Dawn and Dusk of the Dark

*** Last Chapter! :D Wow... hard to believe. I did this since the start of this blog. Thanks to all my loyal readers. I hope you enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please give me a good review!

Chapter 21

I remembered thinking that a place with no rats was paradise, as I lay down on the cell floor in the beginning of my adventure. That’s exactly how I feel now. Weightless and free. Free? Did I just say “free”?! I was never free.  Maybe I’m dead.

No, I’m not. I opened my eyes, and I was in a bacta tank. Kalifa and Barriss-I don’t know their real names- were outside, smiling at me and somehow communicating with me, saying that my mom would have been proud. I can just see my mom’s smiles.

***

When I got out of the tank, Kalifa took me outside of the Rebel base. She said this was a planet abandoned after the empire crushed it. She isn’t going to tell me the name, so what happened with Eroda won’t happen to me. That is perfectly okay for me too.

The place was empty and desolate. Once in a blue moon the wind creaked by.  The plants that were there lost the will to live a just gave up- sitting there forever until it dies. My only hope was that it was quick and painless.

This is living proof of what the empire had done. Living for now, anyway. Not for long. Because of the empire. The injustice of it all staggered me. So that’s what we’re gonna fight for. Fight so that we can live as who we are on our free homes without being punished.

***

For the Rebel assembly, Kalifa took us there and introduced me, then told us a bit more about her. I remember her words very well. She said, “The republic was the only civilization as I knew it, and during the clone wars I did everything I can to save that. Like a wise Jedi once said, ‘For the Republic, I would give anything and everything, including my life.’ I believe that with all my heart. But now it has fallen, and I would do all I can to rise it up.”

She also did a genetic scan, and I found out my uncle was Ferus Olin, who created the Eleven. That would explain the Force sensitivity.

“Your father was a legendary hero,” she said, taking down fingers and crossing it over her chest like everybody else is doing. “Even now, his symbol still stands for hope. For peace and justice.”

So I know who I am now. I created who I am from the parts I found. And, I got my sense of humor back.

Then we pulled the flag up. It caught the rare wind and blew in the air. Long live the Alliance.

***

When I was finally out of there, Eroda, Ward, and I had a group hug. Maybe it’s not yet happy ever after yet, but it’s a light in the journey. I remember stating that I never knew my beginning. But now I know. This is it. The start of a new life for me, yet a continued one. Hopefully with no déjà vu again.

We finally had a proper introduction with “Kalifa” and “Barriss”, who introduced themselves as Ahsoka and Scout. Scout went on with her journey, but I’ll be staying with Ahsoka and training to be a Jedi under her.

But one thing. Their real names don’t matter. They will always be Kalifa and Barriss to me.

***

Fate led me on a journey and it stabbed my back. Literally. Now I will control fate. There’s an old saying, he who seek to control fate shall never find peace. Maybe I won’t- but I won’t anyway if I don’t bring down the empire.

Besides, I’m a she. Not a he.

I climbed a path on a mountain, and saw another path. The path leads to more mountains. I’m stopping now to enjoy the view and reflect what I did. For sometimes the point is not the goal, but the journey, because it is the journey that gives people hope to carry on, and that’s what I’m trying to do.

I know that the sun will rise, and nothing can stop that. Not even night. I was born in the dawn of the dark. I will help ignite the stars to bring about the dusk. Hopefully, I will be there to see it. Then that’s what my life will be like, right? The Dawn and Dusk of the Dark. So that’s why I’m recording this. Maybe someone will hear it and learn from it.

That is my past, my old story. I’m not looking back anymore than I have to. I am ready. May the Force be with us.

Dawn and Dusk of the Dark

Chapter 20


The door slammed close behind me.


Maybe this was a bad idea after all. I can't go against a strong man who can take me down in a second, DC-15 in my hands or not.


But there's no going back now. There's only going forward. So that's what I did. I ran after him, but he was faster and more agile. When I turned a corner, there was only an open door and (yes, I checked) no air vents or anything big enough for him to crawl through. So I went in the door, my blaster ready.


Fear crept through me, but so did alderaline. The occasional zap I first heard when the fighting began back in that room got louder and louder as I moved forward.


The room was fully white, and there were many instruments. I felt compelled to break them, but I didn't because I don't wanna get distracted and that traitor Vines may hear me. Besides, it may be dangerous.


I climbed up to an air vent on the other side of the room, making sure that Vines is too big to fit in there. As I crawled on and on, I wondered what Kalifa and Barriss are doing right now. Probably protecting Eva's limp body from more damage, because a shot in the arm probably won't kill her. When I realized that, my heart got a bit lighter.


My distraction cost me a bit, since I slammed my head at a corner and lost my comlink. It hurts, but thankfully it had no noise. The comlink is probably going to stay there to the end of time, so I didn't bother risking to take it back. So I just turned right and made my way on in the direction of the zap sound.


Finally, I came to an end and I peered through an opening. There was that mean looking officer I saw pacing before the battle began. He was speaking to something inside a tube.


"Your friends are coming, my dear. So let's have a little chit chat before they break through."


My stomach plummeted. Eroda.


"If you don't talk, I'll talk with your boyfriend. The reward for talking is freedom. The punishment for not talking is a very painful death."


My eyes watered as I aimed my blaster at him. I never shot someone before, but I'd get the hang of it. I was carefully not to hit Eroda too. But where's Ward?


The zap I heard suddenly got louder, but was drowned by a scream. A high pitched, terrified scream that unleashed the madness in me and almost got me to shoot. That was painful. Not only to her, but to me.


"Willing to talk now?"


I moved myself a bit, and now I saw Eroda. She was hanged up in some kind of device. Her hair was dirty and her face was covered with blood. Her lips trembled, but she still didn't talk. Despite everything, I still felt pride that she was my best friend.

Suddenly, Ward moved into view. He looked like Eroda, but worse. He probably had some cheek. Their appearance tore my heart. At least the blaster is in aim...

Ward was dropped down from the device. I let out a sigh of relief, which got my blaster out of aim. I mentally cursed.
"See him, girlie? I will break every bone in his body, pluck out his eyeballs out, and crush his skull. I will leave him bleeding to death, while electrocuted, and I will make you watch every minute of it. So talk."

Eroda's lip trembled even more. Now even I am trembling. But to come this far and lose them is unacceptable. I got my blaster into aim again.

"Kalifa! Kalifa and Barriss! A Togruta and a Human female. They sided with the Republic in the Clone Wars. When the Empire came, they joined the resistance army. The Eleven."

I gasped and dropped the DeeCee. I mentally cursed again. But did my ears hear right? At least the lie indicator wasn't beeping, and it read out that that was probably all they know. So the officer let them down and kicked them. They scrambled together and hugged, and I felt so bad. I picked up my blaster as the officer turned to the other side and started ordering droids to pick up Barriss's and Kalifa's profiles.

Eroda and Ward love each other. I always thought it was brother and sister kind, but seeing that kiss made me have a second thought. I don't feel 'that way' about Ward, but if I was in Eroda's position, now I'm beginning to understand that I would probably give it away too.

"Barriss Offee:  Mirialan Jedi Knight and General during the Clone Wars. A skilled Jedi Healer, Offee utilized her abilities at a Rimsoo on Drongar during the galactic conflict. She carried a blue lightsaber and was a practitioner of Form III: Soresu. Offee could be easily identified by the tattoos on her face. She was one of the victims of Order 66.

Kalifa: A female Human Jedi Initiate who once studied to become a Knight of the Jedi Order during the final years of the Galactic Republic. During her training however, Kalifa was abducted by Trandoshan hunters and taken to the Trandoshan moon, Wasskah, where she was tirelessly hunted by her captors. Ultimately, they succeeded."

The officer looked confused. Now this is my perfect chance.

"Trooper! I need a new lie detector! Now I'll deal with these two un-"

Yep, I shot him finally. I jumped down and hugged the two, finally reunited...

...or not.

The droid started firing. But it wasn't that that made me stop.

"Stop." A single voice said.

I froze. The officer was holding a button with one hand while his face was contorted with pain. Another hand was nursing his stomach- where the blaster wound is.

"If you go another step, I press this. They die."

Another shot came out of nowhere and hit his arm. He released the button with a grunt of pain. Eroda let go of the blaster, and I ran to get the button.

I must reach the button.

I moved onward, ducking blaster bolts with seeming ease. The ozone was thick in the air, but I did not smell it. The smoke blinded everything, but I did not see it. All I thought of was reaching the button.

An agonizingly slow second later, I just in front of it. I thrusted my hands out to press it. I'm almost there...

I stopped. I dreamt this moment before. At the prison. The next thing I knew was a leg was swinging towards me. Before I could react, it hit me hard.

For a second, I did not feel the pain. I blinked. Reality hit me. I must hit the button.

The pain is just searing in and I fell, the button just a hair width away from my fingers. My mouth opened up for a scream...

Then I was pulled by hair out. In my excitement, I forgot completely about Vines. My blaster lay with Eroda, who was now scrambling to shoot. But the power cell ran out. Oh no. We're in deep trouble.

He took a piece of stray stick, just out of anger, and began beating me. I ducked. Skills in prison finally came in handy. I know I won't win this, no matter how pathetic that stick is, so all I did we running. Hopefully I'd find Kalifa... and I now that that isn't her real name anymore, but at least the Empire won't know her real name too. Which means she did the right thing.

I couldn't think much about that now, since he's chasing me.

Then... we came into a dead end. Oh no. The only option left is fight. He swung at me several times, and I managed to block them. But when he forced me to move right I slammed against the wall and he got me. He beat down on me, starting with a slam in the back, with ferocious intensity and I'm not going to even begin describing the pain or counting to number of bones he broke.

I was dying. I knew that. Oddly, I was calm. A voice rose in my head. It was not a voice of fear or terror. It was a voice of courage- a voice I didn’t hear for a long time.

“If you’re about to die, then show some guts, dude,” it said.

I laughed and coughed up blood. He stopped beating me and looked at my eyes, confused. “You think this is funny?” He asked in a threatening voice.

“Getting beat up to death, no. But the fact that you’re beating me up with a stick showed me how desperate the empire is. How pathetic is that?”

His eyes flashed anger. He raised his poor stick to give me a last blow that would end my life.

A man who I once thought was my friend, a man that was a great ally, the man that I thought I knew of. The man I know now is a man that is my enemy, the man that is my foe, the man that I know nothing of. He stabbed my back. Literally. But now it doesn't matter.

If I am destined to die here, then so be it. I won’t die as a prisoner getting on with her empty life, but as a free person dying for something she believes in. A life without hope is worse than no life at all.

I prepared for the blow. But it never came.

For a moment his expression was shock. An emerald blade came through him and disappeared. He crumpled to the ground. In his place stood a Jedi. The Jedi.

“Hi… Kalifa,” I struggled to say.

“Kaayla,” she whispered, bending down.

I smiled as a warm glow spread through me. Then the world went black. I was falling…

Dawn and Dusk of the Dark

Chapter 19
Kalifa's lightsaber is out in a flash, and the next thing I knew was the trooper going down. Never seeing that blade in action, I stared at it in awe and wonder. It was emerald green, and the other one hanging on her belt, already deactivated, is bright lime green. She looked like a queen of deadly beauty, standing proud and tall over the fallen enemy.
I did not get to admire it for long, because Barriss grabbed me and pulled me to the side of a wall. More patrol guard troopers are coming, I guess.

Actually, no. She pulled me away so dirt won't get in my eyes. Kalifa was digging the hard ground up, and putting the trooper underneath to hide him. She did it very vigorously, yet it wasn't fast enough. Barriss went to help her, while I stayed with Vines and Eva.

"I didn't know we were going to infiltrate an enclave," Vines said, clasping his hands in front of him.
"Me neither," said Eva.
"Nor me," I agreed.

Was it just my eyes, or did I see a reflection of blinking red lights in Eva's eyes? It looked beautiful on her, but what is it?

I did not get to admire this for long either, because the next moment Kalifa called me out to help. We all went to dig. Suddenly ,we couldn't dig any further. I found out that there was a big grey metal slab down there.

Kalifa stopped and straightened. So did Barriss.

"Sewage pipe. We can use that."

Barriss and I exchanged dubious looks. Then I shrugged. "It couldn't be worse than Raxus Prime."

The next thing I knew, we fit the body in, but we had to remove the helmet because it couldn't fit. Vines carried it. There lay a heavily scarred man with black hair.

Kalifa took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Then we piled the dirt on him. Barriss gave her a sympathetic look, which turned into a focused look when she had to defend us against five stormtroopers coming in. Something shot through me, but it wasn't laser. It was fear. Through my desperation to get down I actually tripped a stormtrooper.

***

We buried some more, and when we were sweating and dirty, there was a beeping on Vines's clothing. Looking puzzled, he took it out, and there was a blinking red light. It came from inside the helmet. Oh. So that was why there was a reflection in Eva's eyes.

Kalifa put on the helmet, and when she took it off again, she said, "There was a voice coming through commanding all troopers to report in. Of course, I didn't reply, but when they hear silence they thought it was because of the meteor shower interference. Which is good. So everyone take the comlink out of the helmets that we've got, and let's put 'em on to see what the enemy is saying."

We all did, and we found another spot to bury the helmet. By this time I was wondering why they haven't picked us yet, but Barriss an Eva explained to me that there are supposed to be patrol guards here, and all the cams go in front.

When we were done, the comlink felt alien to my ears. I'll get used to it, I thought as we moved on to the next step: infiltration.

***

Okay, it was way worse than Raxus Prime. At least we were a bit filtered from the smell there. Here, we can smell the full stink of waste stuff as we crawl through the thankfully dry drain. We climbed up- Kalifa first, then throwing a rope down. I'd rather be out there fighting the troops than down here climbing up a rope through the muck. The voices blaring in my ears don't help either. Only the thought of seeing Eroda and Ward again made me move on.

When we finally got out of there, we were in bathroom. A bathroom for stormtroopers. Men. I wish I just didn't care at this point. We washed a bit as fast as we can, in case troopers come in.

Next we were stuck in an air vent, which is okay apart from the fact that we're squished in. Kalifa seems to know where we're going. She probably memorized the map of the enclave before.

"So where exactly are we going, general?" Vines asked.

"Dunno..." Kalifa replied.

"Don't you have a plan?"

"We'll make up along the way," Barriss whispered.

Those two scare me sometimes. But they always seem to get it right.

Finally we got to a room where there was blinding white light and an occasional electric zap sound. When my eyes finally adjusted, there was a very terrifying officer in a green suit down there, pacing. Kalifa stopped and motioned everyone to freeze.

"Reporting place. Many stormtroopers down there," she mouthed, putting one finger over her mouth.

Oops. Too late. The helmet of the trooper suddenly dropped out of Vines's shaking hands down to the hole. It clattered on the floor just before the officer whirled around.

And the troopers opened fire on where we are, cramped up, and unable to move.

Kalifa dropped down, then Barriss, then Eva. Gracefully. Then me. Not so gracefully. Then Vines, who I swore sprained a foot.

Kalifa had her two blades out, and Barriss her single blade, slashing and cutting down troopers with extreme intensity. I joined until an invisible force pushed me back to the small section hidden in the wall, where I hid.

The two deadly beauties cut down troopers until it was clear that the battle was winning for us. Eva picked up a fallen blaster and shot with deadly precision. Vines, however, did the most unexpected thing. And it isn't cowering, since that coward had been the one with the shaky hands that got us in this mess in the first place.

He smiled, folded up his sleeves, and enjoyed the luxury of not having troopers shooting at him.

Rage coursed through me. "Traitor," I seethed. "Traitor!" I said, louder this time. Kalifa turned to look.

"TRAITOR!" I screamed. His smile vanished, to my satisfaction, as Kalifa headed toward him.

I can barely hear Barriss telling me to control my rage and the voice in the comlink calling for reinforcements. But I calmed down eventually, and felt rather bad for bringing parts of the ceiling down.

Eva stood there, frozen. Her eyes watered up for a moment, before she angrily blinked it away. I  felt bad for her too. I felt bad for myself. I felt bad for everyone now. What was I even thinking in the first place, coming to this hell hole? This is the mess I've made.

But Eroda and Ward are my friends. Every breath I had, I was close to them. Even though we were in a prison where smiles and laughter are rare, we shared every little one we had. We loved each other.

Eva loved Vines. I didn't want him to be a monster, but letting it remain hidden is worse. I cursed fate for making it like this. She had to feel the pain of losing him in the worst possible way.

So maybe this mission was good after all. It brought out a hidden identity, and hopefully bring back my best friends. I hope it won't kill anyone who has friends to mourn them, because I know that that friend will feel the same thing as I did, only multiplied because they know for sure that they are dead.

So was I being selfish by helping out two people? My best friends?

That is a question that I think only a Jedi can answer.

***

While all this was going through my head, lots happened. Eva was standing there, heartbroken. I hoped she won't get hurt. To her.

A bolt hit her arm and she grunted. I screamed. The last thing she said before crumpling with pain was, "I trusted you."

Vines, who heard that, smiled again, but wider. "Gee, love you too, Eva darling."

Kalifa and Barriss, who was still busy with droids and troopers, are trying to get him. They didn't seem surprised. Maybe they were already suspecting.

The only option left is me. This may seem crazy, but all I did up to now is crazy. And I get lucky many times, so perhaps my luck has not run out yet.

I did not bolt for him, but edged my way. Now that all the attention is on the two Jedi, I did not have much problem picking up a DC-15 and aiming at him.

He saw me and said, "Oops. A girlie is about to shoot. Better get going."

I calmed down before I proceeded.

He took that red blinking light on his wrist up, which was after all not the troopers but his. Now I saw the flaw in my logic. He didn't have the trooper's helmet when I saw the red blinking light reflection in Eva's eyes. Kalifa must have seen it. That's why she called me to help- to protect.

So he held it out to the door and went on. I ran after him before the door closed. Then the real fight would begin.

Dawn and Dusk of the Dark

Chapter 18


Kalifa called Eva and her boyfriend, who looked like a mean officer. I didn't like that look on his face. It sent shivers down my spine. I was glad when a soldier came along and blocked the view.


"Generals," the soldier said formally, saluting, "It is a pleasure to see you back. However, I am under orders to tell you to-"

"-yes, Dack, we will," Kalifa interrupted, "but we're going to take a short trip first. To Zhar."


Zhar? I never heard of it. Are they there? Short trip? So she's sure we're coming back? I wish I had her confidence.


Dack started, "Generals, the planet has a moon with an Imperial enclave-"


"We know, Dack. Tell them that we'll come back soon. We have personal business. Our comlinks are always here," said Barriss.


He saluted and went. We turned to Eva. "We're going to get Eroda and Ward, Eva," said Barriss.


Eva nodded as if expecting this. "I know you want me to come along with you. To handle some stuff. Okay. But Vine is coming too," she said, jerking her head to her boyfriend.


We agreed and the next moment we were blasting off. I slept while the ship was in hyperspace. I wanted to go look at the streaked stars, but I was too worried. Besides, you never know when you can sleep again.

When I got to the cockpit, we were coming out of lightspeed. Pretty early, since there may be ships patrolling the place. We waited. And waited. And waited some more.


Finally I couldn't take it. "Kalifa," I said in my most controlled voice, "why in the name of the nine Corellian hells are we waiting?"


"Meteor shower. So we can get in undetected."


"Oh."


While we sit, Eroda and Ward is in the tenth Corellian hell if possible. Agonizingly slowly, we waited. Finally, it came, which may be pure luck or something Kalifa knew about and just took advantage of it. Or something she made up through the Force. I didn't know and I didn't care.


We landed our ship with the rest of the asteroids. Even with Eva and Vine tweaking around, we still took a good battering. Or maybe it's because they were too busy looking at each other. I have no idea what made Eva fall for him.


Once we got out, the storm cleared a bit. "It's pretty remote here. That's why there is not much security. The enclave here holds prisoners that aren't dangerous, but may be useful. Like Eroda and Ward," Kalifa explained to me. 


I nodded, hardly hearing. I just want to tear through that enclave I see in front of me, but Kalifa's hand is reassuring me that that is a bad idea. So all I did was gulping my throat dry as we edged nearer. I can see the two Jedi concentrating, probably using the Force to blur cameras so we can get in without knowing. Still, we're taking precautions in case the Force is not enough. 


As we trekked toward the site, the banthas were edging away from us with an air of suspicion. I can't blame them. Hell is going to start once we get inside. If we're lucky, we'll be in the first Corellian Hell. 


I couldn't stop thinking about how Eroda and Ward would be feeling. What if they're dead? I don't know how I can live without them. If they're still alive, just how exactly alive are they? I hope they're not being tortured. The idea could collapse me. I finally stopped thinking about it when Barriss's hand is on my shoulder, gently urging me on.


When we were very near the enclave (and still miraculously undetected) Kalifa turned me around. "All right. Before we get inside, I want you to promise me one thing. You won't go straying away, and if I order you to duck, run, or turn away, you do it. I can't protect you if you go straying away.  All right?"


I nodded instantly, figuring it's the only way to get me into the enclave and get out alive.


Kalifa smiled, lighting up her face a bit. Her eyes are still haunted by her mysterious past, but at least we can all find some comfort. As we stepped closer and closer, I realized that only a few days ago I was dreading the morning, where I have to get up and clean the platform. Now it seemed like a lifetime ago. Lots have happened since then. I thought my adventure was finally ending- with me free and all, with not much déjà vu.


But, as a blaster bolt ripped past my ear, I realized that my adventure was just beginning. 

Dawn and Dusk of the Dark

*** Nothing special, just some small talk before action :) MTFBWY

Chapter 17
I left Numi in my room as I made my way to the command station. Kalifa and Barriss was there, and my guess was that Kalifa knew what happened by now. Somehow I wish I didn't stumble out like that now. However, that hardly matters now. I guess I'm going anyway.

Kalifa raised an eyebrow as I walked in. I found that disturbing, so I took a deep breath and tried not to shudder. Now that that inspiring moment Numi gave me was gone, the uneasiness started to flood back.

I thought I'd break it to them quickly, so I can say it all before I collapse. So the words stumble out faster than an ordinary person can hear, but they have extraordinary senses.

"I'm going back. I'm going to rescue Eroda and Ward. Please don't try to stop me. I know it sounds crazy, but I'm gonna get them out. If they die then I die with them."

Kalifa's eyebrow, which just went down, came up again. "How are you going to do it?"

I mentally cursed. Maybe I was even crazier than I thought. I didn't know how. But that's not going to stop me. If they kill me on the front door, it'd be hopeless. But anything is worth a try. So I just shrugged.

Barriss's voice was a bit gentler. "You can't, Kaayla. I'm sure they want you to get on with life. It's not worth it. That's why the Jedi allow no attachment."

I silently seethed. Some people tell me that the Jedi have no heart, but I never really believed them. Now I understand them a bit. But of course, my mom told me the Jedi do care, but every one equally. So I guess they do have a heart, even if it's cold sometimes.

"I don't care," I said, "I'm no Jedi. I'm going for them. It may be suicidal- but I'm willing to do it."

Maybe the grim determination in my eyes said it better, because Kalifa sighed and said, "All right. You can go. We can't stop you. It's your choice. But that doesn't mean it's the wisest."

Barriss started. "Ka-"

"No. Please." Kalifa and I said at the same time.

Barriss sighed too. "Then I'll go with you."

A tingle of shock, gratitude, relief, and fear washed through me. "You sure?" I asked, uncertain.

Barriss nodded. Kalifa looked at her like she was crazy, and Barriss was looking back with calm eyes. Maybe Barriss and I were both crazy.

Kalifa chewed her lip and said, "All right. I'll come with you. But what we do needs to be for the good of everyone, not two people."

Barriss and Kalifa communicated silently again, and they took me out of the room. Maybe I have hope after all, I thought as we boarded a ship that would probably take us across the stars... and to my dear friends.

Dawn and Dusk of the Dark

Chapter 16
The stars seemed to twinkle to me as I rose the main rebel ship. Everything happened in a daze. When we boarded, Eva took me to the command station, where Kalifa and Barriss were waiting for us. They didn't look very happy, but I guessed it was because of the bloodbath below. Well, we couldn't help everybody.

The ship jumped to hyperspace. They assigned me into a quarter, where I peacefully slept for the rest of the day. Everything seemed okay now. Our fight was far from over, but I achieved my first state of freedom.

Still, something nagged me. I couldn't place my finger on it. I couldn't go back to sleep once I woke up, so I wandered through the ship. No one stopped me. I got to the landing platform to see Eva. A man stepped in and smiled widely.

Eva, who was behind me, rushed forward without any care in the universe, and fell into his arms. Oh great. I'm stuck in a love holo-movie. I've never seen one, but I've heard of them.
Leaving them in their joyful reunion, I went on to Kalifa, who was still at the command station. Her face was tight in concentration, so I decided not to disturb her.
I went to Barriss's quarters, where she was doing something to her lightsaber. Yes, lightsaber. I never saw her use it really. Now I guess she didn't want to blow her cover.
She smiled when I walked in. But it was an uneasy smile. I guess something nagged her too.
"What's wrong?" I asked.

She sighed and shook her head. I knew that look. It was guilty. I puzzled it out. I wish Eroda and Ward were here to back me up.

I wish they were here....

Where are they? I know that feeling now.

"Where are Eroda and Ward? Barriss?" My voice did not seem remotely like my own. Oh no...

She compressed her lips and shook her head. Then she sighed again. "They were captured, Kaayla. I tried, but we can't do anything about it."
I felt like vomiting. She dropped the bomb so calmly. Something not so good rose up my throat, and I felt like tearing down everything in my life. I wanted to squish that wrinkly face of the emperor, and knock him with a clone's helmet. I wanted to scream every curse I ever heard in my life out loud right here. I wanted to go back and get them, and I didn't care if I died trying to free them.

All because of friends.

Barriss was watching me with those piercing eyes, and I forced myself to calm down. Breathe in, breathe out. I swallowed all my insults to the point to where my knees are shaking. They collapsed and I just broke down into sobs. It was my mother's death all over again.

Barriss crawled forward and patted me on the back. "You'll be all right," she whispered.

That didn't occur to me. I wanted to punch something for that big fat lie. "Not Eroda and Ward," I choked instead.

Barriss tried to say something, but I wasn't in the mood for Jedi talk. So Barriss pointed the way to the toilet.

I took off, bolting down in an act of helplessness. Tears kept coming down. It didn't matter. There will never be enough tears for this. When it failed me, then something worse may take its place. They were getting tortured to death, most likely, and I was standing here in a free life. It was just not fair.

I washed my face and dragged myself back to my quarters. I did not know how I did it, because my heart was so heavy I was even surprised my body can carry the weight. I can see their eyes looking at me with that pleading gaze when I sat on my bed.

The door suddenly slid open. Numi was there. I didn't want company, but I didn't want to chase her away either. So she sat next to me. "I'm sorry" was all she said. And it did make me feel better. Just a bit.

"My mother always said to chase your dreams. It doesn't matter if you get there or not, but it's the journey that counts," she continued.

I looked at her. She was wise beyond her years. Even though she was probably even less than half my age, she seemed a lifetime older than she was when I first met her. Palpatine forced her to grow so quickly. She too had lost someone. But she lived. She didn't give up hope.

Eroda and Ward still lived, I know that. I'd know if they died. There was still hope, too. Even if it was the faintest glimmer of hope, I would chase it. As Numi said, it didn't matter if I didn't get there. The journey will count. At least Eroda, Ward, and I will die happy, knowing that at least some people cared.

The "we couldn't help everybody" attitude I had a few hours ago was gone. So that's why I'm going to rescue them. I'm not sure if I'm a mad person, a loyal friend, or a brave rebel. I guess it is a combination of all.

I'm going to tell Barriss and Kalifa. I want to look into their eyes and wish them the best just in case I don't come back. So may the Force be with us.

Dawn and Dusk of the Dark

Chapter 15


For a moment, everything froze in place. Greeb's body crumpled to the floor while everyone stared at the spot. My mind went numb. I saw many deaths in my lifetime, but this was different. He was the spirit of our cause. Without him, the spirit may die.

But not this day. This day, he has become a martyr. If not for everyone, then definitely for me.

And for Kalifa and Barriss. They were first to react. I knew that since two stormtrooper helmets suddenly rolled at my feet. There they were, holding a vibroblade. The troopers chasing me were dead.

They weren't the only ones going to be dead if we don't move fast. So that's what I did.

I scrambled to the nearest cover since I figured I can't do anything much. Still numb, I fumbled my way through the acid smoke I can barely smell. Eva protected me. It seems as if her skills were rather impressive after all.

Everything seemed to be in slow motion. The group of rebels guarding Greeb were now hauling his body away. Disheartened rebels were now being encouraged by Kalifa's shouts.

Soon everyone joined in saying, "For Greeb!"

I can swear the trooper below me faltered for a moment and pulled the trigger a second later than he intended to. So he missed the target.

Without thinking, I threw a crate down at him. He stumbled and fell. It turns out the crate was very heavy, because his armor was crushed.

I winced. No more "that gotta hurt feeling". I actually felt sorry for the fate I gave him, and I felt something strange I never felt before. He was born into that existence, born to kill. He wasn't responsible. My mind flashed back to when he relented.

It took me awhile to figure out why I felt so bad. I never killed someone before. I was cunning in prison, stealing food and dodging behind other prisoners and let the troopers catch them, but I never killed someone outright. Trust me, it was not a good feeling.

An explosion snapped me back into the nightmare. It hit me a bit, and I cried out in pain. It did hurt bad. I was roughly pulled by the hair until I thought that it would tear out of my head, but thankfully it didn't. Not that I did care at this point.

I was brought aboard a gunship, and mercifully found myself in friendly hands. Eva was on board, and ready to go. The rebels reinforcements came to help now.

As it rose into the air, Eva's lips compressed. Soon I knew why. The bloodbath did not stop down there. I should have realized how futile this quest was. The Imperials would never let us go alive.

Gulp.

I held on to the last bit of hope, just in case a miracle happened. If not, then maybe a quick and painless death. But think of it right now, I wasn't scared. I spent all my life in prison. So why is life worth living if you're not free?

There is no why. So when I escape, if I escape, then it won't be a happy ever after anyway. We still gotta fight for our freedom from the empire. So we will until we succeed to die trying. It's dying, just sooner or later.

While these thoughts ran through my head, our transport engaged in a fight.We were almost out of the atmosphere, but Imperial forces arrived. I saw Kalifa in the cockpit of one. My hopes rose.

Maybe a miracle will happen after all...

It did.

We all did a crazy jump down, but it was pretty safe because there were emergency jet packs. We landed near the hatch, which opened, and we were saved just as the transport blew up. Pretty unbelievable, if you ask me.

I thought of freedom as a desert person thought of water. Maybe it will be alright after all.

Dawn and Dusk of the Dark

Chapter 14

The Eleven.

Kalifa explained to me later that it was a resistance group that started with eleven people. One of them was Kalifa, but of course, undercover. Ferus Olin, some dude that has golden streaked hair (hey, like me) and extraordinary powers, had technically been the leader, but not anymore. I guess now I'm part of it. So are these people.

Life just gets weirder and weirder.

Kalifa passed on a chain message, whispering into each other's ears. Speaking up is not a good idea in a monitored place. Anyway, the message got around: the rebels are coming today, women and children are to dive into covers, men wanting to help just create chaos, pick any weapon they can find, and shoot troopers. Then we go on the ship. Assuming nothing very bad happens.

Oh, I'm kidding myself. Of course very bad stuff will happen. Just... not worse. I hope.
We all organized groups. Troopers don't care how we file out. This time, men will file out first with the Rodian who spoke out earlier-Greeb-leading them. Kalifa, Barriss, Ward, Eroda, Eva, and I file out second, so we can watch and change plans if we need to. Women and children behind, with a few brave men guarding them. And so troopers won't be suspicious of the men-first style.
All this was done in almost complete silence. Impressive.
We lay down more or less in our positions, and waited for the bloody dawn to come.

***

When we woke up again, it was because of ray shield turned off. In a rush, I remembered what happened yesterday. Quickly going we planned, we set off.

Oh no. Not Déjà vu again. But that's what it is. The night was cold and still. The only light came from Coruscant’s moons, which shone bright and clear. The silver light was reflected in our eyes, and we intend to enjoy our first and last night (Well, not first) under the twinkling stars. But we can’t.

Again.

When I reached the platform of doom (again), I realized that I was grateful for the distraction. What was about to come... I won't like it.

Everything proceeded as normal, except the emperor wasn't here. I thought there would be more guards because of a possible rebellion, but I guess because Palpatine isn't here anymore they had less guards than usual. That was good.

Less people came, since it was the third day. Throughout the anthem and the speech and whatever blah, they remained silent and unmoving. Fine by me.

Then it was time for the first executions. The rodian was first. I hope I was the only one who noticed the shake in his legs before he walked on.

When he was on, however, it seemed as if he had enough food for his whole life. His gait was steady and strong, and his clear eyes looking into everyone in the crowd. He was asked for last words, and a blindfold. He accepted the last words, but not the blindfold. He spoke in his thickly accented Basic.

"I don't need a blindfold," he said, "I want to look at every one of you before I die. Besides, I bet it is smelly. I want clean air before death."

I can see the crowd touched by his words... and some stifling laughter. The troopers are almost moving forward.

"I want all of you to hear this before I die. There is light at the end of every tunnel. Move forward with a marching feet. Trample your enemies, and make way for your children."

Barriss stirred. I don't know if it was because he was so inspirational, or she was sure that he wasn't going to die and spoke like he really was. I hope it was the first.

The crowd went nuts. They cheered and screamed like it was the end of the galaxy.

Apparently, the troopers had enough. One sent a single bolt flying into the air, but that didn't work like it usually did. Some troopers grabbed Greeb and chained him, ready for kill.

The crowd wasn't allowing it. Some were shouting for him to be free. Some were already moving forward, oblivious to the screams of the fallen in front of them. 
Kalifa Force-pushed a tumble of crates down. "Now!" she screamed.

I was about to go running and pick up the nearest weapon, but then, through the smoke, an invisible force sent me sprawling back to the crates. Uh, I guess that's Barriss's warning for me to stay there. I can swear she fogged my brain up a little too. I would have gone, but I trust them. I get the message. Besides, dying out there won't do any good for me.

Though the Force-push warned me not to go anywhere, I did not exactly obey the orders. I climbed out a little, trying to clear the water in my eyes through the smoke. I saw Kalifa tearing out the security cams while Barriss guarded the rodian.

It was total chaos by now. Kalifa displayed her amazing skills that I never saw before. Barriss took on defense than attack, and used cunning instead of force. Together, they were a team. A great team.

Leaving several capable men to guard the rodian, since he seemed to be the symbol of the cause now, Kalifa and Barriss went to defend the innocent. Like a Jedi.

I did not get to see the rest of the show, because a shot just narrowly missed me. Numi, who was beside me, screamed. The women and children scattered. Soon enough, I was the only one there.

Oh no.

I dived to the left, but they were there. I faked a right, but went left again. The troopers went for the real one. I dived down, rolled over, and made myself a target as small as possible. Somehow I knew there was a trooper behind me ready to shoot, so I kneed him. I heard a groan in pain. Looks like years in prison finally paid off.

My momentary distraction caused me. Something hit me in the head. Momentarily stunned, I almost got hit by a stun shot. I can tell they wanted me alive now... because I was a fourteen year old girl who was able to beat one of them. I crashed more crates down. They weren't very agile in their suits. I ran off as fast as I can, but now the pain was... well, painful.

A trooper got shot down by Greeb's guards. That was good. But I was about to experience something that was not so good.

A shot went past the guards. It hit flesh.

Greeb took two fingers touching each other and placed it over his heart.

That was the last thing he'll ever do.

Dawn and Dusk of the Dark

Chapter 13

The sight of the emperor's face yesterday plagued me with nightmares. When I finally woke up, I wondered why, with all the money he had, he won't buy synthflesh or something to cover it up.

I don't think I care anyway. Just waking up was a relief, I thought as the guards led us out into the night to yesterday's place.

Today was just like yesterday, except I trained my eyes to look at the floor instead of the emperor or the dying people. The second day of the fete week has less people, but it was still a lot.
They took prisoners in front of the crowd. Ask them for last words. Offer them blindfold. Hung them up. Shot them. It was like this all morning. Déjà vu- which I mentioned I hated for a thousand times. My ears were unmerciful; I was hoping I would go deaf and spare myself from the sound of families sobbing when their relatives and friends were killed. A small imprisoned girl next to me screamed out for her mom who was accepting a blindfold. I instinctively looked up and saw her mom turning her head and giving her a sad smile and a shake of the head. The girl got a slam which she hardly noticed, and sobbed for her mom. The crowd almost can't take it. Almost. I can't, though. It was Kalifa's hand around my mouth and body that got me to stay in place. I angrily blinked tears away.

In the end of the morning executions, the emperor announced that he will be going offworld to attend some other public executions, and that his officers are going to take over. I was half wondering if he'll blow a kiss to the silent crowd to get them clapping at least politely. What I saw was relieved glances that the emperor wasn't going to be here. I was glad too, even though Kalifa already told me that he won't be staying.

We were marched back to the prison, where we hung around until dinner. I noticed that the surviving prisoners who haven't yet given up hung at the door, hoping to be the first for food. Kalifa didn't seem to take any notice of that. But when dinner came, she was still the first to get most of it, and wrestled the others to give to her. Like yesterday, she shared them equally.

A girl came up and sat with us. "I'm Numi. I'm nine years old," she whispered. "Why are you doing this?"

Kalifa's eyes were kind. "Because every one deserves food, Numi. Everyone deserves fairness and freedom. The Empire just doesn't know this."
Numi's stomach rumbled. Barriss leaned over and gave her some remaining bread. Reluctantly, she accepted with a nod of thanks. Although it was clear she tried to contain it, her eyes brimmed with tears.

"No one has ever been nice to me before... except my..." The last word, "mother" stuck in her throat. She's got my emotional, too. Oh great. It was the last thing I needed.

Barriss put an arm around her. "Don't worry. You'll be safe. Courage, dear one. You have nothing to lose."
She sniffed and looked around, as if expecting her mom. "I thought I heard my mom say that..." She broke into sobs.
"Courage, dear one." I heard that before, too. In my mom's voice. I looked at Barriss and Kalifa, but they just shrugged. Whatever they did comforted me. I hope it was the same for Numi. I hope they don't ask me to help though. I'm not the comforting type, and it always got awkward when I tried to.

Numi looked up and met Barriss's eyes. "You promise me?"
Barriss nodded. She had never yet broken her promise before, so I guess she's coming along with us. Kalifa reached the same conclusion. I can see in her eyes that she agreed, but reluctantly. I can hear them whispering while Numi went to Eroda and Eva, while Ward and I was just sitting there looking dumb.

"We can't afford to pick up other strays," Kalifa said, "Maybe this would do, but that's it."

Barriss nodded and turned back to Numi, who wanted to ask something. "My mother is in my heart, isn't she? The voice came from my heart."

"Those who love us never truly leave us, Numi. She'll always be there, just not in a physical way."

That comforted her. That's when I realize that all pairs of eyes in the prison was on us.

Kalifa saw this too. She stood up. Her voice, so soft and low, rang throughout the chamber. "This is what happened yesterday. This is what happened today. And this is what will happen tomorrow, if we are not there to stop it."

A stirring went through the crowd.

"When the war ended, is this what you want? No freedom, no justice? To see our loved ones slaughtered just like that? I don't know who you are or what you do, but I have a feeling that if we don't act now, we will all be killed just like they did."

Barriss joined her. "The empire is ruthless. You all know this. If we start now, what happened to you... or worse... could happen to your loved ones. We ask you again, is this what you want? If we stand up now, endure the pain and suffering, it will be guaranteed that your children won't."

A rodian stood up. "I have no loved ones left. But my children are my people. I trust you will guide us through."

Eva nodded. "It would be much better if the emperor is just thrown in the garbage chute," she commented.

Everyone laughed, or at least smiled. It was the first time I saw many people doing this. I can't help smiling, too.

We all stood up. Kalifa took two fingers, touching each other, and placed it over her heart. I don't know what it is, but everyone did it and I have no reason to stand out.

"Life is short," she whispered softly, "It is up to you to make it sweet. Welcome to the Eleven."

The Dawn and Dusk of the Dark

***It's been awhile since I've posted my fan fiction, so here it is!

Chapter 12

The night was cold and still. The only light came from Coruscant’s moons, which shone bright and clear. The silver light was reflected in our eyes, and we intend to enjoy our first and last night under the twinkling stars. But we can’t.

We were led off to yet another holding place. We already saw the platform of doom, where many of us will be executed when the sun came up. Barriss and Kalifa knew this. Yet their manner remained calm and confident, which was the only thing keeping me from paranoia at this point. It seemed to work for Eroda, Ward, and Eva too. If they think we all could survive, then I guess we can. Right?

I tried to find the answer in the night sky. But not even a breeze responded to my question.

Bit by bit, the sun came up agonizingly slowly. But finally pedestrians began to pour out on the streets, dragging their footsteps as slowly as they can without rousing suspicion from the troopers. That gave me one shred of hope. They don’t want this to happen either. I had to remind myself that that won’t really help me anyway.

Soon citizens that look like they’re forced to be here were finally assembled. The trumpets blew, indicating that the emperor is about to arrive. A cloud car-or at least I think it was one, I don’t know-came and touched down, and the people cheered politely. There was no enthusiasm in there. If I wasn’t part of the show, I would have laughed at their monotone cheer.

Once the emperor came down, I got a hard slam at the back of me that took me by complete surprise. I fell on my knees with a crash inside my head. I could swear something was broken. Glancing left and right, I saw that the others were also on their knees. We’re apparently forced to pay respect to the emperor. I can see Kalifa’s eyes burn.

I risked a look up, and I wished I hadn’t. His sight alone was painful to the eye. His face was heavily scarred and full of wrinkles, and the skin was an abnormal shade of grey. His back was crooked, and he walked proudly but had a slow gait that would fool a person into thinking that he’s helpless. At least he’s covered in rich black cloth, or the chill in my spine would have sent goose bumps despite the warm weather. But what struck out to me most were the yellow, malicious eyes that held the proof of corruption.

He scanned the area, taking in everything from the smallest to the largest. Then he settled on the platform and spoke from the podium. There was absolute silence.

“Welcome, welcome! Happy Life Day!” said the emperor. He paused, waiting for a cheer or anything. Several officers clapped their hands politely, but when they saw that no one’s joining in they quickly stopped. The emperor ignored this.

“We bring you…” he droned on and on about goodness knows what. The only thing he mentioned that caught my ears was that Vader isn’t coming. I’m glad. I don’t want to see another ugly face around here.

My eyelids were droopy from the lack of sleep at night, but now I was too tired to care about anything. I slept, only to be awoken by the sharp nudge from Eroda. I thought she was warning me not to snore since guards were behind us, but it was because the executions were starting.

The guards took a man who look resigned to his fate. They roughly pulled him up and shoved him in front of the crowd. His eyes were shut from the sunlight when they asked if he wanted any last words and if he wanted a blindfold. Oh, how sweet of the empire. All he merely said was goodbye, but I can see it moved the crowd. Maybe only a bit. But still.

I was used to seeing death and dying around me in the prison. But this one still moved me too. It showed me how evil the empire was. Now, more than ever, I made it my goal to bring it down and perhaps execute the emperor the way he did to this guy. I liked him, even though I never knew him. I had a feeling that he would have made a good friend.

This is what happened for the rest of the morning. They announced the name of the prisoners and their crimes, which I strongly suspect are false. Then they pulled the prisoner in, asked him/her/it for any last words, and offer a blindfold. Then the crowd stayed there and watched as people in front of them died. I gritted my teeth. I wanted to do something badly, and all I can do is stay here.

Suddenly I saw an arm move and catch Kalifa. It was Bariss’s. It looked as if Kalifa could barely restrain herself too. I had forgotten that they were here.

In the afternoon we were marched back to the prison, where we stayed. I was thinking it was pretty pointless to take us there in the first place, but maybe it’s just to show us how they’re in control. It hardly matters though- since they already know we’re going to die. Or they think so.

Kalifa moved next to me. “We’re going to do something. A wise teacher of mines said there is always hope where the Force dwells. And the Force dwells everywhere.”

I nodded glumly. “My mom said that there is nothing that lasts forever. Then this won’t too. I only hope I live long enough to see the day it dies.”

Kalifa nodded. “We all do, Kaayla, we all do.”

We sat in silence for a long while, only to be broken when the guards throw in food like we’re dogs. Kalifa was first there-as fast as lightning- and took all of it. She separated it into equal pieces for every prisoner. “We can’t afford to have another fight,” she said.

I agreed. After my small dinner I was ready to sleep since I know we’ll wake up early tomorrow. We all huddled together for warmth. Just before I drift off, I heard Kalifa saying something next to me.

“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.”

Just before I surrender consciousness I wondered where I heard that before.

The Dawn and Dusk of the Dark

*** Here it is. Please tell me what you think. The bad stuff and good stuff. Thanks!

Chapter 11

The first thing that hit me hard was the light.

It was blinding, searing, and it burned my eyes.

The second thing that hit me hard was the mild shock of an electro-staff.
It was even more blinding, searing, and it burned my back.

The third thing that hit me hard was the thought.

It was also blinding, searing, and it burned my mind.
But years in prison told me not to falter again. If I did, there would be a fourth thing like the second (I tried not to groan at the thought of déjà vu again). This time, it would be a hell lot more painful.

While I tried to adjust my eyes against the intense light, the thought of telling Eroda and Ward also adjusted. What Barriss-if that's even her real name- told me when we were on the ship cell rocked me. I guess I don't need to tell them so they don't need to worry more than they already were. So I guess I'll tell them after we survive the adventure- if we did. I can ponder on my future then too.

Drawing myself back from the distracting thoughts, I found out that my eyes had almost cleared. Spending all my life in a dark place, I was pretty impressed with how fast it adjusted. Turning left, I saw Kalifa's eyes already okay, like a Jedi and Togruta she was. Barriss's eyes were just adjusting, but Eroda and Ward were trying not to falter while sheilding their eyes against the light. When my eyes are finally okay, I took my first look at the world around me. Coruscant.
There were buildings. Lots of them. In fact, I don't see anything else. All I saw was the magnificent tall skyscrapers that shone against the sun. A soft breeze blew by, picking up my dirty hair and cooled me down. The effects of the staff on my back is wearing off. I felt at peace here. As amazed as I was with the fact that such civilization could exist, I felt at home. Home. I don't even know how to start defining that.
Something drew my gaze to the east. There was a huge building... ruined. It was the only one that looked empty and desolate. There was an echo of light there, but only an echo. The spires looked ready to fall down and I felt death. Destruction.

It was awful. But there's also something else. The five spires that seemed to touch the sky seemed so... oh, I don't know. There was a warm feeling in my heart in the middle of the coldness. It seemed so familiar...

Wait a minute. It seemed familiar because it was familiar. It's the same kind of glow that connected me to the galaxy... as if we are all one. It was in everyone. It was in me. It was in Kalifa (if that was her real name... I was pretty tired of saying that. I'll just assume so, okay?). It was in Barriss (Same thing here). I knew it. It was the Force.

Just before we were led inside one of the towering buildings, I saw emptiness in Barriss's and Kalifa's eyes. They were looking at the same thing as I was. I guess... it was really their home. Burnt down. Destroyed. I can only imagine how they feel.

The view was blocked suddenly when we were herded inside, where the look in Kalifa's eyes disappeared and she quickly explained it was the Galactic Prison.

"I've been here before," she mouthed, "as a... Jedi." Aha. So Barriss told her sometime. But that hardly matters now.

I shrugged and kept walking. We passed a vast gray space with some sort of anti-grav in the middle. Looking up, I can see plenty of beings in ray sheilded cells at the sides. But soon the view passed along and we were in a large holding cell, which I guess is where we would stay for the night. We settled down.

Like other prisoners, we were just staring at the wall waiting for time to pass. I preferred for time to pass quickly, because I knew staying here would give me a lot of bad ideas... which would easily lead to panic.

Kalifa and Barriss sat down and closed their eyes. They meditated... as my mother told me they do. I just sat next to Eroda and Ward to stare at the wall. I noticed that their hands were gripped together tightly. Strange.

I tried to reassure them. "Don't worry. We already broke out of one of the stinkiest prison in the galaxy with these two. We passed the guards without them knowing, and we crawled through the ventilation shaft, escaped the troops after the security cam caught us, and we weaved blaster fire. This shouldn't be harder."

Ward nodded and continued staring at the wall. Eroda gave me a weak smile. "We also sneaked into a death ship. In hopes that it would keep us alive," she said squeakily.

I gave her my best not-to-worry smile and said, "Hey, on the bright side, death is more generous than those guards. Also, we could survive. We're in the best hands of the galaxy."

I hope they felt somewhat reassured and at least stopped worrying a bit. The truth was, I was not. I wasn't worried for my own life. If I can choose the place I will die, I will choose here. This planet. Where I feel so much at home. I wasn't worried about my future, either. I've handed it over to the two Jedi.

In fact, I don't really know what I'm worried about. I can feel so much around me, and I can only take so much. Maybe I'm worried about Eroda and Ward. I don't know. It's just this heavy feeling in my heart. What was to become of me?

Now, it's not really the future. I've learnt to stay in the present, but the future will become the present and everything we're doing now is to prepare us to the future. Future, present, past, it's all intertwined. It's all like a circle. For now, I hope that the circle isn't complete... because when my dark past meets the unknown future it's going to be hard to get through.

I had too much to worry about to worry at all. I might as well get some sleep now. A few days ago back in prison, I had told myself the same thing. Ugh. Déjà vu  I really hate it now.

But what I told myself back then is true. I need sleep. Tommorow is going to be another long day.

The Dawn and Dusk of the Dark

Chapter 10

Thud.

I winced as I heard the unmistakable sound of a skull cracking. The prisoner next to me was just thrown against the slimy wall. I would be surprised if he was still alive.

A trooper went to check. "Dead," he declared.

The officer scoffed. "These scum are too soft for my taste," he grumbled, "how will we find the perfect one?"

I silently seethed. I would have gone to wrap his throat in a second if I didn't have better sense. I would be dead in a second.

They went on looking for tough beings and gave them grueling tests. The reward will be death. The punishment will be death. It was only a matter of time.

There were plenty left who can be added to the growing list, but all of them already looked half dead. Families scurried to stay with each other, while others simply stayed where they were, waiting to be tested. The troopers roughly broke out the prisoners, looking for the perfect ones. Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw tears of joy when troopers walked past them, and cries of terror when they were added on the list.

Soon enough the two lists were full with beings scraped from every corner of the galaxy. Some tried to prevent others from being dragged away, but they all knew it was futile. Barriss and Kalifa could do nothing wiser than just sadly watch them go.

On the middle of the third list, they picked Kalifa. Though it was exactly what we wanted, Kalifa's eyes brimmed with tears that make the show look so real. "Please. No," She croaked, making her face look desperate.

They dragged her away anyway. She seemed to resist a little, then Barriss turned her head, looking surprised as if she saw her dragged away for the first time. "No!" She cried, grabbing on to Kalifa's foot. Eva tried to hold Barriss back.

The guards slammed their rifles on Barriss's hip, and I saw her twist a little to absorb it. Fake tears rolled down her cheeks as she whimpered, "No. Please. No."

Eva tugged Barriss back as the officer came. "Well, well, well," he said, " What do we have here." He smiled devilishly at us all.

The trooper straightened. "We are to take her, sir." He gestured to Kalifa, who was pretending to tremble in fear.

"Well. Since she wanted to go to, maybe we should let her," said the officer conversationally, gesturing to Barriss. Her eyes showed barely suppressed panic, or so it seems. Eva still tried to draw her back.

The officer also took Eva. Though her eyes were wide with fake fear, there was a small smile of triumph they didn't see.

"Anyway, don't worry. We'll be out in fresh air soon," he continued. Suddenly, his balance seemed to falter and he stepped back on my foot and I gave a grunt. For that grunt, the trooper slammed me so hard I saw stars. Eroda and Ward rushed forward as my knees buckled and gave away.

I was wondering where the hell that came from when Kalifa gave me an apologetic look. That increased my suspicions... something weird is going on. About her and Barriss. I can't wonder very well, though, because my head was swimming. As soon as it cleared, I saw the thunderous look of the officer and rough hands pulling me up out of Eroda and Ward's grasp. Oh... good. They plan to take me along for the ride. This time I was glad I didn't say that out of sarcasm.

"Take that girl too," growled the officer, "That should be enough."

Ward raged up to pull Eroda back. But then he got a slam in the head. I winced. I would have gone after him if there wasn't a hand holding me back.

The officer was clearly suspicious that no one learnt from another's mistakes. He narrowed his eyes and beckoned the trooper to take us to where the others are being held. After receiving a sharp jab I reluctantly followed. The others aren't taking it, though. I expected that Kalifa would think of another grand plan to take Ward. She did exactly that.

She straightened herself. And she smiled... like the togruta she was. With a voice calmer than the calmest, she spoke and moved her hand over the officer's face. "Actually, you want to take him."

The officer look dazed and repeated, "Actually, I want to take him."

The trooper looked alarmed. But before he could do anything, Barriss was on him and passed a hand over his face. His shoulders slumped and he remained calm.

I distantly heard Barriss murmur, "Here's your boots. I love 'em. Much better than mines after the drag on Raxus Prime." I distantly saw Kalifa rolling her eyes and smiling, being sure to keep it from the guards. They were successful- as they were successful in everything so far.

There. I knew it. Something was not right. They're- Jedi. Yes, Jedi. The same conclusion I reached in the beginning, only to discard it on her words. She told me half the truth. That explains everything... from the warm feeling inside me whenever they're near to when they jump around saving people with their extraordinary courage and awesome powers. I made up my mind to talk to them.

Eroda and Ward aren't feeling it, though. Their eyes were running through Barriss's hidden devices, looking for a device that clouds thinking. I wanted to roll my eyes.

Eva stood there, waiting, with her face blank. She showed no sign of surprise anything. I guess she was an ordinary rebel... or as ordinary as anything can be these days.

The rest of the things happened in a blur. Ward was with us and we were taken of to this cell. Eva stayed with Eroda and Ward while I stayed with Barriss. Kalifa was in the next cell. I sat there, waiting, looking for a way to process everything in my overloaded brain. I sensed Barriss's eyes on me as I finally looked up.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing."

She sighed. I know she was not fooled.

"Fine. Something," I said quietly, letting my eyes drop. She came to my side and sat next to me.

"What is it?" she whispered.

Then I felt it. I felt what she felt. She was in much turmoil as I was. I felt the bond between us. We just met, and I seemed to know her my whole life. I never trusted or befriend anyone new after my mother's death. The pain is almost unbearable when you lost someone close. Every one and everything will die. Especially in the prison. But every instinct in my body said that I can trust her even after all that had happen. And so I did.

"You're Jedi. You and Kalifa- if that's even your real names."

Surprise showed on her face for half a second. Then it was gone... it seemed as if she suspected this all along. She smiled.

"Huh. At last she's been proved right. I lost the bet. Kalifa expected this all along. She felt something special in you-"

"-something special?"

"Yes. Everybody has something special... but you have something that could get you far. She felt it all along. That's why she wanted to take you along- you of all beings."

"Oh" was all I could say. My mouth hang open. I vividly heard sounds that probably indicate the ship landing.

Barriss continued. "Why did we decide to take you along? Because we know you’re Force-sensitive. Eroda and Ward were your friends, so we took them to.”

My mouth still hung open.

“Don’t you ever wonder why you were in prison for so long without dying?”

I have wondered that. Why did I live for fourteen years and they did not execute me? Not that I was in a hurry to die. I always thought it was out of luck, but recent events showed me there was no such thing. Even Kalifa said so.

She nodded, sensing my thoughts as usual. As she stood up and got ready for the adventure, I felt assured. Time will tell everything. What my destiny was going to be and my purpose in life is going to become clear. Now, I learnt to live in the present moment. It will all be the way it was meant to be. It will the way wanted by the will of the Force.

The Dawn and Dusk of the Dark

*** I think that I found the title for this story. "The Unknown Destiny" sounds good enough. Please let me know what you think of that title. I planned from the beginning for "The Dawn and Dusk of the Dark" to be the series title like "Last of the Jedi". Okay... I'm done. Closing my mouth and letting you read now. Nothing very interesting here, just setting up the story. I will revise it again for it to be more humorous and interesting. I'd probably be done with this whole story when I turn thirteen. Okay, really stopping my mouth now. :)

Chapter 9

For the first time since I can remember, I slept soundly, only awaken by the sound of Barriss's cheerful voice. "Wakey wakey! Time to get up!" she sang.

As usual, I sat bolt upright and stood while rubbing my eyes. It's going to be another long day, I thought, I have to remember to clean that edge on the- oh. Right. We escaped that already. As soon as that thought hit me, what's left of yesterday's elation coursed through and then I allowed myself to fall back into my slumber for the first time in my life.

But Kalifa wasn't allowing it. She pulled us all upright, and soon enough the guards threw some food in the room we stayed. As soon as we could we scrambled forward to get what little breakfast we were able to get. Kalifa and Barriss's amazing skills at fighting helped a lot. They divided it equally between all of us, but I didn't manage to get much food. Eroda and Ward got none. I was reluctant to accept theirs, but one firm look on Kalifa's face told me that she wanted me to eat. I took it gratefully, because we all knew I needed my strength.

Prisoners remembering the fiasco Kalifa caused the other day in prison stayed away from us, so we got a clear space. We all sat in a circle and discussed what was coming up. Eva began in her crisp voice.

"Just so you all know, I ended up in prison like Kalifa did, though I was on Gala at that time. Anyway, as you all can see, we are going to Courasant in the time of the fete week. Generals, how do you suppose we ensure the fact that we get on the rescue place?"

Generals? They're generals?!

Barriss spoke up. "The people that aren't picked are going back to the prison on Raxus Prime. So I guess we should get on with the execution list. It's risky, but we have a better chance at getting free. That will be plan A. Plan B... what do you think, Kaayla?"

I was astonished that she asked for my opinion, but I had nothing to say. I just looked at Eroda and Ward (who was equally unhelpful) and shrugged.

Kalifa is again displaying her knack of making jokes. She said, "I'd go along with plan A. I don't have an idea for plan B. We'll make it up then if it is needed. And if plan B doesn't work, we got so many letters left on the alphabet to worry."

I can see Barriss restraining herself from rolling her eyes. Eva saw this as rushed on before they got into an argument.

"So we get in. I suppose your charms will work here. Then, what? You know we can't do anything much."

"Weeeelll," said Kalifa, dragging out the words. "I can go first... or Barriss, for that matter, and then when we're almost positioned we bring a blaster out and shoot it for a signal. I know. Lame. But it'll work. Then we just fight."

Barriss added, "Make sure we get on the list for the third day, not the first or second. Otherwise we'd face the emperor. Or Vader."

Kalifa's face darkened. I can tell she had a grudge for Vader. "We'll be fine," she said.

I'm always kind of a face reader, so whether she liked it or not I can tell she said that to reassure herself as well as all of us. Once again, I wondered what's her history. I mean, it's pretty amazing for someone that skilled to land in prison. Or else this is all a dream. That would make sense. The chances are one to million for me, a forgotten prisoner, to be rescued by one of the finest rebels in the Galaxy.

Barriss's emerald green eyes studied me intently, interrupting my thoughts. It felt uncomfortable.

"What?" I asked.

She shook her head. "Nothing. I wasn't even looking at you."

Only then did I realize that she wasn't looking at me, but then I still get the feeling she is. Kalifa and Eva too. It seems as if they found me as interesting as I found them.

After a moment, a voice came. "Uh, guys? I think we gotta continue before the time comes." That was Eroda. For a moment we forgot she was here. Oops. I hope she didn't feel left out. I'm glad, though, that she took away the uneasy silence.

Eva spoke up dryly. "Right. All in all, we got our plan more or less. Good thing, too. I was half wondering whether we would have one, because time after time we rush in recklessly without a plan when Kalifa's around."

Kalifa grinned. "Who knows? We didn't make up plan B, and if this doesn't work then we'll go back to the good old times."

Gulp. I hope it works. And I almost groaned aloud. I hate déjà vu. I've seen enough of it.

"Okay," Kalifa continued, "Since you are all eager for a plan, maybe one should sum it up." She flashed a smile at Ward.

Ward said, "Plan A: We will get into the third death list. Then Kalifa would be the first on the list. When almost positioned, she would shoot a blaster bolt at some target, which would be a signal for the Rebels to rise."

Eva nodded, pleased. "That's it. One of the simplest I've ever been through, though it's never as simple as it seems. I'm glad someone has listening skills too."

Kalifa gave another embarrassed grin as we all half smiled. Kalifa's not that good with following orders, I can tell. But before anyone can comment further, Kalifa's grin dropped and her monotrals seemed to be working.

"They're here," she whispered.

We broke up the group and went more or less in front. Which was pretty hard after awhile, since everyone else was trying to move backwards. It was no problem for Kalifa, and maybe Barriss, but for everyone else it was a crushing effort. In the end the door slammed open and some dude in a green suit with a cool looking cap-as Kalifa would put it- came in with stormtroopers. His evil little face twisted with contempt, but he was looking professional.

"Are you sure we can't take more of this filthy low life?" He asked. I felt anger rising up in my stomach.

"No, sir," one of the stormtroopers answered. "The Emperor made it clear that we are to take ten on each list, or it would cause... problems."

Yeah, I thought scathingly, you don't want them to become a martyr, do you, Palpatine? Or you're so innocent you wouldn't want more blood on your hands than you do now? It hardly matters, you tyrant, since your hand is already so red with millions of lives that more would hardly matter to you.

There must have been a look on my face because Eroda and Ward shot me a warning look. Good thing nobody else saw it. I wish they would hurry up and start choosing. The sooner we get started the sooner we get finished. But I don't know what "finish" means here. Death or accomplishment? Only time will tell.

This is it. It's starting. The final stage in my attempt to be free. I wonder what will happen to me after I am free, if I am? Certainly I would want to help bring it down and I am willing to put my life on the line again.

Focus, I reprimanded myself. I can already hear Kalifa's serious voice in my head saying that you need to live in the present but be mindful of the future, but don't exchange it for here and now.

I am ready now. The longer I stay here, the more power I award my fear.