The New Jedi Knights

Chapter 8: Dealing with Jack's Past

While onboard the Peacemaker — Emily and Ben went to him. When they came up to him in his quarters, he did not have to use the Force to understand why they were there. He smiled and asked them, "What can I do for you two?"

Even though Emily saw the images that the Force showed, she still asked him to tell the whole story of what happened. Before he started, he felt the support from them. He said as he looked at them both, "A parent shouldn't outlive his own child. I blame myself not just because it was an accident, but I blame myself because I could have prevented it from happening. I don't know if I can forget it nor forgive myself for it."

Since Emily knew she was about the same age as Jack's son, she came to him closer and put her hand on his. She said, "You should never forget the love you had for him. In fact, you still do. That is why it's hard for you to forgive yourself. It is that love that will help you become a great Jedi that Bodo Baas has stated. You aren't alone, my dear friend."

After what she said to him, tears came down from his eyes. The three of them hugged each other. Sam walked in. The two young Jedi looked at him and smiled. They left them alone.

He dried his face as she walked over to sit beside her husband. She sat there. Moments later he said, "We were talking about my experience with the Force in what happened with my son."

She said nothing. She hugged him.

He knew what was on her mind. He said, "I need all of your help... dealing with this, so I can go on with not only my Jedi training but for my life."

She said, "We will, Jack. A Jedi is never alone. It took all of you to help me deal with my past. We'll help you with yours." She gave him another hug. As they were hugging, he cried again.

As Emily and Ben were walking down the corridor of the Peacemaker, they ran into their uncle. He said to them, "I am proud of you two — going to him by yourselves. What Sam has told me about Charlie, he needs you two. The Force has told me that what we will find on Ossus will help him go forward and become a great and powerful Jedi."

"It isn't the event that happened that is holding him back. He told us he blames himself because he could have prevented it from happening. Once he can let go of the blame, then he'll be able to turn the whole event around to his advantage," Ben replied.

Brandon said to them both, "Until we land on Ossus, I want you two to be at Jack's side in helping him reach that goal. You have both broken the ice. It will take more to help him remove the barrier he has created over the years."

They closed their eyes and used the Force to let him know that they would stay with him. The only response — thank you. He replied, "I'll need your help. You have done a great service so far."

Sam said. "Come back to our quarters. I want you three to meditate on this matter until we arrive."

The two young Jedi did as they were told. When they got there, they both gave Jack two big warm smiles. He returned their smiles with his own.

Ben told those two what Brandon told them.

He raised his eyebrows and said, "Maybe that is why the Force revealed this planet."

Sam commented, "That could be. Time will tell. It always does." She left the three to be alone together. "My love, I feel there is more. DAMN! Why can't I remember? I know there are memories and other information... in my pea brain, but I can't get to them."

Since Emily was about his son's age, she did most of the talking at first. Both of them thought it would be best for him to face the age of his son, so he can feel more comfortable communicating with them about what happened.