Star Wars: Redemption

Staring, always staring, his face solid and resolved. So sure of the direction he was destined for which he hoped to lead his students. Constantly the light’s warm glow would envelope him as it filled his ornate temple. Few would give mind to him as the daily traffic within the halls had grown a custom to his presence, though for me, it was overwhelming. I remember the first day I laid eyes on him when I was ten, established heroically upon his pedestal in the threshold of the temple. At that time, there was a great sadness that filled its majestic halls from his passing. Though to one such as myself, his mighty persona fed my excitement as a young Jedi Padawan. His stance, as solid as his focused expression, with his lightsaber held at his side and his hand opened and outstretched was both intimidating and awe inspiring. His robes were frozen in a windswept state from a breeze that never flowed through the large double arched doorways. My Master, a kind, grandfatherly Twi’lek with his headtails bound together by fabric wrappings watched me warmly as I staggered up to the grand statue. Gaze fixed on the intriguing face, I hadn’t noticed him approach me from behind, allowing his creased orange toned hand to rest on my shoulder, gently yet with power. Yollef Sanos chuckled in his throat as he lifted his gaze from my young form to the statue.

“That, my Padawan, is Grand Master Skywalker.” My mouth nearly dropped and my eyes grew large as I flicked my gaze from the statue to my Master’s face.

“That’s Luke?” I inquired in amazement. He chuckled again.

“Sure is. The founder of our order,” he said as he too admired the statue. As a young pupil from the Jedi Enclave established on the lush, peaceful tranquility of Naboo, the legend of Master Luke Skywalker was well known and admired but to actually stand in the very temple he’d created was a great wonder. My master had left the bustle and vibrancy of the Temple on Hirajass five years before in search of personal enlightenment. That's when we first met. During an instructional with Master Equei, Master Sanos stopped to watch us. It seemed like just a normal thing, another of the same medatative exercises as always, nothing seemed out of the ordinary, only because I didn't know how to feel it. Even after he stopped by at my room and formally introduced himself, I didn't quite understand it. It seemed like such a blur. The next thing I knew, he was always there. He and I practically lived together and without me knowing, I became his Padawan learner. For years, he trained and taught me; taught me the ways of the Force and the flow through all life of the galaxy. As the years passed, I grew older to become a Jedi Knight and a master to a Padawan of my own. Being a master brings its own challenge. One time in particular, my Padawan, Tyal was growing impatient. He had no desire to feel the energy of the galaxy, only to be of it. Every lesson, I tried to echo my Master Sanos and share his wisdom, but Tyal was restless. In times of such challenge, I still look to the honorary statue of Master Skywalker with reverence. Such a simple therapy for me had been to stare at the statue and rejuvenate my hope. Hope, hope for what? In my youth, the answer to this exact query was to endure the remnants of darkness of the ancient Sith tribes, striking at us from the depths of lost worlds. And though they’re eradicated, I can’t help but feel a misplacement in the balance of the Force. Now more than ever, I need this encouragement.

"My student wont listen...My council wont act...My friends wont question...What am I to do?"

"Jex!" my focus on the statue was interrupted from a familiar voice from behind. I turned abruptly, almost as if being snapped out of place. All around me, various Jedi robed in brown and tan moved about. I can't help but notice the briskness by which they moved, with an air of pride emanating from their personas. Among however, Asus moved with a grace and almost reverence which has long been forgotten. I smiled as she approached. ...