Fragmented Past ... (Complete)

[Vishan Korogoth]

The Rocinante had landed several hours ago outside the suburb of Tondatha. It had taken many months to rebuild this city after the Imperials had raised it, but the people of Agamar were proud people. Restoring their city was defying the Empire and bringing hope to all of those against their iron rule.

Even the land was healing. Some of the ground was still being difficult in growing the grass back, but many trees had been planted to offset the little damage that was left.

Vishan really wanted to stay within the city. The people here had exciting stories to tell and there was still a lot of work that needed to be done. His Jedi Master, Soolin, agreed but it was important that his training to become a Jedi continue. His Padawan training had been suffering as of late because of all of his side excursions. Vishan was a man that followed his heart and training could be done later, at least that was his view. Soolin finally had to put her foot down.

After packing enough equipment for their hike and camp, Master and Apprentice set off into the wilderness with their wolf companion, Grimya, following close by. From what he was told, Soolin had often come here for peace and had a good rapport with the people. They wouldn't be bothered and their ship would be well protected. He had a hunch that some of the folks here were wise to the fact Soolin was Jedi.

The trek was pleasant. Agamar was in the middle of fall and the leaves were changing into bright oranges, yellows and reds. The air was crisp, but not too cold, which made for an enjoyable walk, which was done mostly in silence. They two of them had such a strong rapport between them that there was no such thing as an uncomfortable silence.

Only problem was, Vishan wasn't quite sure where they were heading. Direction? Sure, but actual location? Nope. It could be no place in particular or something special. With Soolin, you never knew.

Grimya trotted past him, happily rubbing against his leg. Soon the wolf was a few meters ahead on the look out.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: They eventually reached a hilltop, with an expansive view of the valley below. She reached into a pouch and took a portion of the dried fruit and sunflower seeds inside, then offered the pouch to Vishan while she scanned the valley ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

"T'anks." He reached in a pulled out a few seeds and then began tossing one seed at a time into the air, catching them with his mouth.

Down in the valley below, grass rippled against a soft breeze. Several areas had overgrown brush that probably was home to a critter or two. The only thing that the Padawan wasn't sure of was if this was the place Soolin was leading him too, or if this was merely a nice place to rest.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

"I think we'll make camp here."

:: She leaned against a rock and gazed at the sky as she ate ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

And there you have it.

Vishan gave Soolin back the pouch of seeds and started breaking down the items needed to make camp.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

"I'm going to go catch our evening meal."

:: She nodded then proceeded down the hill to the forest with Grimya in tow ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

"Okay," he unrolled the tents and staked the spikes into the ground. "Ah should be done by th' time you two get back."

Soon as the tents were up, he would gather some firewood and get a fire going. Maybe Vishan would luck out and find some edible fruit or spices up along the ridge.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Meanwhile, Soolin went down into the forest to track and hunt. Life-bonded to the she-wolf as she was, it did not take long to find a deer-like animal in the deep woods. Half an arn later, she made her way back to camp with the kill ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

The camp was already set up and Vishan was just starting to put together the camp fire when his Master returned. "Good timin'."

He pulled out the skinning knife and handed it over to Soolin, "Tha' didn't take too long."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She set the beast down and took the skinning knife ::

"Grimya is a good tracker."

:: She smiled at the she-wolf ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

Vishan tipped a branch in salute to the wolf, "An' Ah t'ank her kindly cuz if trackin' for food were left up ta you all th' time we'd starve."

At that point, he held up his hands in defense because he knew the stare of death was going to be directed his way, though it didn't contain his laughter. They were on Endor and it was one of the few times that Grimya didn't come on the hunt. Soolin had tracked them down right into a trap and were dangling inside a net for close to three hours before the she-wolf found them and nibbled them to freedom.

He swore that Soolin would never hear the end of it...

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She looked at Vishan and blinked, then regarded Grimya, who yawned widely in self-defense. Then she went back to skinning the deer ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

He gave Grimya a wink and started the fire.

To be fair, the situation was rather embarrassing to them both. Those nets were rather cozy. Too cozy and made for an uncomfortable situation for awhile.

"So," he coughed, diverting the subject, "Are we gonna 'ave left overs? Ah could break out th' storage units."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: It was a medium-sized animal ::

"Yes, please."

[Vishan Korogoth]

He broke down some of the gear and rummaged for the small metallic storage units. They were designed especially for long space travels or for extended hiking and camping campains and the cells used to power the units could last weeks.

" 'ere ya go. Oh ..." He tossed her a wrapped bundle full of native fruit and plants. " ... Ah found these while gettin' fire wood."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin stopped to look over the bundle and smiled approvingly. A short time later, the deer was cooking ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

While dinner was cooking, Vishan and Grimya were romping about playing. They were playing tag and the only reason that he had a chance against the wolf was because of the Force. Most of the time it was Vishan doing the chasing anyway. It was good fun and practice.

Grimya was now it and Vishan was narrowing the gap. He was getting wise to when she would suddenly dart off in one direction and adjusted quickly, a nice improvement then falling flat on his face most of the time.

This time he was ready. He took off his shirt. It was getting warm with all the physical exertion but that wasn't the only reason. Quickening the pace, he followed hot on Grimya's paws. When he felt the moment was right, he sprung at the wolf.

"HA HA!!! GOTCHA!!!" The shirt would give him more body area to cover. He wanted to not only tag the wolf but capture her too. Unfortunately, not all good ideas are rewarded. Grimya, sensing the impending attack, jumped out of harms way. He fell flat on his face eating dirt and skidded to a halt. Grimya padded victoriously over to him, laid down and proceeded to lick his mucked up, sour pussed, face.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: A pair of boots walked up as the she-wolf padded away, then Soolin looked at him upside down ::

"Try not to eat too much of that, it's almost ready. And please wash up."

:: She turned around, hiding her grin as she walked away ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

Vishan spat out some grass and pulled himself up to his knees, chuckling. "Ah'ma gonna get tha' wolf one o'these days."

He applied the shirt to his face and chest to get off most of the dirt and sweat before making his way back to camp. He popped open one of the canteens and splashed a clean part of the shirt with water to wash off the rest.

The dirty shirt was thrown over one of the tent lines and he grabbed a fresh one to put on as he sat down for dinner. It smelled wonderful. "Ya really made use o'th' stuff Ah found, eh Soolin."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin served Vishan first, then gave Grimya her portion before sitting down across from her companion ::

"I learned a thing or two back on Calan, from a man called Petros."

[Vishan Korogoth]

He tore into the meat, starving from his workout with Grimya. There were little hints of the herbs he found and the meat was deliciously tender.

"Man, Ah could never cook like this," he said while chewing, "If it weren't for you an' Grimya, Ah'd starve o'be poor from spendin' all my money at th' cantinas."

The Jedi held up his plate with a thankful smile, "My compliments ta th' chef."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: After their meal was done, it was time for training. There was still an hour left before sundown ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

"What're we gonna work on now?" Vishan asked as he was finishing cleaning up the once dirty dishes.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin held out an oblong, smoothly polished case to Vishan. On the top was engraved the emblem of the Jedi Order of Darkmere ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

He arched a brow at the case, recognizing the symbol, and then looked up towards his Master. It was as if he was almost afraid to touch it. The Jedi of Darkmere were no more, save for Soolin. Vishan knew how important it was to preserve her heritage. "Wha's this?"

[Soolin Anjhurin]

"It's your next step in becoming a Jedi."

:: She held it out to him with a slight smile on her face ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

His head swayed back and forth in indecision, but he begrudgingly took it with both hands. The intricate interwoven circles that were carved into the wood had an appearance of going on forever. The Padawan wondered if it was to symbolize the connection of a Jedi to the Force because they were always connected, even in death.

He could feel his Master's eyes on him, waiting for him to open the case. With both thumbs, he pushed the lid open and blinked. "Huh?"

It was a lightsaber.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

"I created it in my seventeenth year. Now it's time to pass it to you."

[Vishan Korogoth]

He was about to protest but Soolin had that rigid look on her face that you knew she wouldn't budge. Vishan was at a lost for words. It had been a long time since someone had given him something so special. Not since his wife ...

Carefully he took the weapon out of its soft velvet bed and looked it over. You could definitely tell Soolin had crafted it. There were areas of similarity to the current lightsaber on her weapon belt. This one was a bit more bulky, which made sense for a first attempt.

Pointing the hilt away from either of them, Vishan thumbed the trigger. A skinny green blade slid into life. He didn't know whether to smile at its beauty or leave his mouth hanging open in awe.

Eventually he closed it and faced Soolin. "Thank you, Master."

There weren't a lot of times that they referred to one another's titles, but Vishan felt that this situation warrant it and wanted to show the respect that Soolin deserved as his teacher.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin nodded, then gazed at the setting sun ::

"When would you like to start?"

[Vishan Korogoth]

The lightsaber hissed off and Vishan admired the amazing sunset along with Soolin. "Is it too late ta start now?"

Visibility would make things more difficult and perhaps she didn't want to put Vishan in danger. He glanced over at her while she was still gazing at the horizon and couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked from the light cascading down the valley.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: It was then she noticed him, the strange look in his eye ::

"What?"

[Vishan Korogoth]

"Huh?" He was thoroughly confused. Then he blinked. "Oh! Nuthing."

The Padawan brought his hand up timidly since Soolin was looking at him funny, though she allowed him to pull a snowseed out of her hair. "Ah ... uh ... was tryin' ta figure out wha' this was."

Further from the truth but it hopefully worked. If you weren't paying attention, it did look like some odd insect.

"Heh." He flicked it away, "Just some pollen."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

"Oh" she shrugged. "Thank you."

:: She looke at him with a hint of a smile, then became serious ::

"Remember the form we practiced? Follow the movements, with your lightsaber."

[Vishan Korogoth]

Vishan set the box down on the grass and looked at the weapon funny. He tested its balance in his hand and ingited the blade. Squatting into a defensive posture, he leveled the weapon horiziontally but there was fear in his eyes. It didn't make sense how a hand-to-hand combat style could be the same using this dangerous weapon.

He stood there mustering the nerve to begin the first kata.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

"Do not allow fear to guide you, Vishan. Close your eyes, and let yourself feel the movements."

[Vishan Korogoth]

Strain was in his face and he licked his lips, trying to calm his shaking hand, the lightsaber humming accordingly.

"Okay." Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and tried to still the fear inside his head. The Padawan just wished the loud pounding of his heart would stop banging in his ear.

"Okay..." He said quieter and picture one of the first katas that Soolin taught him. It wasn't too difficult, mostly circular hand movements away from the body. And away from the body was good ...

He finally let go of the breath he was holding and began extremely cautious. There was nothing graceful about his movements. Vishan was stiff and not allowing the weapon to get too close to his body.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She stood silent, allowing him time to relax ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

It seemed that Vishan was not going to let up and continue to awkwardly swing the weapon. Finally he got so frustrated with himself he growled and violently swung the weapon downwards.

"Damnit." Before Soolin could say anything, he righted his stance. He allowed his arms to go as limp as was possible and still hold the lightsaber properly. He also pictured Soolin alongside him. In the beginning, she used to stand with him as he was learning the movements since he was so out of his element. Having her near, even inside his mind, helped to calm him. Hell, having her near he felt like he could accomplish anything.

With new vigor, he went into motion, much more flexible. It wasn't perfect, but it was far more graceful then the droid like movements before.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: A short distance away, Soolin practiced the form beside him ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

Out of the corner of his eye Vishan saw movement and he smiled to himself. It was like Soolin read his mind.

He closed his eyes and started the motion from the beginning with renewed courage. Vishan started to trust himself and grow calmer. The pace sped up slowly but his movements did not regress into the sloppy mess as before. The hard edges of concentration started to fade and his features grew more tranquil.

Being at peace, Vishan could feel the Force around him and gained control over his weapon steadily. The green blade flickered and danced around him in his mind's eye, safely away from his body.

After repeating the kata once more, he brought the blade out in front of him with outstretched arms and disengaged the weapon. He then opened his eyes staring at the lightsaber with new respect and less fear.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin stood facing him as she bowed, then an odd look crossed her face as she looked past him to the edge of the encampment ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

"Wha'?" Vishan followed Soolin's line of sight and narrowed his eyes when a Weequay came into view. The tall leathery skinned alien was moving at a brisk pace towards their direction. He didn't sense any danger but anyone out this far from the cities was questionable.

He looked at his Master and hastily clipped the lightsaber on the back of his weapon belt. "Friend of yours?"

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Her face was blank as she shrugged at him, then turned back to the visitor ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

The Weequay paused and stood upright when he saw both of the humans, then began to jog towards them. The Jedi could make out a large backpack he was carrying. It seemed that the alien was well stocked for a long camping trip like they were.

Vishan didn't like this at all and undid the flap to his blaster, looking around for anyone else. He didn't see anyone and Soolin surely would have sensed another living presence coming towards them by now.

When the Qeequay got within twenty meters of the camp, Vishan held up his hand and was ready to pull out his blaster with the other. "A'right, stop there. Wha' didja want?"

The alien stopped and held up his hands in a non-threatening manner. "My name is Baize. I come in peace Jedis."

He pointed at Baize as if he was crazy and threw Soolin a look as if to say, 'Can I shoot him now?'

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin waved a hand for Vishan to ease up a bit ::

"How can we help you?"

[Vishan Korogoth]

Baize didn't back down with the aggressive look Vishan was given him but relaxed when the human removed his hand away from the blaster. The Weequay did not want a fight.

"The Alliance sent me. They have been monitoring your movements as best as they could considering you don't stay in one place for too long. We wanted to approach you to see if you would aid us in the fight against the Empire but things have changed and we had to contact you now." He produced a small identicard and datachip and tossed it to Soolin. "You need to get off Agamar right away. The Empire is coming." His aquamarine eyes focused on Vishan. "For you."

Vishan scoffed, "Me?"

He looked at Soolin, "Not us?"

Baize shook his head, "No. Just you. They were not happy when you disappeared. They just know you are traveling with a woman but not that you are Jedi. That is your only favor in getting away."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin looked it over before handing it to Vishan for evaluation. She wasn't sure what to make of it ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

"The card is to a safe house on Corellia." Baize said with sorrow. "I believe you will be heading there soon after you see what's on the chip."

Vishan grimaced. He did not like this at all. "How the hell am Ah suppose ta believe you're tellin' th' truth anyway? Ya could be part o'th' Empire yourself."

"True," the Weequay replied politely. "But if that were the case, I wouldn't be given you what's on the datachip. The Empire doesn't want you to know what's on that."

"Fine." Soolin watched over the supposed Rebel as Vishan fished out a datapad. He cued up the information and saw his old military file when he was a pilot for the Imperial Navy. The only section that was new was a top-secret section. That had him scratching his head. He was never on anything high profile. He was a typical TIE pilot.

He cued up the information and he blanched. He had to fight the nausea that was threatening to take hold. The datapad dropped from his hands because they were shaking so much.

His voice was loud and full of violence as he stood up, "This is a load o'dren!!!"

Baize sadly bowed his head. "I'm sorry."

Vishan ran up and grabbed him by the straps of the pack, "You jus' made that chip ta make up for your frell up!!!"

[Soolin Anjhurin]

"Vishan!"

:: She picked up the datapad ::

"Let him go."

[Vishan Korogoth]

"Not till he starts makin' sense, Soolin!!!"

Baize brought his arms underneath Vishan's and forcefully removed them. "You can have the file verified by an slicer, but it is true and I'm sorry. The Empire knew you were Force Sensitive and purposefully murdered your family driving you to rage or despair so they could recruit you into the Inquisitor program."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin was able to 'see' the Weequay's aura through her lifebond with Grimya. The she-wolf was force-sensitive, and because of this, she could discern the colors and patterns of auras ::

"He's telling the truth, Vishan."

[Vishan Korogoth]

Vishan and Baize faced off and stared at eachother unblinking. The Weequay did not want to hurt the poor human and could understand his anger. The Jedi had been told a lie and now had to deal with the ramifications of what the Empire wanted to still do to him.

Eventually Vishan swore and turned away, kicking up the ground in his wake as he walked off to cool down. Baize watched the Jedi thoughtfully and regarded Soolin, "There is other information on that chip that will interest you, Jedi. It hasn't been announced yet but our spies confirm that the Empire has found a way to test for Force Sensitivity. Much like in the old days of the Republic."

The Weequay stumbled over his next words, horrified by the truth of them. "There are whispers on Imperial Center that they wish to eradicate all with Force abilities. Not just the Jedi …"

His eyes turned toward Vishan who was kneeling down in the tall grass, “It’s why they want him. Not to kill him. To turn him and have him be part of the new order.”

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: Soolin's brow furrowed, thinking of what to do ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

"I know it's a lot to take in," Baize said, regaining some of his composure, "But regardless, you need to get Vishan off this world and out of this system. Our operatives surmised he would probably want to go to Corellia but that isn't a definite."

The Weequay repositioned his pack and nodded in respect to the Jedi. "If his reaction is any indication of what things are to come for your Padawan, you need to be strong for him. May the Force be with you both."

[Soolin Anjhurin]

"Thank you."

:: She looked over at Vishan ::

"We should break camp."

[Vishan Korogoth]

He didn't hear Soolin's voice. To Vishan, she sounded like a dream as his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of his wife and daughter, murdered by the Empire. Murdered because of his curse.

Oh how the Alliance was right in thinking he wanted to go back to Corellia. His Commanding Officer had given the order to a squad of Stormtroopers to kill his family while Imptel planted the evidence. Soon as they arrived on his homeworld, Vishan was going to track down his good buddy Zay and make sure his family was avenged.

That bastard!!! He slammed his fists against his thighs, remembering how Zay was trying so hard to console him after Reine and Lannah died. He hadn't given a dren about his feelings, only converting him to the more sinister aspects of the Empire!

[Grimya]

:: Grimya came up beside him to lean on him. The she-wolf could sense his emotions, and she whimpered ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

Vishan felt something bump into him that brought his mind back to reality. Her soft whine echoed the pain of his heart and hugged the wolf around Grimya's neck, burying his face into her fur.

He wasn't as angry. The she-wolf's presence was very soothing but the thoughts of revenge hadn't fully disappeared.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

"Vishan."

:: Soolin touched him on the shoulder ::

"We have to go."

[Vishan Korogoth]

His shoulders rose while the Padawan took a deep breath. "Yeah, I know."

Vishan pulled back, making his face a target for multiple lashings of Grimya's tongue. He finally smiled and stood up.

"We're going to Corellia." He didn't wait for a response from Soolin and went to break down a camp that had barely used.

[Soolin Anjhurin]

:: She watched him with a bit of concern, but focused on the task at hand. Time was too precious now. ::

[Vishan Korogoth]

They were experts of cleaning up a camp to avoid detection. Everything was broken down and packed in the manner of ten minutes. After another five minutes, there wasn't any sign left at the camp they were even there and already well on their way back to the main city. It would still take two days of intense hiking to get back to Tondatha and from the information Baize had given them, the Empire wouldn't be here for another three.

And after that, four days to Corellia to lay his family to rest once more.