Star Wars: The Lost Episode

Entry 5

Master Nycomé's training was long and strenuous. She began with teaching me the ways of the Force. Although the training was rough, and I started only moving small objects, I flourished in telekinesis. Even though I can't move very large objects without straining, I can move many smaller objects with ease. After weeks of practice, she considered me adept enough for the next step.

"The Jedi code has served us over several thousand years," instructed my master. "But, I've come to believe that the Jedi have failed to understand one fact: the light side and dark side are two parts of the same whole, the Force."

I looked puzzled. "But Master, I've read the history books you've made me read. The dark side is tainting in its very nature. It was the reason for the fall of Darth Vader, and Exar Kun. I don't understand."

Nycomé calmly replied, "Yes, the dark side tainted them. But that doesn't make the fact that it is still a part of the Force any less real. To fully understand the Force, as I have, you must see the dark side for what it really is. Passion. But Passion without Peace will only bring you destruction."

I was perplexed. "So how do I use the dark without yielding to it? Is there a code or..."

"Actually yes. Take my words." I drew in closer. "There is no light without dark, but the dark must not be allowed to flourish over the light. Passion and Peace give me Strength. Strength and Knowledge give me Power. Power and Serenity give me Harmony. Through Harmony I gain victory. Balance has set me free."

I bowed my head in respect. "I shall remember your words, Master."

"Good," she affirmed. "Tomorrow we will begin a small amount of practice with the dark. But only if you can show control over yourself."

The next couple of days Nycomé taught me about the dark side. Its power comes from passion, not necessarily hatred or fear. Though hatred can enhance dark side abilities, Nycomé instructed me to only use hatred and fear under one condition, if my life or the life of a loved one was at stake. Otherwise using dark emotions was strictly prohibited.

I showed some promise with dark side abilities, namely Force lighting. But as with my telekinetics, nothing special or overwhelming like my master.

One morning, Nycomé requested me to meet her deep in the jungle. I did as she told and she met me near a cave.

"Greetings, my apprentice," Nycomé smiled.

"Greetings, Master," I looked around the area. She walked toward me and gave me metal parts and what I identified as a power cell.

"Today, your going to construct your light saber, and formally join the Jedi Order as my Padawan."

My heart leaped inside my chest and I took the parts from her. She instructed me how to build my light saber and where to put each part.

"The only thing that's missing is the crystal. That's where this cave comes in. Go in and seek out a crystal," my master instructed. "Reach out in the Force and let the crystal choose you." I gave a nod and ventured inside, alone. The cave was really dark and smelled of dingy. Upon further exploration of the cave I found the patches of crystals. The illuminated the darkness with vibrant shades of blues and greens. One in particular caught my attention. Off in a little corner was a clear, transparent crystal. I walked over to it. The Force was thick in the cave but this single stone felt strong in the force. I reached out to it, and knew it was the one. I plucked it like one would pluck fruit from a tree. I delicately held the stone and returned to the surface, lighted by my precious gem.

When I resurfaced, Nycomé looked amazed, "I've...I've never seen one like that before."

"I found it in a corner in a large room in the cave," I explained. "I can feel the Force flowing through this little speck."

I fitted my light saber into place. Nycomé told me it is best if the light saber reflects more of you in design. I used a refined metal for the tip of the body, with three miniature guards made out of Mandalorian Iron. This guard was actually a part of a trinket my father gave me when he worked for the Trade Federation. I had one last thing I wanted to put on my light saber. I reached into my bag and pulled out a blue clothe that had belonged to my mother. I fastened it to my hilt to finish my new weapon.

I flipped the switched and my blade hummed to life. The color was pure white. In Nycomé's words, it was, "like none the Jedi had seen before."