A Galaxy Freed (Book 4)

Chapter 1: An Illusion of Peace

          I was growing tired, but I didn't want to leave. I was gently resting my head on Fives's shoulder. We must have been out here for hours. Staring at the stars. I was in the dark for so long. Taken hostage by Vinera, an evil woman who will undoubtedly return to exact her vengeance for losing me, her weapon. Now...I was free. With the help of the Jedi Masters, as well as Fives and countless clone troopers, I was finally free. There was nothing in this Galaxy that would be enough to repay them for their acts of bravery and sacrifice. I shifted my position and laid my head against the cold stone of the Temple.

           Fives noticed. "You've gone quiet," said Fives looking at me with concern in his eyes. "Is something wrong?"

Ever since we came out here, we've been catching up on our lives when we were apart, so I'm sure the sudden abrupt end in conversation confused him. "No. Everything's fine," I responded, not wanting to worry him any more than I already have.

"You're a bad liar, you know?", he said. "What's weighing on your mind?"

I closed my eyes for a short period before looking to him. "I still feel...guilty...conflicted about everything." I sighed. "I caused so much pain. So much death."

"That person wasn't you," Fives reassured me. "Don't beat yourself up over it. I hate seeing you like this."

"I know it wasn't me, but that doesn't much atone for the deaths of so many." I stood up and propped my arms on the stone railing. "I know I should be happy to be back, and believe me, I am. However, deep down, I'm angry and sad about all that transpired while I was under her control."

Fives got up to accompany me. He embraced me, and I felt as if he never wanted to let me go. "Kane, all that matters now is that you're back. What's in the past is in the past. We can't change what happened. But what we can do is focus on what's ahead of us."

"You're right," I responded as I ended the hug. "What's done is done. I just wish it all never happened to begin with."

"We all wish that. Me more than anyone." I saw a tear begin to slide down his cheek. "I can't even begin to describe to you the suffering I went through without you at my side. It felt like I was ripped into two. But it's like you said," he wiped the tear away, "what's done is done. Now we're back together, and I'm the happiest man in the Galaxy."

I smiled. What he said was painful to hear, but I decided to keep those emotions hidden. Fives didn't go into detail about everything he went through while I was gone, and I was glad. Hearing even just a fraction of his pain would only make me feel worse. "We should probably head to bed. The sun is coming up and we haven't gotten any sleep yet." I wanted to change the subject. I wanted to leave all this behind me. From what I could tell, it seemed like Fives did not want to continue reliving the memories either.

"Wow, we really stayed up all night," he commented. "Let's go then. I haven't had a good night's sleep in some time now." He took my hand, and we were off to our room in the Jedi Temple.

           The halls were dimly lit, and no one was around. It was early in the morning, but there were usually a few Jedi and some workers already awake and working. It was definitely strange, but I was too tired to try and make sense of it. Fives however brought up the question I was keeping to myself. "Where is everyone?", he asked.

"I'm sure they are all just trying to get some sleep after the ordeal yesterday. It was a rough day...for everyone."

"You're probably right," he responded. "Let's hurry to our room then. Don't want to disturb anyone."

I shook my head in agreement and followed him up the stairs.

           Our room was located at the end of a long hall. It was the same hall that the Council Chamber was on. We passed in front of it, and I overheard the faint voice of my Master. I assumed she was speaking with other members of the Jedi Council. Fives and I stood still in front of the door. "I was meditating last night and sensed something so incredibly dark and evil," she said. "I am afraid a great tragedy is about to occur. I am unsure of where or when, but it will happen."