FORSAKEN II - Eternal Dawn

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

"With your hand?" said Theleema at the Outcast lounge table, after they jumped into hyperspace on their way to Ryloth.

"I know, crazy, huh?" Elynn observed both sides of her hand.

"I've heard of Jedi who could use their lightsabers to neutralize Force lightening," Syrran said, "but not their bare hands."

"The Sith Holocron said electronic manipulation was connected to mind and energy absorption," Theleema said. "Maybe that's why you were able to do that."

"I believe it is called tutaminis," Ilum said. "A term that describes Force abilities relating to energy absorption. What you did is extremely advanced; only Jedi Masters are known to be able to do that."

"Well, what do you know?" said Syrran. "I think someone just found out her unique Force ability."

"You think I can learn to do that at will?" Elynn said.

"We're going to find out."

"You've been awfully quiet, Sister Dia," Gorin said.

"What's there to be talk about?" huffed Addia with arms crossed.

"The dataplaque wasn't your fault," Jarriss said. "You were too busy trying to save lives."

"Oh, don't you give me that."

"What?"

"That. Trying to make me feel better, so I forget you lost Shaak Ti's Holocron. It's not going to happen."

"You think I wanted to lose it? That's my Master's holocron you're talking about."

"Then, you should have tried harder to save it."

"Dia?" Elynn chastised her.

"So, what happened to the dataplaque?" Jarriss said.

"Don't try to change the topic," Addia said.

"Why don't you show them the other item we stole from Grakkus?" said Virra, aiming to divert her attention.

Addia's expression lit up. "Right! Check this out." She produced the Tedryn Holocron. "I've never seen one like this... I love the writing—and the green glow."

"Another Jedi Holocron?" Ilum said.

"Whose?" Elynn said.

Addia activated it.

"The dark side has come before, and it will come again..." said the avatar of Jedi Master Vodo-Siosk Bass as it appeared above the device.

"Who is Master Bass?" Gorin said.

"A great Jedi Master who lived at the tail end of the Old Sith Wars," Addia said.

"And a legendary lightsaber master," Syrran said. "I can't believe you found this, Addia. I can't wait to learn from him."

"I knew you would like it. I remember you reading about him at the Jedi Temple's library."

"You remember the holobooks he read?" Theleema said.

Addia became self-conscious. "I always notice what people around me read and I happen to have a great memory."

"What am I reading?" Jarriss said.

"How to mind your own damned business."

"The point is, Dia saved something quite important, so not everything was lost," Virra interjected to Addia's relief.

"The Force gives and the Force takes away," Gorin said.

"This feels so much better." Quinlan sauntered to the lounge, having taken a sonic shower. "Well, Syrran. Care to make the introductions? I already met the Shard and your better half." He winked at him. "And I recognize a few other faces too. Gorin, sorry I didn't say hi earlier."