Zach's letter to Zane

[[2.6.22ABA_transmit.True]]

In this year after the seventh battle of Ruusan One Thousand and Four, on Firstday of Sevenmonth, I your friend Zach Ouichee mark and proclaim this record. I know you read my journals, so I write this in High Galactic for you.

It is wonderful to hear from you again! I know I've been gone longer than I intended. This old Consular cruiser is no Wayfarer, and I've been to the outermost edges of the Rim. I'm on my way home, though, at last. I kept going after Taryn departed, heading straight away from the Core. She journeyed back as she must, and I am glad for that time we had wandering; it did the both of us good. She is in my thoughts, and I am glad that Pel is near her.

Where is Jolee? Has anyone had word? Let us hope she finds peace. Talia and Pel, I am sure, are fulfilling every duty they can lay hands on. Are they well? I confess could not forsee their paths, and I am curious.

It was wearying to be so recognized, so preconceived, so focused upon. We have found some few dozens of Omwati refugees here and there, and you have probably met some of them by now. I spent as long as I could in the more established settlements, but the rim called me outwards.

I wandered into Mina on Dantooine while I was on my way to Muunilist, and she has found secrets and treasures. Most of them treasures are secrets, of course. We spoke long about the Force, amongst other things. I have found a new and potent technique. Go to the space between galactic arms, far away from any space lanes. Stock an exosuit with several hours of air, and maroon yourself with your ship set to come back in a day or two, and enter a trance. If you can do it properly, you can feel the Force more clearly than I had imagined. I have met someone named Qui-Gon in that deep trance. I wish I could introduce him to you.

Joy of joys! We may have a new and honored resident at one of our academies. Bowana has seedlings. Do not tell Rolana, for I would surprise her. Bowana says that groves can become force-sensitive. It is difficult to be patient, and I find myself constructing planters in my mind.

I have attached an account of the Battle of Yavin for your sister’s book. This is for you. Share it if you like, but I trust you will understand it better than most.

It was on that rocky planet in the Core that the Battle of Yavin starts, and it is there that my perspective diverges from the others'. We were all sick then, with the taint of the Dark Side, with the radiation, with the war, and with how close we were on Naboo to losing millions. I'll try to explain now what I couldn't explain then. Perhaps I cannot fully explain it now.

It is worth remembering that the Sith weren't always all monsters. When there were more, when they were a movement instead of a conspiracy, most of them were just confused and scared and hurt. It was only their elite who posed a threat to the galaxy, and it was only ever their titans who could touch the Force directly, as our masters can. What distinguishes those few, what defines a Sith Lord is a rejection of peace, of compromise. Consuming only makes them hunger more - a Sith Lord strives to make his core a pearl of greed or anger or simple want. That is their essence, that is their truest name. To learn their tongue is to have to learn that name. Do not learn it unless you are willing to learn something profane that you can never unlearn.

What we've oft seen from the Sith is a regular sort of evil. Anyone could do as much, perhaps not as well, but the same in kind. Conquest, murder, genocide, these are the crimes that for all their suffering and danger that most sapients could commit were they swept along with a great current. With attempted mastery of the Force and with their dedication, the Sith Lords can commit blasphemies that none others can.

I only realized it in that Alchemical temple in the core. The Emperor was the purest Sith, and he would commit violence against the very Living Force. Remember everything I have said about the Living Force, that joyous union of all things. Realize that the Emperor would have violated that union, not for any goal, but to feed the demon he had become. That temple was a wrought testament to that, and I am not sure the Living Force did not bid us cleanse it with fire.

That is what we walked into. I argued for bringing Anakin because I could not conceive of two such beasts living without killing each other, so he must be in some part a man. Anakin was no beast at all in the end, but had at his core a pearl of another sort. He was a Jedi Master and a loving father like Master Se’ol.

When we landed, I went to the children. That fight was my test that day and the closest I have ever come to the Dark Side. The Force knows what they mean to me and why I reach out to them each day. Peace be in their thoughts and Force be with them.

The fight against the Emperor was easier and harder than I had forseen. He had no cunning words for us or subtle tricks to cloud our minds. He simply had raw power and desperation, but he had those in plenty.

As you will no doubt be shocked to hear, I pressed on, using my saber. If Ataru can be attained when one recognizes the Force as an ally and accepts help and Juyo comes when one recognizes the Force as master and does as it bids, Vapaad is that certainty that we are already one with the Force. Words cannot teach it, but if you still intend to be a Master and a swordsman, you will know that with all your being.

For the rest of it, I played my smaller part. The facts of what happened are laid out, and I fell into a kind of meditation during the battle that makes me a poor witness. I have only one more insight: the Sith will be back. The Force has seen fit to tolerate their perversion for millennia and there is one who still knows their teachings. They rise from the ashes just as the Jedi do, and they will be back. Remember these things, and if you find truth pass it on when I am gone. They will be back.

The Force has seen fit to guide me towards some Miraluka at last. It has been so long and I have changed so much that I do not know if it will be a joy or an empty gesture. We had something, once, to give the Galaxy, and I would that the last of us did not have a life of blood and yearning to offer as a last story.  Is that selfish?  I do not know.

I do not mind telling you in confidence that it has been rather more thousands of years than I would prefer since I have felt a woman of Miraluk perceive me in my fullness.

At last, I have a small request. Please send a fast ship with several guns to the planet Dreau, just a few dozen parsecs spinward of Bespin. Dreau is a hiveworld where I found a Bothan claiming to know how to find dozens of Miraluka, and I found him enslaved in a pirate’s camp. I am leading many slaves through the undercity, but the pirates will find us soon and I risk terrible losses were I to confront them without air support.  I have perhaps three weeks that we can hold out, after which I will have to strike.

Force willing, I will see you on Life Day. I miss you all and look forward to living simply as a friend and teacher.  Give my love to those around you, and Force be with you, Zane.  I am proud of you.

[[2.6.22ABA_transmit.False]]

Letters between Dory and Jolee, part one

Dear Jolee,

I found out how to get ahold of you! Quan said that Draco said that Leia told him that you were on the Millennium Falcon and eventually I got them to give me the communication frequencies for the ship. Hope you don't mind. You kinda left us all of a sudden back on Yavin.

Anyway, just in case you really don't want to talk to me, I won't write much. I was just wondering if you could tell me what the Battle of Yavin was like from your perspective and what happened afterwords? We're all really curious where you went off to. We're taking bets on what you've been doing. Zane has this crazy story that you ran off with Odak Aan and have a baby with points on its head. I think he only tells it so much because it makes Quan's eye twitch. Draco thinks its funny though. His guess was that you were living the "high life" on Cloud City. Quan guessed you were on Naboo. I thought you were with Solo, and I was right! I win! Now I get first pick of rooms when the new temple is built. Unless you actually were doing one of the other things and I'm wrong.

Anyway, hope you don't mind that I wrote to you! Please write back.

<3 Dory
2 ABA, 5th month, 6th day.

_________________________________________

Dory-

Of course I don't mind that you wrote me. I know I pretty much fell off of the known galaxy after the Battle of Yavin. I'm glad you found me enough to send me a message though. I should try to see people more often. I honestly don't know why I don't. Maybe trying to pretend the years spent fighting the Empire didn't happen?

Well, you asked for my version of the Battle of Yavin, especially the aftermath, and a run down of what I've been doing since, correct? I don't know what to say about the battle. The entire experience was bizarre. Being on board the Executor, Vader being peacefully aboard the Wayfarer, fighting the Emperor. Actually, you know what the funny thing is? I can't even remember seeing the Emperor. I know he was there, I vaguely recall him speaking, and I especially remember getting hit by his lightning, but I don't remember ever really paying attention to him. I recall tumbling up to right in front of him and hitting his guards with a surge of Force energy, but then the rest of the battle I spent defending myself from Vader and the Stormtroopers. I suppose I'm guilty of not really focusing on the main objective of the mission. What can I say, I'm easily distracted.

I do, however, remember the honestly terrifying leap off of the top of the temple. I think I'd planned on hitting one of the steps on the way down, but I jumped from the top with a bit too much force (hurr hurr) and ended up landing on the ground of Yavin. And by ground I mean a bunch of trees. It took a bit to get unstuck from the tree and to the ground, and by the time I did I realized what Pel was doing. From there, it was mad dash to the Omwati compound, where a lot of energy was exerted to keep the Executor from killing everyone.

The image of the Executor crashed in the jungle of Yavin is one that will stay with me forever, though. In the immediate aftermath of the battle, I remember being a bit stunned. Ships were landing all around us, and more and more people joined the area right around the destroyed temple. Escape pods from the Executor were being picked up everywhere. Everything blurred together until late at night. The Omwati were playing music and everyone was on the ground, mingling, dancing, and having a good time. And then I felt the presence of my father. I walked to the very edge of the cleared area, and saw my father's Force ghost, standing next to Master Kenobi's. It was actually the first confirmation that he was dead, although we all assumed it. A few seconds later another Force ghost appeared, though I didn't realize who it was until I saw Luke and Leia a few yards away and realized it must have been Anakin Skywalker. The ghosts stuck around for only a few minutes, long enough to pass along messages of pride and thanks.

I never rejoined the party after that, I was too exhausted both physically and emotionally. The next day was chaotic. I remember the realization that I was wearing the totality of my possessions. It was overwhelming to realize that everything from my data pad of journal entries to Egon's tool box to all of my Life Day gifts were sitting under the wreckage of the Executor. It sounds so petty and shallow, but the rush of relief I felt when the Millennium Falcon landed and I realized that I had a change of clothes on board bordered on ridiculous. It's strange what seems to important in the aftermath of catastrophic events. I'm sure most people eventually realized that I left the next day, when the Millennium Falcon departed. People were already talking about taking back Alderaan once and for all and building a new academy there, and I confess I just didn't want to deal with it. Han offered me a spot on the Falcon as long as I wanted, and so I left.

If anyone wonders what happened to him, Odak An came with us. We dropped him off on Nar Shaddaa. I've run into him once or twice since then. I'm fairly certain that he hasn't taken up piracy again. Smuggling, yes. Possibly even bounty hunting, but I doubt he's become head of a pirate gang again. In the year since the battle I've been mostly on the Millennium Falcon. I've spent a few weeks with my family on Naboo, and they've highly encouraged me to settle there. I've also spent some time on Cloud City, and Tattooine, and pretty much every disreputable spaceport. Tell Zane he would have loved it. Let me know what you and everyone else has been up to. I still don't know if I have the fortitude to throw myself into the academy life again, let alone the continuing war effort. Life on the Falcon is easy, simple, and fun, and I'm being un-regretfully selfish.

~ Jolee
2 ABA, 5th month, 18th day.
________________________________


Dear Jolee,

Thanks for writing back! I hope you don't mind that I showed your letter to Zane and Quan. I needed to prove that I won the bet. Quan says that he was at least a little right, since you said you spent time on Naboo. He didn't think Draco was a little right though, even though Draco guessed Cloud City. Hold on, Quan said he wants to add something to this.

Jolee: you are running away again. Stop being an emotionally stunted idiot and get back here. -Quan

Er, sorry about that, Jolee. He's been cranky lately. He says its because he's tired of people moping. I'm not moping. Maybe he's talking about Zane. Zane doesn't like being here on Alderaan, and he wants to go help the fight in the Core. I think we should get the Academy set up. A lot of people are Force sensitive now. They think it has something to do with the destruction of the old temple on Yavin. I heard rumors that Yavin IV is dying. Like, all the life is just being sucked out of it. They said that an Ithorian herd ship is there trying to take samples of the life, so nothing dies out.

I've been good. The fight for Alderaan was pretty intense, especially at first. But then the Empire just kind of left the space around Alderaan, and the ones stuck on planet just surrendered. The Alliance high ups think maybe there is a power struggle going on in the Empire, and they're fighting with each other. So, we (me and Zane and Quan) have been here on Alderaan. Leia and Draco have been here too, since this is their planet. The others from the old academy come and go. Thank you for writing about the Battle of Yavin. I'm writing an account of the battle for the archives at the new Jedi temple we're building. It seems important. Anyway, there is a one year celebration of the Battle of Yavin here on Alderaan in two and a half months. You should come.

<3

Dory
2 ABA, 6th month, 2nd day

FROM THE MEMORY BANKS OF IG-88 SHEILD GENERATOR FOR THE WAYFARER 22.7.1ABA_

[An astromech droid beeps at Taryn, who nods and picks up a fusion cutter and wipes away the feathers from her face and continues working on the small metal box in front of her]

I figured if I matched the radiation level to set a trigger reinforced by the electric current inherent in the lightening there could be a sort of Force Light Switch effect…no idea if it’ll actually work though…

[Taryn is interrupted by a few quick low beeps from the astromech droid; she scowls at it for a second]

Well of course it’s a bit crazy but I don’t see you coming up with any plans to stop the Emperor, unless you were going to roll in and talk him down with nothing but your shiny astromechanical charm? Or maybe you and Vader could have a circuit to circuit?

[A low tone from the astromech droid]

I didn’t think so. Anyway, what else am I supposed to do? I’ll protect my sedge in any way I can. They’ve finally got a home…I’ve finally got a home. I’ll be damned if he’s going to take this one from us too. I can’t throw star ships or duel with a saber like most of my friends can, so I’ll stick to where I’m better acquainted.

[The droid blares for a second and Taryn sets down the cutters, picks up one of the boxes and starts checking the wires and hooks it to crude looking target assassin droid dummy. Lights of all kinds start flashing at random on the dummy; Taryn watches for a moment and yanks a yellow wire from the small box. The lights all synchronize, flash three times, then go dark. Taryn nods and unhooks the box from the dummy.]

[A few more bleeps from the astromech droid]

Of course Talia isn’t force sensitive, but she doesn’t need to be. She affects the world in a very real, very physical, very precise way…generally with a large gun. She gets us to work beyond what we would normally think ourselves unable to do. I don’t know how she does it, but one word from her and things don’t seem quite so impossible.

[There are a few sparks while Taryn welds the sides of the box together, forming a rough casing. After a few moments checking the power calibrator against the information on her data pad she welds the top of the casing and sets it carefully on the floor next to a dozen or so like it.]

[the droid tones at her for a moment]

Meena manages her own way. She doesn’t fight so flashy as the rest do, but observes and in her patience is able to find and use the cracks she finds in the Empires walls against them. She’ll sneak in and fight from the heart of things.

Jolee takes a more direct approach with the force, quick to action and her very will of it succeeding causing it to be so. Both she and Luke work in a fluid motion together, using the flow and ebb of the battle to their advantage, near perfect in their ability to move as one. Even if Luke is a blind fool where his dad is concerned...

[Taryn looks for a moment at the target dummy thoughtfully before picking up a hydrospanner and removing the left hand of it. The astromech barks a few sharp tones at her]

Settle down, I’m just using it for a base…don’t know if this’ll work or not but every little bit right? And of course Zac is murder with a saber…doesn’t do the number on hordes of troopers like Jolee can, but when he fixes on a target it doesn’t have much longer for this ‘verse. He’ll defend those he takes as friend or family. As much as he helped me during his long sleep, I’m glad for his waking companionship. Even if it scared me to begin with…I’m glad he stuck around instead of leaving…I don’t know if I’dve stayed if he went…

[sing-song like tones from the droid cause Taryn to light purple against her normal blue skin]

I do not!

[a disbelieving tone and her cheeks flush a deep plum]

…shutup. What would you know? It’s not like I only like him for throwing Tarkin out a window…it started a bit there but its not li-

[the droid chitters, then seems to scold a bit]

Oh like he’d ever know. As strong as he is in the force and as fantastic he is at observing people’s behavior, opening their eyes to new ideas, and seeing things distant and future, he’s as clueless about things as any of us non force-ers in some things. He’s changed in the time I’ve known him, taken more responsibility to himself in the rebellion, and even if this ends today he’ll have so much he feels he needs to get done he’ll never even know…

[more sing-song chirps as the droid turns and moves to the doorway to the rest of the ship]

…take another move and I’ll strip you for parts with my mind.

[the droid stops]

I thought so.

[as the droid moves back to the Omwati it picks up the shield generator near the doorway and brings it to her, beeping questioningly]

I’ve honestly no idea. But I’ve gotta try, hope for the best and all that. I can’t throw lightening, but I can try to make it work for me…

[she looks at the pile of detonators in front of her, the droid letting out a long low whistle]

Well, here’s hoping that either this works, or failing all else, one of those do…. I cannot move the world around me as my companions can, but I can use my enemy’s affectations on it to my gain.

[a few more beeps as Taryn picks up the fusion cutter again and starts to take the generator apart]

…you’re right…a little more of a sophisticated wiring for this one…

[Taryn reaches toward the view of the holo-vid before it goes dead]

IMPERIAL SECURITY BUREAU DEFECTION CASE STUDY - TALIA RENN (EXECUTIVE SUMMARY)

Talia Renn (Lt. 1st Class, AWOL) is a prominent member - possibly even leader (intelligence is vague on this point) - of an infamous terrorist cell composed primarily of self-styled "Jedi." Her sudden and dramatic betrayal of the Imperial Navy despite a spotless service record rivals that of Crix Madine (Commander, AWOL) in prominence, and has been successfully exploited by Rebel Alliance propagandists.

The practical difficulties of apprehending or terminating a heavily armed and dangerous criminal with intimate knowledge of Imperial technology and procedures are a matter for Imperial Intelligence and the Imperial Military, and are outside the scope of this report. The COMPNOR Select Committee has tasked the ISB with examining the possible causes of Renn's defection in the interest of preventing further treason and designing suitable counter-propaganda. This document is a summary of the full report.

EARLY LIFE

Renn was born on 5:7:3 on Brentaal IV to Paldamar and Melina Renn of House Renn, one of the Brentaal Houses that dominate the planetary economy.

As the eldest^[1] daughter of a wealthy family, Renn could have been expected to enjoy a life of quiet luxury in preparation for marriage into another prominent family.

However the peace and prosperity of Brentaal IV was severely disrupted during the Clone Wars. Renn's academy admissions essay states that the chaos of this period of her childhood made her appreciative of the order and stability the New Order would bring.

Eleven years old at the time of the Declaration of a New Order, an adolescent Renn was a dedicated participant in early SAGEd and SAGRec programs - graduating at top of her class and becoming captain of her Wegsphere team.

According to Renn's academy admissions essay, her decision to pursue a military career, despite the objections of her parents^[2] and her own Non-huMan status, was inspired by an encounter in which an Imperial Customs squad led by Officer Dalea Trovin rescued Renn and her companions from a gang of smugglers they had stumbled across in an ill-advised trip through a questionable area of Votrad. This encounter with a female officer led Renn to believe that the military was a viable path for her.

ACADEMY YEARS

As Non-huMan guidelines were more lax in years past with respect to non-aliens, Paldamar Renn was able to leverage his business connections to have Talia's application reviewed by admissions officers at The Academy of Carida. The officers felt that her extremely high mental and physical test scores, as well as her impressive determination, outweighed the potential for disruption that her presence would bring.

In retrospect, perhaps it is during her years at the Academy that the first glimmers of Renn's contrarian tendencies can be seen. While outwardly dutiful and exceeding all performance targets, Renn demonstrated clear dissatisfaction with military culture and was widely considered "difficult" in social situations, which limited her opportunities for promotion. She also insisted on entering the Imperial Navy Command Officer School against the recommendation of her advisors. While tactically brilliant, Renn's deficient interpersonal skills and lack of sensitivity to cultural concerns rendered her unsuitable for significant command positions.

Finally, and potentially most damning, was her (presumably romantic) relationship with another high-performing-yet-troublesome cadet, Tyber Zann. While a thorough investigation officially cleared her of any involvement in Zann's alleged criminal activities, the cloud that followed Zann out of the academy cast a shadow over her as well.

SERVICE

Given her reputation at the Academy, assigning Renn proved difficult as most commanding officers were unwilling to take her on. She was eventually picked up by Captain Pamil Tavick, himself at a career dead-end, relegated by choice to patrolling Outer Rim trade routes instead of taking on more prestigious expansion and pacification assignments.

For roughly a decade, Renn served under Tavick, efficiently executing anti-piracy, anti-smuggling, and search-and-rescue operations, as well as several crackdowns on unregulated slave trade. Despite her obvious personality problems (for example, she was markedly hostile toward Stormtrooper units when circumstances dictated that they work together), Tavick promoted her to Lieutenant 1st Class, though she continued to place herself on the front line out of a misguided desire to "lead from the front." (Yet another example of prideful nonconformity?) While unorthodox, her career was of not deemed worthy of attention until an operation on Volik.

TREASON

While the details of the operation are classified at the highest level, we do know that Renn expressed confusion regarding the application of Surface Operations Training Doctrine to the disposition of civilian prisoners during a Priority 0 pacification operation. While she did ultimately give the termination order, she failed to supervise the operation - a telling violation of Doctrine that was (irresponsibly, as later events would prove) overlooked in light of her subsequent role in the capture of several Jedi cultists.

Shortly after Lord Vader's execution of Captain Tavick for unspecified misconduct, Renn, who had never been known to disobey orders or shirk duty, freed the Jedi cultists that she herself had helped capture, and left with them in an audacious and highly destructive manner that would characterize her future activities with her new associates.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Renn's defection sets a dangerous example for those with delusional moral superiority complexes, who may believe that their judgment supercedes Imperial policy. However, if presented in the proper context, her story can instead be used as a cautionary tale to reinforce the tenets of the New Order.

• Renn's admittance to Carida proved an ill-advised exception to Non-huMan guidelines. Her inability to conform to expected social norms despite her high test scores demonstrates that such exceptions are prohibitively disruptive. We recommend that such exceptions no longer be permitted.


• Captain Tavick's long-term assignment to certain types of operations allowed those under his command to develop certain expectations regarding their duties. It is likely that Renn felt entitled to pick and choose the sorts of missions that she would undertake. We recommend exposing all military personnel to expansion and pacification operations on a regular basis so as to ensure greater familiarity with all aspects of Surface Operations Training Doctrine.


• Renn's defection immediately followed her order to terminate civilian prisoners on Volik and the execution of her superior officer by Lord Vader. While many traitors (See: Crix Madine, Han Solo, etc.) believe that they are somehow "above" certain actions necessary to maintain the security of our Empire, we believe Renn's case to be a classically female display of emotional weakness. We recommend subtlety in pushing this explanation in light of certain realities at our rival organization.


• Jedi are known to possess the dangerous ability to influence the minds of others. It is possible, even likely, that Renn has been brainwashed. A successful live capture and Re-Education would be a public relations coup and expose the Jedi for what they are. Unfortunately, the Imperial Military has deemed Renn a high-risk target and is likely to favor termination over apprehension except under impossibly ideal circumstances.

FOOTNOTES

[1] - Perhaps ironically, her younger sister Treena was the one flagged as "at-risk for seditious activities" by her SAGEd supervisors. She has since been conscripted into the Imperial Propaganda Bureau as part of her Re-Education program.

[2] - Renn's parents were themselves apolitical until their recent participation in an intensive Re-Education program (arranged in lieu of termination or imprisonment as part of an agreement with the Brentaal Houses). They have since become vocal supporters of the New Order and are counted among our most important donors.

Jolee's Journal (Session Summary 02/7, 02/28)

1 ABA, 7th month, 4th Day

On route to Naboo to start open rebellion on the planet. Ackbar thinks we can take the entire planet. Pel, Meena, Tallia, Taryn, Quan, Zach, Zane, and Dory are all coming along. Odak is staying behind at the Academy with Obi Wan, and Antares is going to join the rest of the knights on Alderaan. Luke is going to be stupid. I can feel it.


1 ABA, 7th month, 9th Day

Main force of Empire surrendered. Am Queen's cousin. Remember to look up what something like "aureash ovoi copualie" means. Need sleep.


1 ABA, 7th month, 10th Day

HAHAHAHA. It means noisy sex. This explains a lot of sniggering. I have a meeting with my cousin in an hour. Although I've been busy, I've had a few chances to meet my grandmother and uncle. It's been interesting having a family.


1 ABA, 7th month, 11th Day

Have been taken off of active combat duty at the request of the Queen, and now I have to go around and meet and greet nobles. Ellamé and her father think it will be good for the Se'ol family to have more of Jedi presence. Strengthen to position of the current royal family, etc. Whatever. Politics.


1 ABA, 7th month, 13th Day

Will force choke next noble who suggests that it would be nice to get to know the Force more "intimately."


1 ABA, 7th month, 18th Day

Am pathetic. Miss him.


1 ABA, 7th month, 20th Day

Tomorrow is the ceremony to celebrate the liberation of Naboo. Ellamé says that the people will appreciate seeing an "official" end to the presence of the Empire, but it seems like there is a lot more work to be done before we should be taking the time off to do this. But, I am new to the realm of politics.


1 ABA, 7th month, 21st Day

Well, that was eventful. Senator Binks was assisinated. Other gungans were attacked. The water supply was tainted. I don't really know what was going on. Meena took care of everything. Well, I helped stopped some Sith from erasing the nav data on their ship. But now, a free day. I wonder what people do for fun in Theed.


1 ABA, 7th month, 21st Day

Drink tea and gossip, evidently.


1 ABA, 7th month, 22nd Day

I'm sitting in the med bay of the Wayfarer after passing out from radiation poisoning. Luke is still out. Rolana says he'll be fine though.

I have never been more worried in my entire life than I was this morning. Caring about people is exhausting.

From the Journal of Zach Ouichee

[[19.7.1ABA_crypt.R075ZE187True]]

In this year after the seventh battle of Ruusan One Thousand and Three, on Ninteenday of Thirdmonth, I Jedi Master Zach Ouichee mark and proclaim this record. In Basic, even though it feels like talking with a mouth full of Gup Tubers. I wonder if they still have Gup Tubers.

Jedi Master. It is a wry joke. The humility of my masters was never feigned, I now know. Master Tikal always said that he knew he was only a student, and now that I understand, I know that I too am a student, least of all. What I thought was humility was a masquerade. Our bright sabers and calm hearts mean only that the Force speaks to us slowly, as to a dim child.

I have slept four hours in three days. First there is a remote garrison of stormtroopers refusing to surrender, then a dispute between landholders and farmers, both in the right, then there is a mob becoming a riot that seeks comfort through violence. All are quelled, all come to peace, but I can never make it right for them. It is not that there is more suffering, for it was there all along, but rather that I feel it more keenly, am aware that there is so much more that is mercifully held from me. The Force lives and moves and speaks more than I ever knew. Through the battle I could feel sapients falling like hail on my skin, and I am grateful that the Force holds my fear from me. If it were close, I would be terrified of rejoining the force and feeling every hailstone with no mask of flesh to blind me.

Dori is a blur of motion. She moves so that it will not all sink in, and I hope that she handles it well when she does. Rolana keeps well; for all her sensitivity, this all somehow still abstract to her. She is lucky. Zane, who can tell? He will avoid at least some of my mistakes. Quan Hu is best of all the students (ha!) who came with us. He has had little enough inward gazing to blind him to the Force as it lives around us.

For my companions, things are better. Mina does as she always does, creating calm center through whatever storm. Jolee is in the turmoil that is the only home she knows. Pel creates himself to be the man he needs to be. Taryn does her work and never lets on that she has never surrendered a secret part of herself unscarred from war. Talia carries her burdens well; I do not know if she knows how heavy they are that she should not have something incorruptible and joyous to protect. Perhaps she does. I do not know, and it would be foolish to say.

To practicalities! Fleets move, and earnest young sapients land to make things better. Some stand silent and respectful before me, and I do not laugh until they leave the room. Jolee's Duchess-harlot is a surprisingly useful catspaw, and the tailor of Theed knows everyone with power. He is a good fellow, to boot. Details are dealt with and things go better than expected, a sure sign that we are entirely out of our depth. The Nabooians are starting to realize that the Rebellion and the Jedi have pledged ourselves with our very lives. We cannot abandon them without destroying ourselves.

The Sith lord is gone away now, and he has some grand plot, I ween. Let him. He cannot plot against the Force, no matter how subtle he is. Every Sith dashes against the rock of himself. Just like every Jedi. The fruit is delicious, I love my companions, and I am here now.

Jolee's Journal (Session Summary 12/20)

1 ABA, First Month, Day 25.

Today was Life Day. I've never really celebrated it before. Mother and Father preferred to celebrate local important events, old Naboonian customs, etc. But with the younger Omwati and students, people felt it was important. I was able to scrape together some gifts, though often it was just talking to Ackbar and asking for things. But I hope Pel and his brother have a nice time on Mon Calamari. I got some nice things--extra lightsaber crystals (they should come in handy,) a nice gun from Odak, information about family on Naboo, and a swoop bike from Talia.

Last night, Quan Hu wanted to talk. About how he felt, and about how I felt. I had to be honest. I care for him, but I can't care about him that way. People I love die, and he can't take care of himself. And honestly, I'm worried that he only loves me because I saved his life. That's no way to start anything. I gave him his present to ease his pain--a nice bottle of Corellian whisky I picked up on a trade run with Han. He didn't look too good this morning. I hope he finds happiness.

Good news, though. Master Kenobi wasn't too upset with me about telling Luke about his father. I was pleased. I feel even more concerned for Luke's welfare though. I got him into this, I'll see that he gets out of it.

Jolee's Journal (Session Summary 12/06)

1 ABA, 1st Month, Day 10

Well, we weren't on Cloud City long. Long enough for Lando to take me to dinner, Pel to gamble a bit, and Draco and Luke to get a new ship. Then, Lando showed us to Boba Fett, told me to get to his ship and leave while Fett was distracted with Talia and Pel. In a way, it's flattering. No one has ever betrayed people for me before.

Meena found Zach, Taryn and the others, and we all managed to escape on the Wayfarer. Taryn's excited about some droid in pieces in the engine room. So, we're all on the way back to the academy, minus Khazdan and plus Draco and three other Knights, and Pel's younger brother.

Obi-Wan is so going to kill me though.

Jolee's Journal (Session Summary 11/16,11/23)

1 ABA, 1st month, Day 6.

Well, a lot has happened. I did tell Luke about his father. He didn't react how I expected. Instead of screaming about how it wasn't possible, he just immediately wanted to "rescue" him. Rescue him my ass. That monster killed my father. But, I think Luke understood that our main priority was our friends.

We had to be on Imperial Center for a few days, while we found contacts, information, etc. We ran into Boba Fett, and that led into a shootout that forced us to go underground. We finally traced Pel to a stolen shipment of medical equipment that was delivered to some big tower under construction. We went there, and found Pel at the top, along with Vader and a bunch of uber-troopers. Zach immediately got Pel free with some impressive uses of the Force. Luke got shot all to hell. I was really worried about him, and I figured Vader would call off the attack on him if he knew. So, I kinda very loudly called Luke by his last name. Kenobi is going to kill me.

Vader was afterwords distracted by trying to get Luke to stay. I latched myself onto Luke, whom, by the way, thinks I'm in love with him or something. While I think he's a nice guy... he's just that. A nice guy. Too nice. It's kinda creepy how nice sometimes. Anyway, I think Luke was really tempted to stay and try to redeem Vader, but also figured that I wasn't leaving him, so he came with us.

We were met at the bottom of the turbolift shaft by Antares Draco and some more Imperial Knights. People tried to convince them to turn on the Empire. I told Draco to grow some balls and do what he knew was right. He and a couple of Imperial Knights did defect, but some others didn't, and attacked us. We managed to escape Imperial Center on the The Knightspeed, but not before lots of people were very badly hurt. Dool took Zach and Taryn, who had gotten hurt badly, and Pel's younger brother, away on a speeder during the fight.

We set a course in for an asteriod field, to stop and check the ship for tracers. Luke tried to disable a tracer, but it destroyed the hyperdrive in the process. Nearest port is Cloud City. Which, wouldn't be so bad except for the fact that Fett contacted Talia and told her that he had The Wayfarer and everyone that was on board, and would only trade it for either me or Pel. So now people want me to get in touch with Lando and get him to help us. I hate depending on other people for things and asking them for favors.

Also, I think Antares thinks I'm the worst person ever. Bleh.

WANTED-- unknown Ferroan female

UNKNOWN FERROAN FEMALE is guilty of numerous and violent crimes against the Empire, the Imperial Military, property, and Imperial citizenry.

UNKNOWN FERROAN FEMALE is to be considered armed and extremely dangerous. She is moderately skilled with a lightsaber and small arms and possesses treasonous Jedi knowledge and abilities. She is highly skilled at stealth and infiltration; advanced sensor equipment is recommended for any apprehension or termination attempt. She is a known associate of members of the terrorist “Rebel Alliance” A reward of up to 1,000,000 credits and conditional amnesty for crimes committed during arrest is offered for the apprehension, termination or information leading to the arrest of this felon.

TREASON
INTERFERENCE WITH INTELLIGENCE OPERATION
IMPERSONATION OF IMPERIAL INTELLIGENCE
MURDER
KIDNAPPING
ASSAULT
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
ASSAULT ON IMPERIAL TROOP
ASSAULT ON IMPERIAL OFFICER
ASSAULT ON IMPERIAL DIGNITARY
ASSASSINATION
THEFT OF CLASSIFIED INFORMATION
TRANSMISSION OF CLASSIFIED INFORMATION
SABOTAGE
DESTRUCTION OF IMPERIAL PROPERTY
FRAUD
ESPIONAGE
TRESPASSING
AGGRAVATED TRESPASSING
UNLICENSED MEDICAL PRACTICE

WANTED--ZACH OUICHEE

ZACH OUICHEE is guilty of numerous and violent crimes against the Empire, the Imperial Military, property, and Imperial citizenry.

ZACH OUICHEE is to be considered armed and extremely dangerous. He is highly proficient in the use of the banned lightsaber and possesses treasonous Jedi knowledge and ability. DO NOT APPROACH OR NEEDLESSLY ANTAGONIZE He associates with other dangerous criminals and is often in the company of members of the terrorist “Rebel Alliance” A reward of up to 1,000,000 credits and conditional amnesty for crimes committed during arrest is offered for the apprehension, termination or information leading to the arrest of this felon.

TREASON
KIDNAPPING
ASSAULT (LIGHTSABER)
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT (LIGHTSABER)
ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON (LIGHTSABER)
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON (LIGHTSABER)
MURDER (LIGHTSABER)
POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL WEAPON (LIGHTSABER)
ASSAULT ON IMPERIAL TROOP
ASSAULT ON IMPERIAL OFFICER
SABOTAGE
DESTRUCTION OF IMPERIAL PROPERTY
FAILURE TO REGISTER RESTRICTED SPECIES

WANTED--TARYN XEL

TARYN XEL is guilty of numerous and violent crimes against the Empire, the Imperial Military, property, and Imperial citizenry.

TARYN XEL is to be considered armed and dangerous. XEL possesses great skill with technology and explosive devices. Do not enter a location suspected of harboring XEL without a full sensor scan. Droids employed in the apprehension of XEL should not be left unattended. She associates with other dangerous criminals and is a member of the terrorist “Rebel Alliance” A reward of up to 50,000 credits and conditional amnesty for crimes committed during arrest is offered for the apprehension, termination or information leading to the arrest of this felon.

TREASON

INTERFERENCE WITH INTELLIGENCE OPERATION

MURDER

KIDNAPPING

ASSAULT

ASSAULT ON IMPERIAL TROOP

ASSAULT ON IMPERIAL OFFICER

ASSAULT (EXPLOSIVE)

SABOTAGE

DESTRUCTION OF IMPERIAL STARSHIP

DESTRUCTION OF IMPERIAL PROPERTY

DESTRUCTION OF IMPERIAL FACILITY

DESTRUCTION OF IMPERIAL RESEARCH MATERIAL

DESTRUCTION OF IMPERIAL DROID ASSET

SMUGGLING (PROHIBITED SPECIES)

WANTED--TALIA RENN

TALIA RENN (Lt. 1st Class, AWOL) is guilty of numerous and violent crimes against the Empire, the Imperial Military, property, and Imperial citizenry.

TALIA RENN is to be considered heavily armed and extremely dangerous. She associates with other dangerous criminals and is a member of the terrorist “Rebel Alliance” Do not attempt to apprehend without overwhelming numerical superiority. If spotted, request immediate reinforcements and inform Imperial Security.

A reward of up to 750,000 credits and conditional amnesty for crimes committed during arrest is offered for the apprehension, termination or information leading to the arrest of this felon.

TREASON
MUTINY
INSURGENCY 1ST DEGREE
SEDITION
INTERFERENCE WITH INTELLIGENCE OPERATION
IMPERSONATION OF IMPERIAL INTELLIGENCE
ABUSE OF IMPERIAL RANK
MURDER
KIDNAPPING
ASSAULT
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
VEHICULAR ASSAULT
ASSAULT ON IMPERIAL TROOP
ASSAULT ON IMPERIAL OFFICER
ASSAULT ON IMPERIAL DIGNITARY
ASSAULT ON A SUPERIOR OFFICER
ASSAULT ON COMMAND STAFF
ASSAULT (HEAVY WEAPONRY)
ASSAULT (AIRSTRIKE)
MISUSE OF CLASSIFIED INFORMATION
TRANSMISSION OF CLASSIFIED INFORMATION
DESERTION
INSUBORDINATION
MALINGERING
UNLICENSED BOUNTY HUNTING
SABOTAGE
DESTRUCTION OF IMPERIAL STARSHIP
DESTRUCTION OF IMPERIAL PROPERTY
MISAPPROPRIATION (STARSHIP)
MISAPPROPRIATION (ARMORED VEHICLE)
SMUGGLING
PROHIBITED SALE (UNLICENSED WEAPONRY)
PROHIBITED SALE (IMPERIAL PROPERTY)
FRAUD
ESPIONAGE
TRANSPORT OPERATION WITHOUT CAPTAIN’S LICENSE

WANTED--JOLEE SE'OL

JOLEE SE’OL is guilty of numerous and violent crimes against the Empire, the Imperial Military, property, and Imperial citizenry.

JOLEE SE’OL is to be considered armed and extremely dangerous. She associates with other dangerous criminals and is known for using starfighter weaponry on personnel. SE'OL possesses treasonous Jedi knowledge and abilities. Do not attempt to apprehend without anti-air assets. If spotted, seek hardened shelter and inform the nearest Imperial Naval attaché.

A reward of up to 5,000,000 credits and total amnesty for crimes committed during arrest is offered for the apprehension or termination of the felon. Substantial rewards are also offered for information leading to her arrest.

ATTEMPTED ROYAL ASSASINATION
TREASON
COLLUSION WITH JEDI SORCERER
SEDITION
IMPERSONATION OF IMPERIAL PERSONNEL
MURDER
KIDNAPPING
ASSAULT
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
VEHICULAR ASSAULT
ASSAULT ON IMPERIAL TROOP
ASSAULT ON IMPERIAL OFFICER
ASSAULT ON IMPERIAL DIGNITARY
ASSAULT (STARSHIP)
UNLICENSED BOUNTY HUNTING
ARSON
ARSON (PERSONAL)
EXTORTION
BLACKMAIL
SOLICITATION
SABOTAGE
DESTRUCTION OF IMPERIAL STARSHIP
DESTRUCTION OF IMPERIAL PROPERTY
THEFT (STARSHIP)
THEFT (ARMORED VEHICLE)
SMUGGLING
POSSESION (UNLICENSED JET PACK)
POSSESION (UNLICENSED WEAPONRY)
POSSESION (UNLICENSED FLAMETHROWER)
PROHIBITED SALE (UNLICENSED WEAPONRY)
PROHIBITED SALE (IMPERIAL PROPERTY)
FRAUD
ESPIONAGE
OPERATION OF ILLEGALY MODIFIED REPULSORCRAFT

WANTED--PEL VANDRED

Wanted for crimes against the Empire

BIOGRAPHY –
PEL VANDRED is guilty of numerous and violent crimes against the Empire, the Imperial Military, property, and Imperial citizenry.

PEL VANDRED is to be considered armed and dangerous. He associates with other dangerous criminals and is not only an accomplished con artist, but capable of feats of violent athleticism. VANDRED is a member of the terrorist “Rebel Alliance” and possesses treasonous Jedi knowledge and abilities. If spotted, avoid direct eye contact and inform Imperial Security.

A reward of up to 5,000,000 credits and total amnesty for crimes committed during arrest is offered for the apprehension or termination of the felon. Substantial rewards are also offered for information leading to his arrest.

crimes include –

TREASON
SEDITION
IMPERSONATION OF IMPERIAL PERSONNEL
IMPERSONATION OF JEDI SORCEROR
MURDER
KIDNAPPING
ASSAULT
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
VEHICULAR ASSAULT
ASSAULT ON IMPERIAL TROOPs
ASSAULT ON IMPERIAL OFFICER
ASSAULT ON IMPERIAL DIGNITARY
ASSAULT (AGGRAVATED DEFENSTRATION)
ASSAULT (LIGHTSABER)
UNLICENSED BOUNTY HUNTING
ARSON
SABOTAGE
DESTRUCTION OF IMPERIAL STARSHIP
DESTRUCTION OF IMPERIAL PROPERTY
RESISTING ARREST
BRAINWASHING
THEFT (STARSHIP)
THEFT (ARMORED VEHICLE)
EXTORTION
BRIBERY
SMUGGLING
POSSESION (UNLICENSED WEAPONRY)
POSSESION (CONCEALED WEAPONRY)
POSSESION (LIGHTSABER)
PROHIBITED USE (UNLICENSED WEAPONRY)
FRAUD
FORGERY
RACKETEERING
IMPEDING IMPERIAL INVESTIGATION
ESPIONAGE
TRUANCY

Jolee's Journal (Session Summary 10/18, 11/1)

1 ABA, 1st month, day 2.

On the Millennium Falcon, en route to Alderaan. The little Jedi, Kazdan Paradus, needs cybernetic surgery, and Alderaan has the best facilities outside of Couruscant. Also took the two Imperial Knights with us, since they are both from Alderaan.

Talked to Odak for a while before we left. I'm worried about him. I don't think he'll be content at the Academy for much longer, but I'm not sure people will let him leave. There are trust issues there. He's hard to read. I don't know how he feels about any of us.

Also spent some time practicing with Zane and Dory. Zane's a good kid. I feel bad about ignoring him while growing up.

Need to go. Am being summoned to the cockpit. Probably another "Now, I don't care what she thinks, but if I did, what do you think I should do..." things with Han. People should just say what they think.

1 ABA, 1st month, day 4.

I'm feeling a bit sick. Ok, a lot sick. I don't do well with moral dilemas. Am now aboard the Wayfarer. Tallia was out on some minor mission with Luke and Dool Fortuna, and we hailed her to come get us. We're headed to Couroscant to rescue Pel. Who was captured by Vader. And Luke is with us. And I'm the only person onboard who knows who Luke's father is. And Pel knows. And Pel is with Vader. Do I tell Luke? I think so. But I have no idea how to tell him. Normally I would just blurt it out, but I'm not sure that's the best way to tell someone that their father is the scourge of the galaxy.

I think some people expect me to feel guilty over Pel's capture. But I don't. It was his choice to come along as part of the distraction. I'm sure he knew the risks. And frankly Vader would probably have just killed me outright, instead of this elaborate plan to turn him into a second Vader. So, better him than me. Well, if we can get him back. Otherwise it should have been me.

Ok, going to tell Luke. Sometime. Before we land. Maybe. Or before we get to the hospital. Soon. I think.

Jolee's Journal (Session Summary 10/12)

O ABA, 12th month, Day 12.

The Gentle Sunlight is scheduled to reach Yavin today. Thank the force. I couldn't take being on here much longer. My only sources of entertainment were the Omwati children Taryn introduced me to, and talking to the spacers. The spacers all disembarked a few days ago, though.

Things are going better though. I suppose the boringness of the ship has given me time to think about what happened. It was dumb and stupid and unnecessary, but it happened and I should get over it. I don't like it when I mope, although it's hard to stop sometimes. Right after I came to that conclusion, Taryn asked me to check to see if any of the Omwati children were force sensitive. They weren't, but they were adorable. They liked playing with my hair, since it's different than their feathery hair. Theirs was all downy and poofy and cute.

Zach and Tallia both wanted to talk to all of us. Tallia was wondering about the feasibility of putting the academy on the herd ship. The new Ithorian force sensitive we met told us that the Ithorians wouldn't like that much--we're too obviously fighting against the Empire. Then Zach said we should start up a large colony around the academy at Yavin IV. He implied we were monks. I can't believe he thinks he can wake up 1000 years in the future and presume to know what's best. Yes, Jedi would do best surrounded by other people, but we're dangerous right now. A large colony would be dangerous for everyone involved.

I don't want there to be another Volik. I mean, if we just let people settle on Yavin that we don't know, how can we be sure that they won't betray us, and put not only the Academy, but the rest of the colony in danger. I said as much to Zach. Tallia agreed with me. I actually felt a little proud about that. I think she's starting to respect me. And I think the stick up her ass has shrunk considerably. I might have lost my temper a bit and implied that Zach would rather hurt innocent people than live a quiet life for a few years. But he was being ridiculous. The Force knows I prefer being around lots of people. But that's what going off world is for. We go places like Cloud City and Mon Calamari. I do think we should let the other students get off planet more. Luke comes with us quite a bit, but the rest are pretty stuck on Yavin.

We did agree with Taryn that the Omwati should have a place to settle down. There's about a dozen kids, maybe some more, and two adults. One of the adults is a teacher, so that will be nice for the students at the academy.

Tallia just commed to get on the Wayfarer to head planetside. Will right more later.

0 ABA, 12th month, day 13.

So, we landed on Yavin with a bunch of Ithorians (who immediately began planting stuff) and the Omwati. Zane and Dory lead the Omwati around, showing them the place, while we talked with Kenobi and the herd leader. Kenobi agreed that having an academic teacher around would be beneficial. We saw Zane and Dory helping the kids run the obstacle course, using the Force to help them over the climbing parts. Everyone looked like they were having a good time.

Odak pulled me aside and told me that having so many people here was a bad idea. I told him that this wasn't bad compared to Zach's original plan. He made some disparaging comments. Odak is a jerk, but I rather like him.


0 ABA, 12th month, day 14.

Stupid Zabrak. 50 points my ass.


0 ABA, 12th month, day 15.

Am now worth 75 points, feel better about life.


0 ABA, 12th month, day 19.

We're leaving on a mission today. Blowing up some "Super" star destroyer. Hitching a ride with some Rodians. Quan has actually been to where we're going, so he's coming along. Luke's coming too. Will either be really fun or really awkward.

0 ABA, 12th month, day 22.

It was really awkward, though not for the reasons I expected. Zach is a douche. He killed an insane Jedi we were there to redeem. The Jedi had even fled the area. Zach had to go out of his way to kill him. We were all in a bit of shock. Luke didn't handle it well. I had to go run after him while everyone else dealt with Zach. Luke believes in the inherent goodness in people, and that if we can save them, we should. I like that about him, it's how I feel about things too. Quan agreed with what Zach did. It made me a little sad.

Anyhow, we took the Jedi's body and his robot friends with us (Kenobi was a redhead, who knew?) and headed to destroy the "super" star destroyer. Ackbar was right when he said they were trying to Jedi proof their Stormtroopers. Zach was a douche once again by being an asshole to Luke about "why don't we redeem the Stormtroopers." Idiot. Big difference between killing a poor insane guy who had retreated, and killing people who are activily shooting at you. To think I thought we'd get along.

Well, we destroyed the "super" star destroyer with a glob of superheated metal. Turns out the wacky little guy wasn't dead--he had a built in life-support system. Zach mildy redeemed himself by infusing the guy with his life force. I still don't trust him.

Different Hope Group Shot

Session Summary, 9/27 (Jolee's Journal)

0 ABA, 12th month, day 6

Well, I'm still on the herd ship, the Gentle Sunlight. It's going to Yavin. Be a bit of a surprise for everyone at the academy, I bet. It's slow going, but it's nice and peaceful. And by peaceful, I mean kind of boring.

I spend most of the day just wandering around the forest/meadow/top part of the ship. I don't really feel like talking to anyone. I don't really know Zach, Taryn is a bit... much, Tallia is Tallia, and frankly I'm embarrassed to be around Pel. He saw me break down on the Imperial Knight's ship, and so I'd rather not be around him right now. He's emotionally touchy-feely and I don't like talking about anything.

So, after my last entry, we went a bunch of different places. Some Sullustan Corp. mining station where we tracked the pirates to. From there we went to a pirate hide out. It was probably the dingiest, must unpleasant station I've been on. I met some nice Duros drug dealers though. I have no idea what to do with all this glitterstim they gave me.

So, what happened. Well, on the mining colony we tracked down the pirates, but the trees weren't there. So, we called the Imperials on the pirates so they would flee to their base. After fighting a bunch of Tie-fighters, we did so. Once we got to the pirate base, we went to a little cantina to try to find the main pirate guy. Evidently he's big on explosions. Taryn seems terrified of him. Anyway, almost as soon as we got there, Zach tried some glitterstim the Duros gave him. It was pretty funny.

Side note: I tried glitterstim once. Han found out I hadn't tried any and gave me some, so I "won't be tempted if we ever end up shipping some of this stuff." Chewbacca found me a few minutes later, put me in the med bay, and then yelled at Han in Shryiiwook for an hour or two.

Zach got into a fight when he was on glitterstim. More dangerous and more intereting. I helped the Duros to safety, but was a bit distracted when a bunch of droids with explosives on their chest came. Ended up escaping in an elevator with the Duros and some pirates. Luckily, the pirates didn't know I was with the people who started the fight in the cantina, and I was able to just walk to where the trees were. The others didn't appreciate this when I told them. Not my fault they'd rather kill everything they can see than simply walk away and protect innocent drug smugglers.

Anyway, we found the trees, found a weird Ithorian tending them. Evidently he like experimenting with plant/sentient combinations and it got him banned. He agreed to help us move the trees back to the herd ship, but the head pirate guy came out, Zach (Pel? I don't know. Zach is like a near-human Pel with better hair. Hard to tell them apart,) threatened the pirate dude left, and the Knights showed up. Eventually, after much posturing, they agreed to my idea, which was to take some of the Knights on the Wayfarer with the trees, and some of us on their ship, and meet up at the herd ship and let the Ithorians decide who gets the bacta.

Pel and I ended up with the Knights. We found out from a communication Draco received from someone called "Neida" that they were planning on destroying the herd ship if the Empire didn't get the bacta. I basically called Draco a jerk, he told me to shut my mouth because I was lucky he didn't kill me, blah blah blah, said it was no wonder my famiy was dead, I hit him and then I started crying. It was really very embarrassing. I hate crying in front of people.

Well, the Ithorians gave the Alliance the bacta, Draco turned out to be a decent fellow (he apologized for his comment, btw) and delayed reporting to the Empire until the herd ship had time to mobilize and go somewhere where the Empire couldn't find them, which turns out to be Yavin.

Zach is taking an Ithorian apprentice. I guess she looks just like his "partner" before the carbon freeze. I don't know what "partner" means exactly. I didn't think near humans and Ithorians were into that sort of thing with each other.

Well, I'm going to head off. I scrounged up enough spare parts and equipment, and I'm going to strip Darth Bane's lightsaber and make a new one that's more comfortable for me. I'm trying to keep at least the outside of it intact, since Zach seems to want it, but I'm pretty much going to have to gut it to make a new one.

I wonder if I'll eventually set a record for most lightsabers made and lost in a lifetime.

--Jolee

From the journal of Zane Tardith

This update is from a little bit in the future, but I don't think I'm speculating too much on future events.

From the journal of Zane Tardith -

I found this datapad in the garden and the writing was all weird and loopy like in a historical holo. i asked Quan Hu for a translation program and he was like for what and i didnt want to say so i said I wanted to teach myself hi galactic and he laughed and he loaned me a datapad with a translation program so heres the output. Zach doesnt talk like this but hes been weird since they got back you know always humming or dancing and going for runs in the jungle at night. I dont want to tell Dory everything in here because she'll run and tell Quan Hu i read this and then she'll go on about how smart and kind Quan Hu is and how Jolee isnt so brave and she could go out and rescue people if they would let her.

[BEGIN AUTOTRANSLATION CODEX OUT OF DATE APPROXIMATE TRANSLATION BEGUN]

In this year after the seventh battle of Ruusan One Thousand and Two, on Seventhday of Eighthmonth, I Jedi Knight Zach Ouichee mark and proclaim this record.

It is odd to have another student and odder still one with more than passing likeness to Nalara. Rolana beseems kind and clever, yet still I fear for how the other students will treat her. They have goode hearts for the most part but that whoreson pirate worries me. Perhaps I will ask Pell to talk to him for me; Pell has a sweet tongue and knowes the pirate better than I. Odak is no foole so I think he will know better than to harm Rolana. I must bend my mind towards creating a curriculum as best I can.

My companions are odd but good. I cannot tell if they are oftimes strange of if the death of Aegon has made them so but we all have our strangeness. Taryn and Talia seem heartsick with anxiety sometimes and I know no words to counsel them. I only hope they both will detonate something big enough to shake their fears away. I do not thing Talia knowes what to make of me but she seems stalwart and will see. She strikes me as passing similar to General Onasi only female and not whiney. Taryn was shocked by my taking the glitteringstim but I will be a mare to Mosh the Rancor before I take that again. That hang-over was worse than Sith lightning. She has cared for me in my long sleep and I will watch over her and aid her quest for her people however I am able, for her and in memory of my kinfolk.

Pel has a good heart but I feel that something great or terrible still lies in his future. Jolee vexes my mind, for she is true to herself and at the very center of things yet I have no idea what she feels about those around her. I only hope she will not join those red knights as this new order needs her. Meena I have not sensed for a while now. She is a master as good as cloaking herself as any I have met and with her healing and counsel she is like a Force ghost cloaked in flesh. When she rejoins the force it will be as gentle a change as any who do not fade directly into it.

My hearts worry is dwarfed by my hearts hope though and the stars are alight again with promise and wonder. I have landed in a dark time in desperate need of help but the storm has an eye filled with able fellowes and new worlds to tread. I have a new student who will understand the glory and beauty of the force and I hope to teach another the sabres subtlety. I am hale as ever I was and so I finally feel that I can embark on mastering Vapaad. Mayhaps the less morose and stupid of those red Knights could learn and force be willing the children Tardith will ask me for help with Ataru.

Now I go for to cleanse my mind and work my body. I will need to be my keenest for Vapaad for teaching and for stopping the Sith. I have good work and tools to do it.

May the Force be with us all Jedi Knight Zach Ouichee

[END AUTOTRANSLATION]