Ether's Final Chapter
It had been a few days since the whole ordeal and Caltin was sitting on the balcony of the Angellus home on Naboo. He was meditating on his future, sitting there quietly, fighting the urge to nod off like he always had. Eventually it paid off, he was in the middle of an ether.
The ether hummed, a symphony of unseen energy that resonated deep within Caltin Vanagor's soul. He sat in the heart of it, legs crossed, hands resting lightly on his knees, his presence a beacon in the swirling grey expanse. He had sought the solace of meditation, a desperate attempt to anchor himself after his resurrection. The Wellspring of Life had given him a second chance, but it had also taken something in return. He was Caltin Vanagor, Jedi Master... but diminished.
A ripple disturbed the stillness. It wasn't the harsh disruption of the dark side, nor the chaotic energy of the unbridled Force, but something else, something…familiar. Two figures began to coalesce from the mist. The first was a young woman, barely more than a girl, with eyes that mirrored the vastness of the cosmos and hair like spun moonlight. Alyscia. His daughter. Lost to him over eight centuries ago. A pang, a sharp, bittersweet ache, resonated in his heart.
Beside her stood a man, broad-shouldered and stern, his jaw set in a familiar, stubborn line. Admiral Liram Angellus. His distant nephew. A good man, a brave soldier, gone too soon, a casualty of the endless wars that plagued the galaxy. His recent loss still stung, a fresh wound upon his ancient spirit.
Caltin's lips curved into a gentle smile. Alyscia? Liram? What brings you to me? The question echoed in the silent expanse, a ripple in the Force that carried his love and surprise.
Alyscia floated closer, her ethereal form radiating warmth. Father, she breathed, her voice like wind chimes in a gentle breeze. We have come to you with a warning.
Liram, ever the pragmatist, cut to the chase. There's a storm coming, Grumpy(a nickname Caltin HATES). A darkness unlike anything we've seen. It’s shrouding the future.
Caltin frowned. He had sensed the growing unrest in the galaxy, the subtle tremors in the Force, but hadn't been able to pinpoint the exact nature of the threat. What kind of darkness?
Alyscia's eyes clouded with a sorrow that transcended even her death. It is a darkness of the spirit, a corruption that eats away at hope. It will test the Jedi, test the very foundations of everything the Jedi stand for, be it the New Jedi Order, the Order of Shiraya, or the Coalition.
I see, Caltin murmured, his gaze shifting between his daughter and his nephew. He felt a surge of gratitude for their presence, but also a nagging sense of inadequacy. He, the once-great Jedi Master, diminished, weakened. …and what role do you see for me in this coming storm?
Alyscia offered a sad, knowing smile. You may not be central to navigating this darkness, Father. Your path will be different. But you will be needed.
Liram nodded in agreement. You'll be needed for the heavy lifting, Master Vanagor. The kind of task that requires…your particular talents.
Caltin chuckled humorlessly. Heavy lifting? That's all I'm good for now? The strong arm of the Jedi? After all I was? Heh, all I was. It’s all I ever was. I was just the big dumb boulder that led the charge into a fight and laughed at every other way. A wave of self-pity washed over him, a bitter taste in his mouth. He felt like a shadow of his former self, a relic of a bygone era. What good was he, when his connection to the Force felt frayed, incomplete? He had strength and the ability to help. Now? Sure, he was alive and there for those around him, but what good was he? He might as well just teach at the Shadow Temple… oh… yeah… right.
Liram's face hardened. He was never one for gentle words, even in the afterlife. With all due respect, old man, that's a load of self-serving Bantha fodder! He took a step closer, his spectral voice rising in volume. You want to know why I was so willing to die at that blasted wedding? Because of my talks with you. You’re the one who told me once that a Jedi is like a sailor, or a soldier, or a peacekeeper. Nobody thinks about them until the kriff hits the fan! Nobody cares until there's a fire to put out, a war to fight, a crime to solve. And when that day comes, they're damn glad someone is ready to stand their ground! You have ALWAYS done this! I read the stories! You did this before all of that “lightning crap” you had given to you. You once had them speaking your name in the halls of the Fething Sith Temples! YOU! Not just “a big Jedi”, YOU! CALTIN FRAKKING VANAGOR! That gur I read about was you! The real you! Whatever you were when I was around was just some fake imitation.
Liram’s words struck Caltin with the force of a physical blow. The Admiral’s spirit burned bright, undeterred by death. He was raw, honest, and unflinchingly loyal.
Since when has it ever been about glory, or recognition, or some fancy title, for you, really for anyone? Liram continued, his voice laced with frustration. It's about duty! About doing what needs to be done, regardless of the cost! You’re a Jedi Master, Caltin! You have a responsibility! Don’t you dare wallow in self-pity when the galaxy is about to burn! Or are you not the person who "has to be able to look at yourself in the mirror"?
Silence descended once more, broken only by the hum of the ether. Caltin stared at Liram, a mixture of surprise, shame, and gratitude swirling within him. He had forgotten what it meant to be a Jedi, to be selfless, to be completely dedicated to the service of others. He had been so consumed by his own loss, his own perceived inadequacy, that he had lost sight of the bigger picture.
A genuine laugh rumbled in his chest. You always were good at knocking some sense into me, Liram. He shook his head, a rueful smile playing on his lips. Thank you. I needed to hear that.
He looked at Alyscia, her gentle gaze filled with understanding and love. I have to learn how to be a Jedi all over again, don’t I?
Alyscia’s smile widened, a radiant glow that filled the ether. You were always a Jedi, Father. You just needed to remember. You may have to direct the flow of the Force through you again like you used to, but the abilities, the strength have always been there. You cannot tell me that you have not missed it on some level.
He smirked and twitched his neck a little. Her words were like a balm to his wounded spirit. He closed his eyes, reaching out with his diminished senses, trying to reconnect with the Force, to rediscover the path that lay before him.
What do you mean exactly by heavy lifting? Caltin asked with curiosity. A genuine need to understand what needed to be done.
Liram crossed his arms over his chest. From what I can tell, it will involve things that the order will have issues doing. Morally grey areas that either need to be walked. Or need to be burned, or need to be pruned.
Caltin sighed with a frown. Then why not someone else?
Because you're it. Liram said with a shrug. There is no one else. You’re connected somehow to everything.
Alyscia smiled reassuringly. Do not be afraid to walk in the dark father. Even in the deepest dark, the light of the force will still guide your way.
Caltin was unsure about those words but he said nothing. He knew that they were supportive, and that was enough.
He opened his eyes, a newfound resolve hardening his gaze. ”Walk in Darkness”, huh? Nothing I haven’t done before. Alright, he said, his voice firm and clear. Tell me everything you know. And don't hold back.
Liram and Alyscia shared a look, a silent communication passing between them. Then, they began to speak, painting a picture of a galaxy teetering on the edge of chaos, of a darkness rising in the shadows, and of the difficult choices that lay ahead.
As they spoke, Caltin listened, absorbing their words, preparing himself for the storm to come. He may have been diminished in his eyes, he may have felt lost at some point, but he was a Jedi. He was basically “reset” back to the way he was when he was younger. Again, a powerful Jedi Master, but no special skills or “godlike” abilities but he was still the Jedi he always was. And he would face whatever challenges lay ahead, with courage, with compassion, and with the unwavering belief in the power of the Force. He was Caltin Vanagor, and he was ready to serve. The ether swirled around them, a silent witness to his renewed commitment. The journey ahead would be long and arduous, but he was no longer alone. He had his duty, he had the memory of his daughter, and the blunt wisdom of his nephew to guide him. And most importantly, he had the Force. And that, he knew, was enough.
As the vision began to fade, Alyscia placed a gentle hand on his cheek, her touch like a cool breeze. We will be watching over you, Father, she whispered. May the Force be with you.
Liram simply nodded, his face softening slightly. Don't screw it up, Master Vanagor.
And then, they were gone. Caltin was left alone once more in the silent expanse of the ether, but he was no longer the same man who had entered it. He was renewed, re-energized, and ready to face the darkness that was coming. He had a galaxy to save, and a duty to fulfill. And he wouldn't let them down. Then…
DAD?! Connel was standing behind him, unable to believe his eyes.
No joke here. The two shared a long hard hug. Chrysa just watched happily from the balcony door.
The ether hummed, a symphony of unseen energy that resonated deep within Caltin Vanagor's soul. He sat in the heart of it, legs crossed, hands resting lightly on his knees, his presence a beacon in the swirling grey expanse. He had sought the solace of meditation, a desperate attempt to anchor himself after his resurrection. The Wellspring of Life had given him a second chance, but it had also taken something in return. He was Caltin Vanagor, Jedi Master... but diminished.
A ripple disturbed the stillness. It wasn't the harsh disruption of the dark side, nor the chaotic energy of the unbridled Force, but something else, something…familiar. Two figures began to coalesce from the mist. The first was a young woman, barely more than a girl, with eyes that mirrored the vastness of the cosmos and hair like spun moonlight. Alyscia. His daughter. Lost to him over eight centuries ago. A pang, a sharp, bittersweet ache, resonated in his heart.
Beside her stood a man, broad-shouldered and stern, his jaw set in a familiar, stubborn line. Admiral Liram Angellus. His distant nephew. A good man, a brave soldier, gone too soon, a casualty of the endless wars that plagued the galaxy. His recent loss still stung, a fresh wound upon his ancient spirit.
Caltin's lips curved into a gentle smile. Alyscia? Liram? What brings you to me? The question echoed in the silent expanse, a ripple in the Force that carried his love and surprise.
Alyscia floated closer, her ethereal form radiating warmth. Father, she breathed, her voice like wind chimes in a gentle breeze. We have come to you with a warning.
Liram, ever the pragmatist, cut to the chase. There's a storm coming, Grumpy(a nickname Caltin HATES). A darkness unlike anything we've seen. It’s shrouding the future.
Caltin frowned. He had sensed the growing unrest in the galaxy, the subtle tremors in the Force, but hadn't been able to pinpoint the exact nature of the threat. What kind of darkness?
Alyscia's eyes clouded with a sorrow that transcended even her death. It is a darkness of the spirit, a corruption that eats away at hope. It will test the Jedi, test the very foundations of everything the Jedi stand for, be it the New Jedi Order, the Order of Shiraya, or the Coalition.
I see, Caltin murmured, his gaze shifting between his daughter and his nephew. He felt a surge of gratitude for their presence, but also a nagging sense of inadequacy. He, the once-great Jedi Master, diminished, weakened. …and what role do you see for me in this coming storm?
Alyscia offered a sad, knowing smile. You may not be central to navigating this darkness, Father. Your path will be different. But you will be needed.
Liram nodded in agreement. You'll be needed for the heavy lifting, Master Vanagor. The kind of task that requires…your particular talents.
Caltin chuckled humorlessly. Heavy lifting? That's all I'm good for now? The strong arm of the Jedi? After all I was? Heh, all I was. It’s all I ever was. I was just the big dumb boulder that led the charge into a fight and laughed at every other way. A wave of self-pity washed over him, a bitter taste in his mouth. He felt like a shadow of his former self, a relic of a bygone era. What good was he, when his connection to the Force felt frayed, incomplete? He had strength and the ability to help. Now? Sure, he was alive and there for those around him, but what good was he? He might as well just teach at the Shadow Temple… oh… yeah… right.
Liram's face hardened. He was never one for gentle words, even in the afterlife. With all due respect, old man, that's a load of self-serving Bantha fodder! He took a step closer, his spectral voice rising in volume. You want to know why I was so willing to die at that blasted wedding? Because of my talks with you. You’re the one who told me once that a Jedi is like a sailor, or a soldier, or a peacekeeper. Nobody thinks about them until the kriff hits the fan! Nobody cares until there's a fire to put out, a war to fight, a crime to solve. And when that day comes, they're damn glad someone is ready to stand their ground! You have ALWAYS done this! I read the stories! You did this before all of that “lightning crap” you had given to you. You once had them speaking your name in the halls of the Fething Sith Temples! YOU! Not just “a big Jedi”, YOU! CALTIN FRAKKING VANAGOR! That gur I read about was you! The real you! Whatever you were when I was around was just some fake imitation.
Liram’s words struck Caltin with the force of a physical blow. The Admiral’s spirit burned bright, undeterred by death. He was raw, honest, and unflinchingly loyal.
Since when has it ever been about glory, or recognition, or some fancy title, for you, really for anyone? Liram continued, his voice laced with frustration. It's about duty! About doing what needs to be done, regardless of the cost! You’re a Jedi Master, Caltin! You have a responsibility! Don’t you dare wallow in self-pity when the galaxy is about to burn! Or are you not the person who "has to be able to look at yourself in the mirror"?
Silence descended once more, broken only by the hum of the ether. Caltin stared at Liram, a mixture of surprise, shame, and gratitude swirling within him. He had forgotten what it meant to be a Jedi, to be selfless, to be completely dedicated to the service of others. He had been so consumed by his own loss, his own perceived inadequacy, that he had lost sight of the bigger picture.
A genuine laugh rumbled in his chest. You always were good at knocking some sense into me, Liram. He shook his head, a rueful smile playing on his lips. Thank you. I needed to hear that.
He looked at Alyscia, her gentle gaze filled with understanding and love. I have to learn how to be a Jedi all over again, don’t I?
Alyscia’s smile widened, a radiant glow that filled the ether. You were always a Jedi, Father. You just needed to remember. You may have to direct the flow of the Force through you again like you used to, but the abilities, the strength have always been there. You cannot tell me that you have not missed it on some level.
He smirked and twitched his neck a little. Her words were like a balm to his wounded spirit. He closed his eyes, reaching out with his diminished senses, trying to reconnect with the Force, to rediscover the path that lay before him.
What do you mean exactly by heavy lifting? Caltin asked with curiosity. A genuine need to understand what needed to be done.
Liram crossed his arms over his chest. From what I can tell, it will involve things that the order will have issues doing. Morally grey areas that either need to be walked. Or need to be burned, or need to be pruned.
Caltin sighed with a frown. Then why not someone else?
Because you're it. Liram said with a shrug. There is no one else. You’re connected somehow to everything.
Alyscia smiled reassuringly. Do not be afraid to walk in the dark father. Even in the deepest dark, the light of the force will still guide your way.
Caltin was unsure about those words but he said nothing. He knew that they were supportive, and that was enough.
He opened his eyes, a newfound resolve hardening his gaze. ”Walk in Darkness”, huh? Nothing I haven’t done before. Alright, he said, his voice firm and clear. Tell me everything you know. And don't hold back.
Liram and Alyscia shared a look, a silent communication passing between them. Then, they began to speak, painting a picture of a galaxy teetering on the edge of chaos, of a darkness rising in the shadows, and of the difficult choices that lay ahead.
As they spoke, Caltin listened, absorbing their words, preparing himself for the storm to come. He may have been diminished in his eyes, he may have felt lost at some point, but he was a Jedi. He was basically “reset” back to the way he was when he was younger. Again, a powerful Jedi Master, but no special skills or “godlike” abilities but he was still the Jedi he always was. And he would face whatever challenges lay ahead, with courage, with compassion, and with the unwavering belief in the power of the Force. He was Caltin Vanagor, and he was ready to serve. The ether swirled around them, a silent witness to his renewed commitment. The journey ahead would be long and arduous, but he was no longer alone. He had his duty, he had the memory of his daughter, and the blunt wisdom of his nephew to guide him. And most importantly, he had the Force. And that, he knew, was enough.
As the vision began to fade, Alyscia placed a gentle hand on his cheek, her touch like a cool breeze. We will be watching over you, Father, she whispered. May the Force be with you.
Liram simply nodded, his face softening slightly. Don't screw it up, Master Vanagor.
And then, they were gone. Caltin was left alone once more in the silent expanse of the ether, but he was no longer the same man who had entered it. He was renewed, re-energized, and ready to face the darkness that was coming. He had a galaxy to save, and a duty to fulfill. And he wouldn't let them down. Then…
DAD?! Connel was standing behind him, unable to believe his eyes.
No joke here. The two shared a long hard hug. Chrysa just watched happily from the balcony door.
