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(5.18) Paths Ahead
(5.18) Paths Ahead
Generation Ship, Narshana
Passing through the Inner Rim
In Route to the Expansion Regions
October 5th through 12th, 1936
Life aboard the Narshana had settled in to a state of normalcy for the passengers and crew of this massive generation ship. The sher size of the Narshana didn't come completely to light till the rescue operation was over. Being nearly six kilometers long and two kilometers wide at her widest points, the Narshana was a massive ship. In fact the Narshana wasn't just one ship but a number of ships grafted together to create this Generation Ship. According to her Captain, Captain Nakeel, she wasn't even one of the largest of the Generation Ships in operation. The Narshana was actually one of the smaller classed Generation Ships. For all of her size, Visst learned that she was a slow, steady Goliath of a ship moving through the space that she travels. Captain Nakeel took the time to explain to Visst how each Generation Ship has a sector of space which they travel within, called a Gen Zone. Each Gen Zone is nicknamed after the ship that operates within it. The Narshana's Gen Zone is called Nar'Gen Space. Typically, the Gen Zones of two Generation Ships over lap within a inhabited system. These lucky few worlds called, Nexus Worlds, become hubs of interstellar travel and shipping. It is a rare thing when two Generation Ships are within a Nexus World at the same time. Normally when these events accrue, it is a time of great celebration. Some Nexus Worlds have planned great festivals in honor of these rare events.
As a general rule, a Generation Ship is a completely neutral vessel able to slip across battle lines without the slightest of fear of attack. This is not to say that they are free from attack all together no matter where they go. Pirates and Slavers tend to target Generation Ships as slow, easy, fat targets. Almost all worlds would rush to the aid of a Generation Ship under attack. However, Captain Nakeel told Visst of a story near the turn of the century that showed the turning of events. The Generation Ship Lue'Con serviced much of the space within the Core Worlds and the Reich. The Lue'Con was one of the largest Generation Ship to ever sail the stars. It was rumored to be one of the oldest ships as well. As the Lue'Con was making her way outward from the Deep Core, she fell under attack and was destroyed. All souls were lost during the battle. The Reich sent twenty nearby ships to render aid but they arrived too late to save the Lue'Con. Captain Nakeel believes and as he says, “nearly all of the other Generation Ship Captain s also believe” that the Reich had been responsible for the attack. When asked he explains how the Reich had demanded that the Lue'Con hand over its nonhuman passengers just a few weeks before the attack. The Reich had claimed that the nonhuman passengers had been part of a terrorist cell that carried out attacks on the Reich. The Captain refused the demand, then twenty days later she is attacked and destroyed. Captain Nakeel did not believe that one of the most powerful navies in the Galaxy could not respond in time within their own boarders to save the Lue'Con. Now, no Generation Ship enters Reich Space regardless of reason. The Lue'Gen Space remains unserviced. It was a sad story to hear in light of the remarkable culture that could be found on a Generation Ship. Visst found the vast ship beaming with a rich diverse culture all of their own. Something that Daz was coming to terms with as well.
As the Narshana was making her out bound journey in to the Inner Rim, business was as normal. Shortly before the Narshana left the Colonies, the group known as Sabatan left the Narshana. Joakin promised to remain in touch with Master Visst, but they had to keep the voice alive along the boarders of the Reich. The newly freed slave, known as Star-Spirit, also departed the Narshana to return to her homeworld. She left Visst with a open invitation to visit her people any time he wished. The Narshana lumbered through space, her speed was not remarkable. In fact she was nearly two times slower than most capital ships of the Old Republic. It gave Daz much time to meet the diverse aboard. There were so many different cultures and races found that he simply didn't have enough time to meet them all. There were the wealthy Togruta twin sisters from Gathver. Their father owned a powerful shipping company. Daz was surprised to find that each year, the sisters take what they call “The Loop”. For no better reason, they buy passage aboard the Narshana just to ride the entire loop around Nar'Gen Space. Most passengers were on a journey from somewhere or hoping to reach somewhere. He meet people fleeing their past, and others hoping to start a new future somewhere else. Then there were those members of the crew that Daz met. Some had joined willingly. Others were pressed in to service because they owed the ship a debt. Daz couldn't help but recognize the vast population around him. And somehow word had gotten out that he was some kind of leader. Crew and Passengers alike paid him the respect of being a leader.
As the Narshana would enter the system of Gathver, The sisters departed for their homeworld. At the same time a number of smaller ships brought merchants and businessmen. They descended on the large market center next to the main hangers. Within hours, the markets of the Narshana came to life with activity. The markets would do their business and commerce would thrive aboard the Narshana. New passengers also came a board as others would leave the ship for other ships or to land on Gathver. The Narshana never came to a stop as she cruised through the system. A wide range of medium and short range ships came along side the Narshana. The massive cargo holds opened up and transfer cargo started as Malcolm flew over watch. Watching the whole thing unfold seemed like complete chaos. As the Narshana would approach the edge of the Gathver system, the merchants would close up their shops and depart the ship. The ships along side would normally be the last to depart the Narshana. Then right on schedule and at the very edge of the system, the Narshana slipped back in to hyperspace once more. Her vast markets now nothing more than a ghost town. With the only movement from the hand full of droids and other beings cleaning up the mess and getting the Market ready for the next system.
The Captain's daughter and XO of the ship, Commander Teeble would over see the entire operation from beginning to the last cleaning droids action. Daz watched her commanding over the market activities with the eyes of a hawk. She explained to Daz that her job right now was to ensured that no dirty dealings took place. If a merchant was caught cheating someone, they were asked to leave the ship. The loss of this opportunity kept most in line. “Not all, but most” she said with a hint of sadness. Another duty of hers was to ensured that the Narshana collected its share of the profits. These little markets can bring in enough credits to help get the ship through lean times. To Daz's further surprise, the entire event lasted for just nineteen hours. Commander Teeble and her team were awake and alert for the entire event, from start to finish. Daz found a new respect for Commander Teeble as she demonstrated a vast and complete understanding of different cultures, races and their languages. She explained to Daz that these races were the life blood of the Narshana. Without the merchants and passengers the Narshana couldn't earn enough money to maintain the upkeep. The last thing any Generation Ship needs is being known for being unfair in its dealings. “This is why on board a Generation Ship you will find a diverse number of races and species. Because we strive to be more open and fair” she explained.
As Daz continued his tour of the ship, he was amazed with how different sections of the ship were set up. He could see where one culture ended and another begin. There were just so many being on board. Even before his rescue operation, there were four thousand permanent residents who traded services for lodging aboard. These people were considered the crew or service providers of the ship. Of these, not all crewed the ship. Many manned the permanent shops that were aboard, farmed the gardens, worked in a number of the maintenance shops aboard or provided services to the paying passengers, as well as a range of other services to ship, crew and passengers. Beyond the crew and service providers, there were the nearly six thousand paying passengers aboard at any giving time. These passengers ensured that the Narshana had a steady flow of income. Captain Nakeel worked hard to ensure that the Narshana held a good reputation so that she would draw in more passengers. With all the passengers plus the now the added four five hundred new passengers, the over all count aboard the Narshana was nearly fifteen thousand. With all this, there was plenty of room still left aboard.
Daz despite the need to show his break from attachments, Daz kept Swip close by along with Keyel as they went to speak with Priestess Kira. He asked her some pretty straight forward questions regarding destiny and found out that she heavily believed in a predetermined destiny. She felt that it was destiny which allowed for her to become a Priestess of Loki. “If the entire Galaxy were ours to take simply by our force of will, then what place would the Gods of Azgard hold?Such a concept of no destiny is simply silly. We are here in this time because we were meant to be here. Things happen to help further the cause of Good. Not by sher luck or will alone” she explained her view. She also warned that destiny was something that could be easily wasted away should one not take the needed steps to fulfill that destiny. When Daz asked her about her connection to the Force, she admitted that on her world it was viewed as a disease. “Within the Temple on High, not all have the same connection to the Force as I do. Within the Caste, I am not viewed any differently. However outside my Caste, that is a different story. I am pitied and looked down upon by most.” He also asked her about her relationship with her fellow Azgardians. Priestess Kira pointed that she believed that she had a strong relationship with the other members of her group. She also stated, “they have not stopped coming to me in regards to issues of faith.”
Captain Nakeel had put the word out regarding Visst and the exploits of the his group. It didn't take long for other Generation Ships Captains to attempt to learn more about Visst and his group. Some made their wishes to meet with Visst regarding his goals and plans clear. While others, after speaking with Visst just once, pledged their support behind him. If there ever was a chance to rekindle the light of the Republic, it was clear to Visst, now was the time. By weeks end and to Visst's surprise, the Captains of the Generation Ships have asked to meet with him personally to discuss Visst's plans for the future. According to the Captain Nakeel, this would be the only time that more than two Generation Ships ever were in the same system during the same time. As quoted by the Captain, "it would truly be a remarkable sight." Visst had other thoughts regarding the proposed meeting. He promised he would consider the request and reply once he had time to think about it. The drive was surely there for the rebirth of the Republic. However it would take a strong leader to keep pull it all together and more importantly keep it together. It was that sense of leadership which was currently missing from the Galaxy. Visst had a lot to think about.
There was also the issue of the pirates under the command of Captain Nathan. Talon requested that Visst sit down with each of them and 'feel' them out with the Force and ensure they were not a threat. While her concerns were in good reason, they turned out to be unfounded. Visst found great allies within the Council of the Inner Light to help with this task. Each member of the Inner Light Council, after long conversations had earned Visst's respect as Masters and leaders of their group. Though Visst did find some views like those of Master Salaban, who held a over critical view on everything and everyone, was something that he couldn't completely agree with. Their conversations regarding Daz brought renewed light and added salt to Visst's overall actions in dealing with Daz in the past. Even still, Visst could find respect in Master Salaban. This was in contrast of the calm understanding view with Master Scorylance in regards to Daz's actions. He reminded the Council of how missteps in the past could only help strengthen a Jedi's resolve if nurtured and explained properly. Visst saw the balance between the two strongly dominate Masters within the training of Knight Murl.
Visst could see how Master Salaban's drive for perfection in deed and thought honed her skills and Mastery over her weakness'. The kind heart nurturing approach of Master Scorylance help grow her maturely and eased the pains of being rejected by her own family and people. For all that Visst learned about Knight Murl, the murder of her father and when faced with the man who did it. Visst could see much of both Masters within her actions. Standing on the verge of the dark act of vengeance, Knight Murl lowered her lightsaber and forgave the man for the murder. Visst made a mental note to speak with the young Knight regarding the death of her father at a later time to better understand the events. The story of Knight Murl drove home the ideals that the Inner Light held regarding teaching of Padawans. That each Master is a teacher and all lessons should be heeded. From what Visst could tell, during a Padawan's first two years of training they train with one Master. Then they start to become exposed to others and different views regarding training. Then during trails it is how the Padawan uses what they have learned tells the Council where they need to focus the Padawan's future training. While a Padawan grows within the Force and the Order they start to take their trails, they are constantly tested over and over again. Even after they become Knights and Masters, they are still tested. All this ensures that the life long student remains true to the ideal and philosophies of the Order. As Master Scorylance said, “We are students of the Force. Each day should be seen as a new lesson and a new opportunity to test what we learned the day before.”
What impressed Visst the most was Master Akarin. The aging Jedi Master was clearly reaching the end of his days yet still held to teaching the young Padawans and younglings. However it was regarding a conversation about destiny that caught Visst's ear. "Each one of us has the potential for great evil and great good all at the same time. It is the compass of our heart which speaks of our true core and of our future." The conversation came up during the discussion of the Pirates. A few of them while not bad at heart had their futures a bit clouded by the darkside. It was during these conversations, Visst learned about the history of the Inner Light and how they came to be on such a dark world like Mearisa.
While names were left out, Visst did figure out who played what roles during the final fall of the Jedi. The Rangers had been more prepared for the coming war than had been expected. While the Republic waged war with Azgard, the Rangers disguised as Jedi hit major Temples across the Republic. Once the head of the Order had been smashed the war was much more one sided. By the time Master Preena Tabanne had taken over the Order was on its knees. She managed to craft an alliance with the Crusade and finally beat the Rangers once and for all. While the Rangers were no more, the Crusade had suffered greatly from the war and was more a name than an Order. Tebanne had allowed many former Crusade to seek refuge within the Order. It was this act that drove the final split. Within their new Headquarters on Naboo, the final breath of the Order was taken. Tebanne had been betrayed by a member of her own council and the Jedi disbanded.
To Visst's surprise it was Damaya Weirin and Plo Murl who led the Jedi to Mearisa. Master Arakirn was careful to not revile the name of the Jedi who betrayed the Order. Known only as the betrayer, he pursued Master Murl, Master Weirin along the remaining Jedi across the Galaxy. Finally they were forced down on Mearisa. It was the selfless acts of a few Jedi Master who used their combined powers through illusion to fool the Betrayer and his forces in to thinking the entire group had remained aboard their crippled ship. Master Akarin told of how the survivors watched helpless as their ship and friends were bombed repeatedly till nothing remained of the ship. Once the Betrayer's forces left, the survivors hid themselves within the Force and wondered Mearisa. Master Akarin said of that moment, the Jedi were no more. The Betrayer's Order turned dark and evil. Only Jedi by name, nothing more. After days of wondering, they discovered the temple underground, and the Temple of Inner Light was born. Visst learned that the founders of the Temple of Inner Light believed that it was attachments which drove the final fall of the Jedi. As such, they teach a strict no attachment doctrine. Visst also learned that the Temple had been a mix of both former Jedi and former Crusade living and surviving side by side. Master Weirin was pivotal in bridging the lines during the early years. Their plan was to remain hidden for just a few years. However events changed their plans. The Galaxy continued to fall apart and the Force school that Prince Saar had built had been whipped out by the Church. This meant leaving their new home had become simply too dangerous.
Visst heard the details of the debate which pulled every member of the colony in to. The debate started three years after they first arrived to the under ground Temple. It lasted for weeks. Each colony member was given a chance to speak on the issue. While the drive was great to return to the surface, the realization of what was happening sank in. A small group was selected to venture beyond the gate and explore the world. What they brought back shifted the debate. No longer was there anything to return to. All manner of technology was cast out to ensure they were not detected by the militaries above. It was then, the Inner Light sealed themselves from the darkness above. There was so much about their past Visst wanted to learn. He wanted to learn about how their grew their food, handled justice and so much more. However he had his own pressing issues. At hand was the choice regarding the Pirates.
Visst finally decided to allow the Pirates to remain with the group as long as they allowed the Masters of the Inner Light to help council and guide them. A request that Captain Nathan took well. Talon then took over as she and the other Azgardians started to train a third of the citizens of the Narshana. She created three training groups. One were going to be a standing military of the ship. Those who would give up all other duties to focus on training and defending the ship. The second group would be those who would be called up in times of emergency. Lastly were the children of the Narshana. Talon wanted to mirror the training of her own childhood. After outlining her plan with both Captains and some support from Visst, she was finally allowed to proceed with her plans. Visst was there during her first training and her words still echoed in his mind. "The odds are that within a few months most, if not all, of you will be dead or crippled from combat. I can not nor will I attempt to change this. However the children behind you will learn from your victories and defeats. How you handle yourselves during training is how they will handle themselves. Take this as seriously as possible and they will succeed where you fall."
Talon used the ship it self as her personal trip through hell as she trained her group. Spoonie did offer protest over the high number of training related injuries, though Talon simply dismissed his concerns as she continued to train adult and child alike. Talon even found use for Senni during the training, giving her a place within the Training Cadre. Senni's new role was to teach Talon's new recruits bladed close combat training. Even before the week was over, Talon asked Visst and the Inner Light to help Senni cope with her past. As Visst dove in her her memories, he hated what he saw. The Inner Light Council saw this as just one more reason why the old ways must never be allowed to take route again. During the days ahead, Senni's recovery moved slowly. But it did move forward, and Visst knew that this would take a long time for Senni to be fully recovered.
Visst started to realize that he needed the support of the Inner Light as much as they needed him. He considered asking them to place him through there own trails in hopes of gaining their acceptance of him within their Order. He had to admit, he was drawn in on their use of numerous trails to gage the advancement of a Padawan through training. Then they continue through Knighthood, and even through being a Master. Each member from Master Akarin on down under went trails to ensure that they do not forget what they have learned or fall to darker paths. However something did seem to bother Visst, many of the council members of the Inner Light did not take a keen liking to Daz. It was clear that they were keeping him at arms length. Most importantly, they kept their Padawans and younglings away from the Jedi Master. When asked, Master Akarin answered with, "based on what we do know of him so far. He has shown a lack of control and a disregard for the dangers of attachments. He would have to prove himself to us." Visst couldn't argue but he didn't like the fact.
As the first week slowly came to an end, Visst found Talon in the med-bay. She and Carissa were talking over a set of test results. "So did the procedure work" He asked calmly.
Talon turned with Carissa to face Visst. It was Carissa who spoke up first. "You knew" she stated plainly and clearly. The look of surprise was clearly written across Talon's face. Carissa's face reflected the lack of emotions that was within her. Still there was a hint of confusion on Carissa's face.
He nodded, "it wasn't hard to figure out. Your plan to remove her so called scarlet letter seemed like the only reasonable path that both of you would be on regarding the collection of DNA."
Talon glanced back at Carissa and sighed, “Don't blame her. I gave her an order not to inform any of what she was working on. I accept all responsibility for it.” She looked down in disappointment, "I didn't mean to conceal the fact of my actions. It simply wasn't anyone's...."
He waved his hand, "I understand" he said walking in to the room. "So did it work?"
Carissa nodded, "the biological markers are still there embedded deep within her DNA matrix. However through gene therapy their physical affect are gone."
"Mind if I see?" Visst said nodding,
Talon walked forward and turned to give Visst her back. She dropped to her knees and lowered her head. At the same time she pulled her head to the side. "It is a part of me I want gone. It may be something of how I was made, but it is not who I am" she explained as she finally exposed the back of her neck.
Visst could clearly see her plain bare neck. The bar code that was once part of her DNA was no long there. Being a creation of the Crusade with one mission, to kill Daz Murl. The bar code held the data of who and what she was. Only a copy of the long dead Fiolla Heartman. "It never had any influence over who you were."
Not looking up from the floor, "that may be Master Visst. However it did effect how others saw me. And if Daz had his way, it would effect who I really am. Having it removed will close the debate of who I am."
Visst nodded as she stood back up to face him, "Talon, you are who you are. Who you choose to be. Nothing can change this."
Talon looked down at the small Jedi Master who shielded her from the others. She smiled, "Master Visst, if not for you I would not be here today. Everything you taught me, has helped me grow beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you for being part of my life experience."
He nodded, "you asked to see me?"
Talon went back to the table and picked up a folder. "I asked Senni if I could show this to you. I have her permission." She explained while handing him the file. He opened and started to read the medical report. "She well in to her second trimester. Based on the Doctor's opinion, she is reaching the point of no return for the mother. If the unborn baby is not dealt with soon, the mother will parish." Talon explained the details of the medical report. It was very detailed and very clear. Within a few days, the damage to Senni's body would not be reversible. "Visst what I want you to do is talk to her. Make sure that this is in fact what she wants. Make sure she is of sound mind and solid convection."
Visst read over the medical reports very carefully. He was reading the future of Senni's detailed death. During the past week, Senni had opened up to him on levels she never dared opened up with before. She was a brave woman with a heart of gold. But she was still mortal and had always expected her pending death. She spoke highly of her child and had great hopes for him. Visst knew the answer but understood that Talon needed to be sure. It was more or less just ensuring that everything was covered. "I will speak with her."
Talon nodded, "Thank you Master Visst."
Daz found himself walking on to the bridge of the Narshana. It was a place he was finding that he disliked more and more. He couldn't help glancing at the concealed stairwell ahead of him as he was washed over by a sense of coldness right down to his soul. He didn't want to admit that he had made the wrong decision in his dealings with the Force Wraths, however he was feeling as much. He had always saw Destiny as a major player within his life. Even at the time of his birth it was foretold that he was Destine for something much greater than others. He was disappointed with the fact that the Wraths had stolen something from him as priceless as his own Destiny. He had even considered an act of revenge against them by attacked their Force Focal Point. He had believed that destroying the cauldron would have given him back what they stoled from him. It wasn't only an act of revenge. Still he was relieved that he didn't do it. It was another low point in his life and was grateful that Master Visst was there to ensure that he didn't go down that path once more.
Captain Nakeel walked up behind Daz, “you wished to see me Master Murl?”
Daz took his eyes off the concealed passageway as he turned to face the Captain, “Yes captain. I wanted to ask you about the Wraths.”
“They are not very pleased with you. I have been asked not to speak with you regarding them any further” the Captain explained while cutting Daz's statement off.
A look of disappointment crossed Daz's face. “I just wanted to ask you about the pact of your family made with the Force wraiths, how were they were first encountered, and the specifics of your arrangements” Daz tried to explain.
Shaking his head, “Look, I am sorry, but you and your friend have really upset them. I warned you about upsetting them. The answer is no. I will not speak with you about them at any measure. I am sorry.”
Daz knew better than to push the issue any further. “I understand Captain” he said softly as he tried to over come this blockage. “Could you explain to me how other ships weather the Force storms and when they first appeared” Daz asked as he lifted his gaze to the Captain's eyes.
The Captain nodded, “Most people can't see them. Only those like you can see the storms. The rest of us just get to enjoy the effects. So what do they do?” the Captain said softly with a stern look on his face. “Once a storm is detected, they turn and go another way. Avoiding the storm is much better than attempting to weather it.” A grim look crossed his face, “Once you are trapped in a storm, its over. Hope that what ever God you worship smiles on you. Cause you are good as dead within those wretched storms. Even with our friends, we don't sail through them. We just skim the edges” the Captain explained. He looked down for a bit as if trying to remember something, “as for when they first appeared. I couldn't tell you. For as long as I have been alive there had been storms. There are records going back over a thousand years and storms have been recorded.”
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