Sam Carter's Past Life

Chapter 2: The Culprit

Lost in a labyrinth of memories, a daunting task even for the most focused mind, Sam stumbled upon a jarring truth. Whispers of two distinct evils echoed – not just Palpatine, the specter that haunted the galaxy, but a presence Chari and Skyma themselves acknowledged: the "evil Chari." Dissonance gnawed at her. How could a single narrative hold two villains?

A sudden flash of insight: "One...is the host," she muttered, piecing together the puzzle. "but there must be another." Her brow furrowed in concentration. "could this be the very reason the Sith adhere to their rule of two — a master and an apprentice, forever bound by a dark symbiosis?"

The realization sent a jolt through her. If the Sith thrived on this duality, could the same be true for their enemies, the Jedi? Was there a light side counterpart to this internal struggle? A protector and a... what? A flicker of memory, a hazy vision – a blinding white light and a searing pain. The memory retreated as quickly as it arrived, leaving behind a throbbing ache in her temples.

Frustration clawed at her. These fragmented memories, these tantalizing glimpses of the past, were maddeningly incomplete. Yet, a seed of hope had been sown. Perhaps the answer wasn't just about defeating external enemies, but about confronting the darkness within. The "evil Chari" — was it a separate entity, or a twisted reflection of Chari's own past trauma, manipulated by some unseen force?

With newfound determination, Sam resolved to delve deeper. She would meditate, push past the mental barriers, and unlock the secrets buried within. The fate of Chari, and perhaps the galaxy, might depend on it.

She darted off to find Skyma. She felt strongly she was right about this, and she needed to confirm it with her. After finally finding her alone, Sam had the grand opportunity to discuss this with her.

Skyma realized her Sister wanted something from her, but she did not act like it. She asked with a smile, "How are you today?"

In a very serious tone, "We need to talk."

"Seems like we're doing that now."

She gave her that look that she would not put up with any nonsense.

"What can I do for you?"

She told her what she has been thinking and continued, "I know I'm right on this. When I get these hunches, they are usually right."

There is an evil Chari out there, and she is dead-centered in wanting to kill her Mother, but there is a colossal story attached to it, and I'm afraid you're caught in the middle of it."

"I was told even by you that I'm this blasted Empress or the like. Now you are telling me there is more? Karabast Skyma, I want the complete truth on this. If I'm not convinced, I promise you I will leave you and this entire damn thing! If I am so important to these Jedi Knights, I don't know if there is so much for me to know. Are none of these cryptic memories a bunch of nonsense? Got me?"

Skyma sat against a nearby tree before talking. After sighing enormously, she said, "Chari and I have been debating whether to tell you because neither of us was sure if it should be said."

She sat beside her Sister and said, "We're too damn close to not share things. That is why I'm upset. I feel betrayed. I'm guessing this humongous secret is dark... pardon the pun... to be kept in the dark forever so long."

"Yes, it's very dark and serious," Skyma admitted. She paused, looking down at the ground before meeting Sam's gaze again. "Chari wanted to tell you from the very beginning," she said, "but I was too afraid you'd get hurt."

"As you know, ignorance isn't bliss. If this is big, then I must know."

Skyma gave another enormous sigh, "Yes, you do, Sister, but I'm still afraid."