Fight or Flight

A Sense of Urgency

I sit outside of the door that is slowly turning to ice. Anxiety grips my heart as each moment adds another two inches of ice and less time for Jehsak. Statues of ancient Jedi surround the entire space and I can't help but stare up at them and wonder what their stories are. Were they happy as Jedi? Were they strong, fearless, independent leaders?

Unlike you? Plagueius speaks up.

Who asked you for your opinion?

No one. But I typically give my opinion regardless of whether or not people want it. Remember, I rule the galaxy.

I'm pretty sure that's The Force.

You do remember what I said about telling someone about me, don't you?

Yeah, so what?

You told someone.

I told Ciren. No one else knows. I haven't revealed you to the Jedi Council.

You told Ciren. That's someone.

Ok, seriously, what is the problem with you? You act as if you want all this glory but then you don't want me to talk about you? Talk about serious self- esteem issues.

I heard that comment.

Good. I was hoping you would.

You know the consequences of telling.

Yes, I'm aware. But as I said, a dead guy can't do anything.

Oh but I can. Your brother is in the caves of Ilum right now. What would happen if he...accidentally fell from a ledge? How would you explain that to your fellow Jedi?

If you hurt him...

If I hurt him...finish your sentence.

Don't hurt him. I am more powerful of a Jedi than you realize.

You don't think I know that? Such a fool. Plagueius stops talking and I hold my head, hoping to stop the ringing in my ears. I sigh, feeling the weight of a thousand planets on me. I try to distract myself by thinking about earth, but that simply fills me with a sense of loss. As I sit and observe the scene around me, dread begins to fill my heart.

"Something is wrong!" I call out to no one. Even the statues offer me no comfort in this barren cave. I run to the opening of the cave, screaming through the doors that are slowly turning to ice. "JEHSAK!" Silence is the answer. Fearing the worst, I pick up my foot to cross the threshold when I hear his voice.

"Sis! I'm here! What's the matter?"

"Thank the Force you're alive! I was so worried!"

"Why wouldn't I be alive?"

"It's...nothing. Let me see your crystal!" Jehsak holds it out and I take a slight breath at the color: orange. "It is a color I have not yet seen a Jedi get!"

"Orange is rare?"

"Yes. It is used by few Jedi. Only passionate Jedi who can sometimes use the dark side of the Force use an orange saber."

"So...?"

"I don't know. I will have to speak to Master Yoda and the rest of the council. For now, we must leave Illum. I'm sure we will have more things to do, but for now, we must get back to Coruscant."