me in my darkest hour.” Hera turned, and began to walk on the snow, looking at the garden, where seven days ago she ran, where but for the grace of God, she could have died. She sat down next to the tree, the tree that she loved so.

“You know what I love about this garden. It is quiet, so peaceful. Not like the rest of the academy. Here there is silence, peace. Hera looked to her new imaginary friend. “I wonder if I will have peace again...”

Emily Rydo faded into sight slowly with a sad smile. "I have never abandoned you when Palpatine struck and I will not abandon you in the darkest of hours. You are the daughter I never had, Hera, even for the short time I met you. Go forth. Learn your lessons well and walk the path that you have chosen. Dark or Light, Yin or Yang, you were and will always be my favorite. Here. A gift before you leave. It is the holocron of a Knight who was as dark as you were, but was redeemed in the end by those he called friends. A Knight named Quinlan Vos. Between his teachings and the teachings of Master Hawkins, I am sure you will be a Knight yourself before long."

After she placed the holocron next to Hera, Emily began to fade as the Force bent light away from her, turning her invisible once more. "A useful trick, invisibility is. You will learn it one day. May the Force...or perhaps your God...be with you."

Hera smiles, as Emily appeared. Emily’s warm presence always made Hera feel at home, always made her feel safe. Like an mother bird though, Emily had to let Hera go, had to let her fall or fly. Here in the last moments, for a while, Emily gave Hera a gift.

It was a strange pyramid shaped object, similar to that object the man in white placed on her skull, giving her the dark knowledge that tainted her soul forever, yet gave her strength, focus, and power. Hera picked the small object off the ground. “Thank you Emily.” She watched, as the small object opened and the image of a man appeared. Hera smiled, seeing that which most apprentices would never see, until they were knighted or masters.

Hera looked, I appreciate this gift, but it is curious that this redeemed Jedi made a holocron in the shape of a sith holocron. She reached into her cloak, and placed the object inside. Emily began to fade away, a last lesson for Hera. Hera smiled, it is a good trick. She replied.

As Emily watched and waited, Hera replied, “You know Sith assains utilized that trick, to stalk the Jedi. It is a most effective trick. Combine that with the ability to sense the force and it is an effective way to stalk one’s target” she says as the light bends around Hera, concealing her from view. Hera walks around Emily, silently, as she reached out into the force, hearing Emily’s mind, feeling her presence.

As Emily walked, Hera tapped her invisibly on the shoulder. As Emily stopped, Hera hugged her, as she faded back into reality. “I will see you again.”

That last bit of information made Emily's heart skip a beat. How could she know things she hasn't even been taught? Hera's hug threw that thought aside for the moment. "And I will see you again as well. Goodbye."

Emily walked off, reeling at the wealth of information that her surrogate daughter somehow gained...