Centuries Old Relic

[Jake Daniels]

Daniels wiped at his forehead. Stress lines growing deeper with each passing hour. The man had finally finished building the steps towards the second floor; however he had to sand the wood carefully around the areas with nails. Then the man still had to finish the banister and its support bars. Glancing around, Gravis was slightly pleased. The home was very slowly coming along; however there was one glaring issue. He needed to bring in electricians and plumbers. Granted Jake had learned to work a piece of wood; he was in no way a master electrician nor a lord of pipes. The other issue was money. How was he going to get the financing to finish the repairs to it. Simple odd jobs with Umako's crew wasn't going to bring enough in. His mind began to race. The stress began to return. Then the smell teased his senses like a woman in a nightclub. The smell of cooking meat.

Glancing out the front door Daniels knew that everyone was at their ship. It was here that he had realized that evening was setting in. A growl rumbled form his stomach and even the stubborn jerk of a man couldn't deny even the most basic needs. Heading out back, he passed through a slowly rebuilding kitchen, through a back door and rounded his family's graves. Coming to his tent, Daniels took a long look at the aged photo as it hung from the side. Slowly he removed his gaze then shuffled through the many empty packages of m.r.e's. They all were empty. Disappointment. Sadness. Greif. Frustration. It all hit him. A man whom once prided himself on being prepared for anything didn't even realize his rations were running low.

Shoving the empty boxes away, Daniels simply turned, sat on his sleeping bag, pulled his knees to his chin and trembled. His eyes locked onto the three resting places not but ten paces from him. Tears once more escaped as the pain of the hunger, another realization that he hadn't eaten in nearly two days, pushed upon him. Too prideful to go ask for food; the man simply sat and wallowed. It was hit fault that he had no food. He wouldn't inconvenience Umako. Not for this. Daniels was simply too proud. He would starve before he begged.

His Master trained him to never beg.

With his arms wrapped around his legs, his lower lip continuing to tremble, his mind began to taunt him. The premonition, the way it ended. What if Jake brought them back? What if he managed to succeed and it all proved for nothing? He had no fear of death. He welcomed it. It would have been a release from this life. But again he had been trained to never take his own. His Master only had that right. No, what his mind taunted him with was how the premonition ended; would they even need him? If Daniels managed to pull through against all odds. if he managed to gain a power to do everything he dreamed of, what if they simply walked away and left him alone once more?

What if they didn't even want him? That in itself would destroy what little was left of the man. Six weeks. Six weeks without guidance. Without love. Without them. Six weeks with no one to offer any sort of comfort to the otherwise overly complex human. Yes, he may have been a former Sith but there were parts of Jake that needed some form of affection; some validation that someone cared. Everyone that did was no more. Even if they were his mind brought everything back to where it started; What if they didn't even want him?

Even with a mind pulling apart; a one very harsh reality of Jakes current situation ensured it wouldn't be denied its rightful attention. Day and night of nonstop pushing his body had Jake malnourished. The man, the frail lonely little man was hungry... and it was then that the tears; tears for the hunger and tears for those he long since lost turned into a muffled sob as he clenched his lips tight and lowered his head onto his knees.

 

[Jake Daniels]

Daniels shot up into a complete seated position. His legs were extended in front of him, his eyes going from blurry to focused in just a couple of seconds, while his mind seemed… clear. He knew instantly what had happened. Glancing down at an empty plate of food, there was a new note written in Rania’s handwriting which simply said ’Sorry.’ Daniels eyes went from an icy blue to a vibrant bright yellow in a single blink. They’d be sorry for such a gross violation. Daniels was going to show them just why people used to fear him.

Grabbing his cane, the man came to a stand where he wobbled slightly. A yawn escaped his lips as the effects of whatever drug he had been slipped was slowly washing away. Glancing up, Jake took note at the position of the sun; past noon. Just the prior night, Rania and Cody had come with a plate of food.

Though Jake had fought against eating it the man relented. The abdominal cramps from the lack of something solid to digest proved too much. Yet no more than had he quite literally licked the plate clean than had he simply fell over in his tent. They drugged him.

As Daniels got his bearings together he was finally aware of the presence near him. Glancing to his right, the same Noghri Warrior had returned. He motioned for Jake to follow. The Fallen Knight didn’t want too. He wanted to punish the smuggling trio for what they had done for him. Yet when Jake took a step towards their direction, the Noghri barked an order and pointed towards the path leading to the village. Again, Jake couldn’t show disrespect. He owed that much to his Master. Rania and the group would get punished when he returned.

Daniels followed close behind. It was different. The feeling of a gut that did not crave food. Eyes that did not come off as heavy. His mind was clearer. He could focus. There little antic of drugging him actually proved to be a positive. That still didn’t mean their gross violation of him wouldn’t be answered. Oh no. It would; ten fold. Jake could keep up with the warrior better this time around. Even his cryosickness seemed to have abated some. With the sun already at midday, Jakes mind was beginning its routine of stresses. He had to look for the Shamalain family. He had to work on the house. He needed to find relics; anything to help him on his quest to raise the dead.

 

[Jake Daniels]

When they had finally reached the village, Jakes was led to the blacksmith once more. While the village seemed to be more abuzz with life than the last time he had arrived, the Blacksmith simply sat on a bench holding a worn down sword. Next to him was the weapon Daniels had forged the last time he was here. The Noghri motioned for Jake to sit. When Daniels found his seat the Blacksmith handed Jake his sword along with a stone that was smooth on one side, course on the other. Jake watched as the Blacksmith used the course side harshly against the metal. He didn’t go back and forth; he pushed out with the metal, lifted the stone, brought it back to the starting position, then pushed out again.

Daniels took the hint. Every five hard pushes with the stone was followed by three with the smooth side. The course side was removing impurities to the metal. The smooth side was buffing it. The two sat in silence as they worked their blade, Jake occasionally taking a chance to glance up at what was going on around him.

“Festival.” The Noghri said.

Jake glanced at the Blacksmith who simply stared at him, “What did you just say?”

“It’s a festival.” The Blacksmith replied. “I was wondering when you’d finally be able to understand what I was saying. Seems the force is starting to strengthen in you.”

‘Holy hell.’ Daniels thought. He was understanding the Noghri. He took just a moment to reach out with the force. His connection, once as frail and weak as him, was nearly back to what it was before his cryosleep. How? Why? A little sleep and food sure as hell didn’t do this. “What sort of festival?”

The Noghri momentarily ignored Jakes question and focused on the blade in his hand, “Over the generations our people have passed down stories about the family that lived with us. While the galaxy had a history of eradicating Noghri when encountered this family protected us. They showed us a respect we very rarely got. Not a respect out of fear. Not a respect out of pity. A mutual respect; a respect for our abilities, our power, our culture. In return we served as guardians for them and their Matriarch.”

Jake knew full well who the Blacksmith was talking about. Instead of interjecting and asking a dozen different questions, Daniels simply worked his blade. Course side five times, smooth side three. Remove impurities, polish the metal. For the moment the man was content with listening.

“There were stories that our Mal’ary’ush one day took on an Apprentice; a teenage human boy. Arrogant. Cocky. None of the Noghri liked him. They viewed him as a liability. Why take someone so young? Why take someone so, shall I say, stupid?” The Blacksmith laughed, “But my ancestors were proven to the ignorant ones. Mal’ary’ush had chosen this boy not for any special ability he possessed but because of his determination and loyalty. As the story goes he went on to become a great warrior. He did not try and show himself superior to Noghri. In fact he worked with them. The mans name was Gravis, the same one you go by.”

Daniels glanced at the man, “How do you know all of this?”

“My people are not ignorant. We are viewed as short, stumpy, angry assassins. That we are but we also hold true to honor and heritage. When the dark days came our ancestors kept record. Those that survived ensured that what happened during those dark days was not forgotten.” The Blacksmith explained. “Do you know why we didn’t kill you the moment you first arrived?”

“Because of my name.” Jake replied.

“Partly.” The Blacksmith explained. “We knew of the name Gravis but no one alive had ever met him. No. We waited. We watched. If you were truly Gravis you would have done exactly what you did. You went home. Just as every Noghri here comes home when its dark. The moment you went to that home, the moment our Warriors watching from the shadows saw you break down, we knew… then and only then… that the Darth Gravis, Apprentice to Mal’ary’ush, had returned to Honoghr. Humans are very peculiar when it comes to emotional response. Had you been an imposter, that emotion would not have existed, and our warriors would have slaughtered you all.”

“Well that’s comforting.” Daniels said sarcastically. “Does anyone know what happened to your Mal’ary’ush?” Daniels asked. He wanted to know. How did his Master die.

“No.” The Blacksmith replied. Something about that response seemed off. It was as though for the briefest of moments the Noghri was hesitant to give the answer. That was more than enough to perk
Jakes continued interest. Before he could press for more information however, his attention was drawn towards the village center.

“Twice per year we hold celebrations for Mal’ary’ush and her family. You represent that family tonight.” The Blacksmith explained. “That’s why I told you to come back in two nights time. It’ll be a couple of more hours before everything is set up.” The Noghri changed the subject, “We’ve noticed your body is not what it should be. You’re ill. Tired. Constantly hungry. Weak.”

“Thanks for watching me?” Daniels again used his sarcastic tone.

“Noghri are always watching off worlders.” There was no mistake in that tone; it was a flat statement. Direct. Blunt. “If you truly are as famed a warrior as the stories we are told as children indicate, then we will test that.”

“How?” Jake asked.

The Blacksmith said nothing as he tossed his sword towards a nearby Noghri Warrior. The warrior caught the blades handle and brought the steel towards Jake in an unexpected and unprovoked attacked.

 

[Jake Daniels]

Instinct. Such a simple word with such an important definition. The innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in animals in response to certain stimuli. A two syllable word with a definition that single handedly explained everything about Jake Daniels. It was instinct that caused the Fallen Knight to rise from his seat. It was instinct that caused that Fallen Knight to drop his stone and lift his own sword in defense. It was instinct that caused Daniels to retaliate into what became a full blown sword fight in the middle of the Noghri village. The man of few words. The man driven by two goals which ultimately wrapped into one singular purpose; the instinct to find his family.

The Warrior’s broad sword swing from the left, then right. Jake by defense fell back. Both knees trembled slightly. Though he had been spending weeks working his body by working on his home, his knees were still worn down. A simple decent meal and a good nights rest would not undo weeks of physical abuse. Still he did what he could as his mind watched his opponent. Left then right. Jake backed up. Left then right again. Daniels continued to brace his body as he continued his backward retreat. His mind suddenly focused. The calculated nature of the man whom once guarded the entirety of the Sith Council as nothing more than an Apprentice, slowly turned from the prey of a Noghri Warrior to a predator baiting his target.

The adrenaline pumped through his veins. His sunburned skinned tightened as his grip on his sword strengthened. As more Noghri began to watch, gathering for what Daniels didn’t realize was part of the ceremonial festival, he acted. The Noghri, young and able bodied suffered from one flaw; complacency. Daniels continued retreat allowed the Warrior to begin to think the target was to limp to do anything so muscle memory kicked in; repetitious swings of his sword. That’s what Jake wanted. As they swords matched once more, Jake did not pull away. Instead he shoved forward, broke off the meeting of metal on metal and swung in his own attack.

The Noghri, shorter and more agile ducked. He scurried away before coming in with an overhead swing. Jake jumped back, his knees wobbling as he did so to avoid the tip of the blade which tore several strands from the front of his shirt. Snorting, Jake shoved back in. His sword met the Noghri’s. Though the Warrior was shorter and more agile, Jake had experience and this time used it fully. He performed his own series of attacks. Whichever way the Noghri tried to fall back on, Jake anticipated it.

“You’re not as rusty as I thought.” The Blacksmith said.

Jake scoffed, “Wait until I am back up to full health.”

The Warrior and Fallen Knight clashed sword to sword time and again. Neither ever gaining a real advantage over the other. Even as Jakes knees began to show signs of buckling, the man did what he could to remain upright. The pain though; that was starting to get to him and it was here that Daniels realized the roles once more switched. The Noghri was no longer going for the proverbial kill; he was going to wear Jake down. Like a hunter, Daniels had become a tired pray. Then as Jake turned his head, the Blacksmith stood behind him; his own sword in hand and pushed it against Jakes back.

“I look forward to seeing you at full health.” The Blacksmith said. “Until then, you lose.”

 

[Jake Daniels]

Daniels perked a brow. The surge he felt in the force this early evening. The warmth it was bringing him. The clarity. It truly did feel like he had control again. With that control came Jakes own little game. As the Blacksmith and Warrior began to walk away, Daniels raised an arm and reached out with the force. He focused entirely on their weapons; both mens swords. He could feel their grips upon the hilts. He could feel their muscle tension. He could feel them both. Once he had a lock, an unseen grasp stronger than their own, Jake waved his hand. Both men lost their swords which were tossed through the air. They came to a quiet rest several meters away.

“Never turn your back on a fallen Sith.” Daniels growled.

The Warrior stalked off; humiliated in his own right. The Blacksmith gave no emotional response. Instead he walked over, collected both swords and found his seat once more on the bench. Jake, whose eyes had momentarily turned yellow, joined him.

“Apologies.” Jake said.

“There is no need to apologize. The Apprentice of our Mal’ary’ush is an honored guest. Thank you for the dual. You lost though.” The Blacksmith said.

Jake protested, “How is that? I disarmed you.”

“Ah yes,” The Blacksmith replied, “But not until after I lowered my weapon from your back.”

Touche’. The Noghri had a point. Jake would have been stabbed clean through and would have never seen it coming. Daniels sat in silence for some time. The Noghri, Blacksmith included, scurried about to set up for the night. Though he offered to help, the offer was routinely refused. He could see some continuing to cook various meats; though there was one aspect of food that caught his attention.

Daniels caught the attention of the Blacksmith, “What are they doing?”

“Making a delicacy.” The Blacksmith said, “They take the heart, liver, and lungs of a hunting party’s kill, stuff it into the animals own stomach along with spices and salt, then roast it. Its only made on special occasion and as you are a guest, you will get the first helping.” Daniels must have made a face as the Noghri continued, “and its expected you eat all of it. High in protein. Good for muscle and bone. Good to make Gravis as strong as the legends say.”

Jake shook his head and turned his attention elsewhere. Several Noghri were setting up a pedestal of some degree. On each end were gold plates and in the center was a stone box; an ark like structure. The brought that slowly towards the center of the village. It was the box that Jake was focused on. The force was embedded into it. It felt almost as though it was calling to Daniels. A call Jake wanted to answer. What was in it? What could possibly hold such a strong connection to the force, a connection Jake himself was feeling through every inch of his frame.

 

[Jake Daniels]

The large pyre burned near the center of the village, illuminating the surrounding hillsides. Noghri danced, chanted, sang, and simply held a celebration. It was a unique celebration. From Daniels understanding the Noghri used to be clan based. That was before his Master had essentially taken over the planet. She helped turn a fractured species into a unified force. There was no longer individual clans that settled their petty differences through occasional tribal warfare. It was now a solidified species who celebrated the woman that brought them together; Lady Silencia.

They celebrated as though she was still alive; as though they were going to expect her at any moment. Yet, Jake knew this simply was not possible. The Plague. It killed everything. He watched supposedly indestructible Sith Lords on the Dark Council surcumb to the disease. He watched everything that had been become no more. Why continue such celebrations in such a manner. Shouldn’t this festival have been a memorial? The Blacksmith returned and handed Jake a wooden plate with the delicacy on it. For the moment, Jake took his eyes off the stone ark.

“It smells.” Jake protested as he poked the lump of meat with his fork.

The Blacksmith laughed, “Yeah it smells good.”

“You cleaned out the organs before stuffing them inside one another, right?” Jake asked.

“Why? That takes away some of the flavor. Whatever that beast had as its last meal is now your meal.” The Blacksmith explained. “We respect the animal and its life; that includes eating whatever it ate.”

Jake stiffed and sighed. His expression was simply priceless.

“As I said earlier, you have to eat first. Now I don’t know about you but I, and everyone else here, is hungry so until you eat, we don’t eat. Between you and I, I wouldn’t want to be around other hungry Noghri.” The Blacksmith explained.

Daniels relented. The man stuck the wooden utensil into the stretched out stomach bag. Twisted, then tearing a chunk of various organs, Jake took his bite. It wasn’t what he expected. The taste, repugnant at first turned savory as the spices and salt kicked in. With ease he swallowed.

“Damn.” Jake said impressed. He wasn’t entirely sure what to think. The initial bitterness immediately washed away by the spices. The various textures of the different organs, and even a hint of vegetation which Jake took as that being the dead animals last meal, was overwhelming. The Blacksmith laughed as he dived into his own dish, as the others finally did as well. Though Jake took his time, the man finished his plate.

“What’s it like?” The Noghri asked.

“What?” Jake said as he set the plate and fork down beside him.

“Eating something other than that junk those offworlders left you with when you first arrived.” The Blacksmith said, “Two meals in a row of real food, you have to admit, it must feel good.”

“It does.” Daniels felt a surge in the force. His attention fell back to the pedestal. A Noghri elder empty two bags of red powder onto each gold plate. Two Noghri lit the powder piles at the same time. Flames consumed the powder, flames of a bright blood red danced around the golden plats. It was at this moment the entire village seemed to go silent.

The Elder quietly came before the pedestal, her hands raised to the stars above as though following routine ritual before turning around to face those gathered, “Across Honoghr, Noghri celebrate this night. We celebrate to honor Mal’ary’ush; and her mercy upon our people. We celebrate her strength. Her dignity. Her will. We celebrate in the hopes of her return to us.”

Daniels glanced away. What the hell were they hoping for? His Master was long dead. No one knew where she was buried. Hell, she didn’t even have the dignity to leave Jake, the man whom was an extension of her will, any clues. Why ice him just to go off and die? Why not say goodbye? Why? WHY!? The Blacksmith placed a hand on Jake, noticing the Fallen Knights sudden demeanor. He motioned for Jake to keep listening.

“Unlike the other villages that scatter our world, we hold two special relics of our Mal’ary’ush. One is a gift, passed down generation to generation, under our care. A gift that symbolizes Mal’ary’ush’s trust and love for our people.” The Elder turned and motioned for her two assistants to begin removing the lid from the ark. “A dagger of her youth. A symbol of her life amongst us.” The elder took a cloth from her pocket and gently lifted the small weapon.

Daniels knew the moment it emerged that this was what strengthened his connection to the force. This small inatimate object was engulfed in his Masters presence; her own connection with the force. For the faintest of moments, the Fallen Knight felt as though his Master was near.

“The second relic is the Apprentice of Mal’ary’ush whom has returned to the place he calls home.” The Elder motioned to Jake, which drew the gaze of hundreds of steel colored Noghri. That unnerved him. He hated being any sort of center of attention. The man whom prided himself on being a shadow was simply cast out in the open. Slowly the Elder approached Jake whose focus again turned towards the dagger. The closer it got, the stronger it felt. With a wave of his hand over the length of the dagger, the man shuddered. The presence. The guidance. The training. Everything was rushing back to him. He bit down on the inside of his cheek as he tried to control his emotional response. He was happy; for the faintest of moments it felt as though he was with family. Then, as he opened eyes that he had not realized closed, the man simply remembered this was a dagger… nothing more.

This was the harsh truth of Darth Gravis; without his Master, without his family, without a Shamalain anchor, he truly was and forever would remain nothing.

 

[Jake Daniels]

.::.Sometime Later.::.

Umako quietly sat up as he watched the shadows pass back and forth beneath the bottom of his bedroom door frame. He glanced to his right where a semi-bare Rania currently slept. The Twilek wrapped comfortably by the beds comforter. To Umakos right, Cody quietly stirred though did not get up. Umako was wide awake however. The commotion from inside his own ship awakening the key sensed Togruta. His montrals felt the vibrations, even through the small amounts of air that came from outside the room. Someone was moving boxes. Someone was stealing from them.

He nudged Cody, forcing his companion awake. Before Cody could shout in protest of being woken, Umako placed a hand over the dark skinned humans mouth and put a finger to his own. Quietly he motioned too the door. Cody saw the constant back and forth of the shadow. He also heard what sounded like things being moved about. Reaching under their bed, the man pulled a t-shaped security baton out and handed it to the Togruta, who just as silently got out of the bed.
“Watch her.” Umako ordered Cody.

Carefully Cody shook Rania awake, using the same finger to his mouth to let her know to be silent. She went wide eyed the moment she spotted Umako holding the baton. Never before had it needed to be used. There was a first time for everything however. Umako stood just inside the door, listening as heavy boots smacked against the hallway. He heard the huff of a breath as someone lifted a box, passed the room and exited the ship. This was where Umako readied himself. With a hand on the door, he listened. The vibrations in the air telling him the human had come back up the ramp. The sound of his footsteps confirming he was coming back down the hall. Just as the intruder began passing the door, Umako flung the door open then swung his baton.

Daniels grabbed it with his right palm. He shoved Umako away while tightening his grip on the baton he yanked it from the Togruta’s hand.

“Jesus, Gravis. We thought you were an intruder.” Umako said.

Daniels handed the baton back to Umako, “The only intruders you would have would be Noghri and if they wanted too, they wouldn’t come to steal your stuff. They’d have killed you even before you had a chance to react.”

“What are you doing?” Rania asked as she slipped a shirt over her bare torso.

“Removing some items from the ship. Bringing others back on.” Jake replied before walking away.

Umako grew confused, “What do you mean?”

“We’re leaving.” Daniels replied. “I need to go to Ambria.” Daniels took another box of valuables and exited the ship. Umako was close on his heels.

“Listen, I’m not just taking my ship to some planet because you’re telling me too. I need to know what for. I also want to know why you’re removing our stuff from it.” The Togruta used a tone of defiance; a tone Jake didn’t like.

“I am removing only your valuables and setting them aside. I need to go to Ambria because that is where I was told to go.” Daniels explained.

“Told by who?” Umako replied.

“You wouldn’t understand.”

“Gravis, I know you are desperately trying to rebuild your home, find your family, and find your Masters family. But there’s something I think you need to hear.” Umako said. Before Jake could begin picking up boxes that held typical necessities, such as water jugs and the few medical supplies they had, Umako got right into his face.

Daniels had no problem accepting the challenge. The human came toe to toe with the Togruta, “What exactly is it that you want to tell me?”

 

[Jake Daniels]

Umako was nervous. This wasn’t the Gravis they had known for six weeks. Ever sense the night he spent with the Noghri, since the festival he had been a part of, the man seemed different. Even after venturing into the heart of One Sith territory; Jake seemed focused. He seemed different. “You need to move on.”

“If anything happened to them and you had a chance to bring them back, would you just move on?” Jake growled as he motioned to Cody and Rania whom now stood just outside the ship.

Jake had a point. Umako knew it. He wouldn’t just move on. Looking upon his two confidants, the two with which he shared a bed, he understood completely that he would do anything to bring them back. With a nod from Umako, both Rania and Cody began carrying on more of the supplies Jake had packed.

“Why are we going to Ambria?” Umako asked.

“There’s a temple there. In that temple is an object I need.” Gravis replied.

“What object?” Cody asked as he grabbed another large jug of water.

“I don’t know. I couldn’t see it clearly. Its there though.” Gravis responded.

Umako sighed. He didn’t like vagueness and that’s all Gravis gave them when they went out on these searches. They had gone to non-aligned worlds. Gravis had managed to gather a small collection of Sith Scrolls that were written in languages the Togruta didn’t understand. Yet the Fallen Knight always had his face buried in them. Jake began taking some of the boxes he’d removed from the ship up to the house.

“Why do I have a funny feeling this isn’t going to go smoothly?” Rania asked as she stood next to Umako.

“You mean like Chandrila where Graves’ managed to upset a lot of people with his little smash and grab at the museum?” Cody asked. “Or like on Antar when he encured the wrath of the pirate crew? Never saw a man stare down a bunch of meat heads like he did.”

“Don’t forget Teyr and Mimban.” Rania laughed. “We can’t go back there either. That’s four planets in the span of ten days.”

“He’s working himself ragged over his quest.” Umako said. “One has to wonder how long he can keep pushing himself like this.”

“Pay’s good though, right? I mean we always end up with something we can hawk off.” Cody joked.
Umako agreed, “Yeah, there’s that.”

The sun was just beginning to rise as Umako and Daniels finished putting all of the ships stored valuables in the re-bricked basement of the home. Behind a locked door, Jake handed Umako the key out of a sign of respect. Sure it was Jakes house however the belongings were not his own. He’d respect the smuggler enough to give him full access.

“The Noghri won’t bother the items.” Jake said.

“I know.” Umako replied. He’d learned the Noghri didn’t venture often onto Daniels territory. When they did it was always to summon him to their nearest village. Jake then entered the redesigned sitting room, the flames of a fire slowly burning out in the fireplace. The one thing Umako did notice however was the large amount of supplies Jake had set out, along with a messenger bag and backpack.

 

[Jake Daniels]

Jake pulled a chair towards the table with the supplies and began packing things in. The first was his notepad and pen. The second was a datapad from Umakos ship that had a map of Ambria. Along with it was a solar charger. Beside that was his cane; which Cody had turned collapsible. It could not be broken into three smaller pieces and screwed into one another. He shoved ropes, tape, and a flashlight. For added benefit he put in a first aid kit and several bottles of water. All of it was shoved into the backpack. His attention turned towards the messenger bag where Jake put in a safety harness, a longer rope, and several flares. He also included a felt fabric which was going to be used to cover the artifact once he recovered it. The last item was the framed family photo; Jake would never go anywhere without it.

“This isn’t a typical run is it?” Umako asked.

“No.” Gravis replied.

“How much danger are we going to be in?” Umako asked.

“Enough.” Gravis replied. “Where we are going is consumed by the darkside. I felt it. I’m also going into this one alone.”

“Absolutely not.” Umako protested. “Our agreed upon rule is no one goes anywhere alone.”

Daniels finished packing the messenger bag and came to a stand, “This isn’t going to be like anyplace we’ve gone before. Make no mistake. This isn’t a bank. This isn’t a museum. This isn’t a diplomats office or a noblemans home. What I am going after isn’t just going to be there for the taking. There are going to be dangers. I won’t have anyone else face them. This I need to do on my own. I only want the lift there. Nothing more.”

Umako remained silent as he folded his arms across his chest in defiance.

“I’m not asking.” Jake replied. “So you can stand there all you want. You can either help me get to Ambria or I can figure out how to work your ship and get there myself.”

“Like hell you will. You’ll fly into a star before you knew how to work our navigation system. The fact you managed to get to Coruscant was a fluke. You got lucky.” Umako said.

“Then we’re agreed. I go in alone.” Jake said.

“If you go in alone, we remain close by then.” Umako replied.

“Fine. However should anything happen that puts you or the ship at risk we need a call sign. Should anyone other than you or I hear it they wont know what it is.” Jake explained.

“Ok? What is it?”

“When I ran the 62nd Marine Light Infantry for the Old Sith Empire, my men and I used rotating call signs. I have three personal favorites that I used with those closest to me and amongst the 62nds Officers. The first is for unexpected company. Should I received surprise visitors or encounter them, I will use one of two phrases based on the encounter. Positive will be ‘apple’. Negative will be ‘big bertha’. The most important call sign, the one that if I use it I had better hear your ships engines flying off into the distance is ‘Pretty Bird’. Make no mistake, if you hear ‘Pretty Bird’ that means its too late for me to attempt an escape and you’re in danger.” Nothing about Jakes tone indicated playfulness. No matter how silly the call signs were, they were immensely important; life or death important.

Umako agreed. It was here that he watched Jake take a small dagger from the mantle above the fireplace, an aged object, and slide it into a holster that rested on the small of his back. The sheath was custom made; Ranias design and it had a button clasp that wrapped around the handle of the dagger to ensure that it didn’t come lose and fall out. Jake spotted Umako staring at it.

“It belonged to my Master.” Daniels explained. “Her presence, or essence as you might say, is a part of it. It helps me. The Noghri have had it in their care and are allowing me to borrow it while I’m on my quest. It helps to focus my mind.”

That was the honest truth. The small weapon had been given to Jake the night of the festival. A sign of utmost respect, the Elder seemed to know its impact on the Fallen Knight. With it close, Jake was able to think clearer. More importantly he was able to connect with the force. The force was what had given him his vision to Ambria; specifically the temple buried in white sand. Jake had a feeling, an inkling, that if he got the object that rested in the temple then his quest was going to be complete. He’d have the necessary tools to make his spell.

“How’s the file search going?” Jake asked.

“I’m still going through the Chandrila records. The records you got from Coruscant are taking a bit longer. The Sith have an encryption that my system struggles to understand and break through.” Umako replied.

“Break through? I downloaded the files.” Jake said.

“You did but there was a security feature on those files. Any sort of flash drive or portable disk automatically had an imprint of the security software they use placed on it. My system can break through it but because of how much power it needs to put in keeping that encryption from closing again, it take a little while longer to go through records name by name and face by face.” Umako replied. He made a move towards the opposite end of the sitting room and glanced out of a window. Just visible was Jakes tent. The man still refused to sleep in the bedroom; even though this section of the house had been rebuilt completely. He just wouldn’t do it? Why though?

“Just say stupid computer stuff.” Daniels head was dizzy. This smarter stuff was always Cerusias specialty. She had more patience for understanding things that involved big words. He hadn’t failed to notice what Umako had looked at. His tent. Probably wondering why Jake still slept outside. Perhaps the answer was simple; he didn’t want to sleep in an empty bed.

“Stupid computer stuff?” Umako asked turning his attention back to Jake.

“See, that I understood! The reason you haven’t found anything is because of stupid computer stuff.” Jake joked. Sliding his backpack on then taking the messenger bag and slinging it across his chest, Daniels and Umako exited the home. It was time to go. Just an hour earlier the vision had hit Jake; the will of the force demanding he head to Ambria. Umako and his crew would have simply viewed it as a sleep deprived delirium. It was more than simple exhaustion. Just as with every planet he had gone too earlier; a vision had always guided Jake. This one seemed different. It seemed as though there was finally a light at the end of the long tunnel.

 

[Jake Daniels]

The sound of a ships engine cracked the dawn sky. Glancing up both Jake and Umako spotted a small freighter coming in for a landing near Umakos own vessel. The Togruta took off in a dead heat run while Jake simply continued at his current pace. In the surrounding tree line, Daniels heard the sound of Noghri walking about; their interest in the newly arrived ship peaked.

By the time Daniels had gotten to the landing site, a crew of men had already begun unloading sealed crates. Each crate held a specific identification number.

“Who’re they?” Cody asked.

Daniels ignored the question and handed his bags to Rania, “Take these onto the ship.” Rania did as instructed. She gave the newly arrived vessel a suspicious glance before disappearing onto her own. Umako sat on the last box that Daniels had set aside for their trip, Cody coming to a stand next to him. Both wanted answers. “They’re a construction crew. I contacted them from your ship yesterday.”

“And you didn’t bother telling us?”

“I didn’t need too.” Daniels replied. “We have the general scale of the home set up but its time to bring in professional electricians and plumbers. The basements already sealed and finished. All they need to do is finish the piping and wiring. After that its just the walls and reinforcement of the roof.”

“And what if they steal our stuff.” Umako asked.

“We won’t.” One of the newly arrived men said after overhearing the conversation. “I’m Andrew Thompson. Foreman for this project. You must be Gravis?” The man extended his hand for a shake; a greeting Jake didn’t return. He was a pudgy little man with a belly that hung over the buckle to a belt that struggled to keep a pair of overly tight pants on his otherwise stout frame. “Ok then. Not a toucher I see. Just to confirm what we will be doing per your instructions; we will do a complete wiring of the home?”

“Yes.” Jake replied.

“We will be doing a complete piping of the plumbing which means all bathrooms and kitchen?”

“Yes.”

“We will then finish the overall construction of the home. Once it’s complete we are to leave the blueprints on your sitting rooms central table then destroy any paperwork we have on the home itself.”

“Yes.”

“I’ll be honest, I’ve never dealt with a project like this before.” The foreman replied. “Are there any valuables in the home that you would like us to not touch?”

“Be careful with the floors on the bottom level. They’ve recently been replaced and finished. No one is to enter the basement under any condition. I do not need wiring or plumbing down there.” Jake explained.

“Sure thing.” The foreman said.

Something about his tone, his demeanor at that statement raised a red flag. “Look at the tree line. In those trees are Noghri Warriors. Should you do anything against what I just said they will kill you and your men.”

The foreman glanced up at Jake.

 

[Jake Daniels]

“I’m not kidding. Oh and if you have any ideas of leaving before the project is complete; don’t. They’ll stop you and there are far more Noghri then construction workers.” In the surrounding tree line, the silhouette of a couple of Noghri Warriors could be seen. They were watching closely. They were going to protect the land and everything on it. “By the way; they hate offworlders so I strongly suggest you be on your best behavior.”

The foreman hesitantly nodded, “Ok. It also says here that you will finish payment upon completion of the project?”

“How’d you manage to pay them you don’t have anything of value.” Cody said.

Jake smirked, “I don’t. You did. I told a couple of antiques we snatched on Chandrila.” Turning back to the foreman, “The credits are with me. Not in my home. Finish and you get paid. Don’t finish and well…” Jake looked past the foreman and towards one of the two Noghri standing nearby, “Answer to them.”

“Very well. We should be done within a few days if we work overtime.” The Foreman replied.

“Good.”

“Ok boys. Lets get to it.” The Foreman shouted as he walked towards his men.

“Graves, we didn’t take anything from Chandrila. You only took a couple of small relic scrolls. Those are still here.” Cody said.

“I know that. You know that. He doesn’t.” Jake replied.

“So how are you going to pay them?” Umako asked.

“I’m not.” Jake replied. “Let’s get going.”

Umako laughed and shook his head as he grabbed the box he sat on, “You got some balls on you, I have to admit that.” There was such an irony in that plural statement.

Daniels took one look back. He momentarily watched as the Foreman cracked open the crate to reveal bundles of electrical equipment. From the ship, men brought out what appeared to be solar panels. Another set brought out woods, paints, and of course the piping. It was a good thing they apparently brought everything they needed; Jake wasn't kidding. He may have denied the Noghri the right to kill Umakos crew. If this construction group screwed up Jake wouldn't protect them. He'd actually help kill them. His home was sacred. They'd better treat it as such.

 

[Jake Daniels]

“Hey Graves, Umako needs to do a stop over at a smugglers resort.” Cody said entering the dining room of the ship. He spotted Jake sitting at a table, his eyes locked onto his lightsaber which seemed broken. The hilt was exposed, with its outer casing set aside. Some screws were gathered in another area, a pile of wiring in another spot, along with a small round crystal which sat quietly close by. Cody watched for a moment as Jake alternated between a small screw driver, and tweezers, apparently working on wiring towards the top of the hilt.

“Why?” Jake asked.

“The ship needs to rest. He wants to do a quick check on the hyperdrive but doesn’t want to sit out in open space to do it.” Cody explained.

Jake sighed, “Fine. How long?”

“He said about an hour, maybe too. Let the engines cool, he’ll double check the fuel, then the hyperdrive. We’ll be good to go.”

“Fine.” Jake was irritated. His bond with the force, though strengthened with the presence of his Masters dagger, was still pulling him in a multitude of directions. The strongest currently was to Ambria. That’s where his mind focused. That’s where he had to be. Any delay only agitated the Fallen Knight.

Rania appeared behind Cody, “Umako wants to talk with you.”

“Alright.” Cody said before disappearing down the hall.

Rania stayed however. She came took a chair opposite Daniels and watched the man as he worked on his lightsaber, “With it being so old, how are you going to get it to work?”

“I took some of your ships spare wiring. I’m hoping that a simple replacement of the wiring will be enough to bring it back to working order. From what I can tell basic wiring hasn’t advanced as much as other technology in the four hundred years I’ve been asleep.” Jake replied. Picking up a tweezers, Daniels gently pulled a wire out from the top of the hilt. The entire thing seemed rusted. “Damn.”

“What?” Rania asked.

“Rust means that this wasn’t kept in the best of care. Even though whomever had my saber ensured the outside remained ok, it was at some point exposed to humidity. The water got in and did a number on several of the wires in side.” Jake explained. He plucked a second, third, and a fourth rusted wire out.

“Remember awhile ago I asked you about your wife.” Rania said failing to slyly broach one of the forbidden subjects.

“Uh huh.” Jake grunted knowing full well what she was going to ask.

“Can we talk about her now? I really want to know about the woman that has captured the heart of a man whom is crisscrossing the galaxy in a search to bring her back.”
Jake took in a deep breath then allowed it to escape in a loud sigh. Rania wasn’t going to drop it. Even as days had passed since he outright ignored the Twi’leks first inquiry, she wasn’t going to drop it.

“Depending on the question, I might entertain you with an answer.”

“Really?” Rania asked. “Ok. Hmm…” She pondered her questions while tapping a finger to her lips. There were so many she wanted to ask. “What was your wife's name?”

“Next question.” Jake replied.

“Oh come on!” Rania protested.

“I do not speak her name with anyone other than family. Next question.” Jake ordered.
Rania huffed, “How did you two meet?”

That was a question Jake could answer, “It wasn’t long after I caused a shiscm in the Jedi Order.”

“Schism?” Rania asked.

Jake perked a brow then realized he had never gone into great detail about his past activities. He turned his focus towards the bottom of the hilt were he began plucking several more rusted wires, “My Master trained my in secret to be what no Knight or Lord within the Sith Empire was. A true extension of her will. My task to prove my worth was to give her a gift that would shock those around. I did just that. I targeted the Jedi Council. A Grandmaster and several Council members attempted to stop me as I picked them off one by one.”

“You killed them?” Rania asked.

 

[Jake Daniels]

“No. That was the brilliance of it. I let them live. I outsmarted them. Outmaneuvered them. I out thought them. When I had them at their weakest point, I simply walked away. I then began targeting their Knights, then their Padawans. No Jedi was able to stop me. It ended up where the Knights and Padawans threatened a split in the Order unless a change I demanded was brought to fruition.” Even Jake could tell there was a hint of a gloat to his tone.

“What demand was that?”

“Accountability. For a long time the Council was the authority of the galaxy. They did what they want when they wanted. I made them accountable to their subordinates when I showed that even the Council couldn’t protect themselves from a mere Sith Apprentice. When it was all over the galaxy knew the power my Master held. It was through the training and guidance of my Master, with full credit given to her, that the Jedi Order was changed forever.” Jake explained. He anticipated her next question, “The reason I didn’t kill anyone was simply to leave everyone I targeted with a singular thought; the only reason that continued to live was because I and my Master willed it. I, in turn, showed the Dark Council that I was capable of doing things they could not; I defeated the Jedi Council while they whined over what planet was about to fall to the Jedi Order and Republic next.”

Rania was generally intrigued so Jake simply continued. “After this event I was granted the name Darth Gravis. I wasn’t one of those losers that gave themselves their own Darth name. I went through the ceremony properly and it was bestowed upon me by my Master. She in turn gave me the most important assignment; her families protection. I spent some years already watching them as I served as my Masters guard. I proved that no one approached my Master without my approval. I was a cocky young man but I had earned that respect. When it became evident I was a competent body guard, I was assigned to protect the woman that would later become my wife. That was how we met. I was her personal guard and escort in public and in private.”

“Was there sparks the moment you two laid eyes upon one another.” Rania asked.

“No.” Jake replied bluntly. He was definitely not going to talk about his wife’s first marriage or the adultery she had to endure; the public humiliation that followed, nor that divorce. “My wife was an honorable woman. She took oaths as seriously as I do. At the time she was married to someone else. That is all I will say on that matter.”

“So when did you two, you know, fall in love.” Rania asked.

“I don’t believe ‘we fell in love’,” Jake replied, “I believe we grew into it. Overtime my admiration and affection for her grew. She the same for me. I think that’s what truly made our relationship special. We didn’t just see each other and run off together. Years I spent watching over her. Protecting her at every moment of every day. Years she spent knowing I was always going to be there. When she had her first son, I took him as my own. Guarded him like I guarded her. I looked after the child, acted as his father when I had no right too. In return she acted as my confidant. Neither of us had experienced anything like that before; that sort of growing dedication and reliance on another person. I didn’t initially act on my feelings of attraction for her. I kept them hidden though I knew, deep inside, she and my Master knew of them. I’m not exactly good at hiding emotion.”

“Don’t we know it.” Rania smarted. Daniels perked a brow. “Sorry.”

Jake continued, “I can’t pinpoint a specific moment I ‘fell in love’. I believe I’ve always loved her. Hell I grew up in her family as the Apprentice to her mother. But there is this one moment that stands out; I was ill to all hell. Just the flu but still for me to be sick back then was rare. I spent the day throwing up. She banished me to my residence. I wouldn’t go. I stayed outside of hers. As day turned into night, I couldn't sleep. I stayed close by as I always did. She knew I was there. Yet she didn’t scold me. She didn’t yell at me for not taking care of myself. It wouldn’t have done anything. I would have remained where I was. She instead brought out my cloak, which I had left over from earlier in the day along with a cup of soup. She said not a word. She didn't need too. We both knew what we felt for the other. That is one of my most cherished moments.”

Rania wiped a tear from her eyes, "I'm surprised your Master let you marry her daughter."

 

[Jake Daniels]

Jake had to let a smile slip, "And there wasn't a day in my life I wasn't thankful for that."

Rania stood and walked to a counter top. As she pulled a couple of mugs from a cabinets, she grabbed some water and instant coffee, "What about the wedding? I heard Yellow Eyes have huge events to celebrate their unions."

"Many do." Jake said. "We didn't. Ours was small and intimate. In the foothills of Honoghr. Presided over by my Master and with only the closest of family near. I could count how many people were there on both hands with a few fingers to spare. She was always beautiful but seeing her in the Honoghr sunlight with her gown..." Jake blushed for the slightest of moments, "You know what?"

"Hmm?" Rania asked as she heated up the first of the cups in the microwave.

"I have been given Military Commendations. I was taken as an Apprentice by the strongest and literally smartest Sith Lord in the entirety of the galaxy. I have received honors within Sith Society. Yet the three greatest moments of my life; the three greatest honors were when my first son was born. When she married me. Then when my second son was born." Jake finished pulling the last of the wiring out. Setting the hilt down, the Knight picked up the first strand of new wiring and bit down on the end to pull off a small piece of plastic covering.

"I thought she had a son from her prior marriage?" Rania asked.

Daniels glanced at the Twi'lek, "He was my son. Always was. Always will be."

Rania simply looked at him. Darth Gravis was a hardarse. There was no beating around the bush. The man was scary; like mentally unstable could turn into a serial killer at any moment unstable. Yet when he spoke of his family his entire demenour changed. Speaking of his wife and children, still with the same dedication to them today as he had centuries ago, it was amazing. Would Cody or Umako have this same level of loyalty? Would they bend over backwards, risk life and limb, put everything on the line like Gravis was to get her back should she ever 'be gone'?

Taking the first cup she set it in front of Gravis. She knew he took no cream and no sugar in his coffees. Just because she wasn't allowed near his tent didn't mean she didn't observe how he prepared his morning cup of joe. She began heating her own when a new question finally hit.

"When you got married, didn't that impact your oath to your Master?"

"What do you mean?"

"Gravis, if your oath was to serve and protect her family; by becoming a husband to her daughter and father to her grandchildren, didn't that prevent you from protecting the rest of the family? And on that note, what exactly is this oath? You mention it all the freaking time. I'm curious why it has such a strong hold on you. Most men would have broken it." Rania said. "I know Cody and Umako would."

"We heard that!" Cody shouted from down the hall.

Rania rolled her eyes. She grabbed her now prepared cup of coffee and came back to a sit in front of Jake.

 

[Jake Daniels]

"The Oath I took was more than a simple saying of words. My Oath was a bond my Master and I shared. So long as I lived I would forever be bound to her family; to serve and protect. When I married my wife, the Oath became centered around my wife and children. I had and would always remain her protector, guardian, and escort. I was to be my childrens Master. I was going to train both in the ways of the force. My Oath went from protecting an entire family line to protecting my wife and sons. Obviously I had no problems doing that. I had a family. They came first. That was my Oath. Why did I do what I did? Because I loved them. When I first began protecting my wife, you know, before we were married. It was obligation and obedience to my Master. It evolved into a love that drove me. My Oath is a bond I shared with my Master. My love and devotion is what I shared with my wife. To answer your question; there was no issue with me being married into the family." Jake explained.

Rania fell silent as she listened. It was amazing really. She still couldn't wrap her mind around this concept. His family was gone. His Master had long since passed yet here he was; as loyal as ever. She now understood why he was the way he was. The borderline psychopath wasn't a threat to people because he was 'crazy'; he only became a threat when people interfered in his pursuit to get back what he lost. Yes Gravis seemed to ramble but just listening to him talk at length; the first time she or anyone else had heard him speak more than a couple of sentences in length. It was... nice. How Rania truly hoped he succeeded in this quest so she could meet this wife.

"I'm still surprised." Rania said just after taking a sip from her cup. The timber eyes were locked over the facial expressions of the Knight whom continued to fiddle and struggle with his current inoperable lightsaber hilt.

Gravis grunted as he twisted one wire with his teeth then used the tweezers to force it into the top of the hilt, "About what?"

"How can a yellow eyes care about anything other than themselves?"

"Most..." he paused as he thought of her terminology for Sith, "yellow eyes as you call us, do care about something. Its just something that is fleeting and ultimately unimportant. They want power. They crave it. It's like a drug to them. Thats why Sith always fail. Power, power, power. I was never driven by that. I was raised and trained to think otherwise. I'm not your typical Sith."

"And your wife knew that."

"Yes she did. Most Sith considered me a liability. They considered me weak because I can't harness the force in advance techniques like they can. I can use just enough to sway weak minds, move inanimate objects, and help with smaller other things like better jumps, leaps, endurance, ect. I can't conjur lightening or 'force storms'. I'm vanilla." Jake explained. Most Sith wouldn't talk about a weakness. For Jake though that weakness was his strength. When people underestimated him; thats when he was truly at his most dangerous. He lacked advanced force technique. He did not lack advanced saber technique. He did not lack advanced stealth combat knowledge. He made up for his weakness by doubling down on what he was good at.


Jake realized what Rania was getting at so before she pressed with another question he continued, "My wife wasn't attracted to me because of what I couldn't do. She was one of only two people to look past my weaknesses and see the man that I was. She loved me for what I could do. I could protect my family. I could protect her and our children from any threat. I mean any threat. Big. Small. You name it. I dealt with it. I repaid her by failing her and our Sons." Daniels slammed his hands on the table in frustration as he was unable to get the wire to stick. His fingers had simply gotten too sweaty to hold the tweezers steady.

"Their deaths weren't your fault. The plague kills trillions from most accounts. There was nothing anyone could have done." Rania tried to reason. She was right. All historical accounts, even modern medical experts, all agreed that the Plague simply couldn't have been stopped. Not then.

Jake raised a hand into the air, "Don't." His eyes flashed momentarily yellow as the anger, the rage at himself began to boil within, "I failed them. I promised I wouldn't. I broke my oath of protecting my family. I broke my vows to my wife of protecting her and our children. I should have been able to save them. Me. No one else. Me."

"Sorry." Rania said. Jake chugged the coffee. His throat burned as he took it down in three gulps before slamming the mug to the table and motioning for a second serving. Rania obliged and began preparations. "That had to hurt."

"It did." Jake said in a suddenly raspy voice

 

[Jake Daniels]

As she prepared his second cup of coffee, Rania gave the occasional glance back at Gravis. He was a paradox. On one hand he came off completely crazy. He hardly slept and the nights he did he was using Ranias prescription sleeping pills. He hardly ate and when he did it was either that haggis dish the Noghri gave him or whatever they left for him. He bounced from one emotion and to the next. Today, right now, he seemed more relaxed; more focused. Gravis was always a focused individual but this time around he wasnt fretting about multiple things. His was focused on getting to Ambria. That's all he wanted. All of this because of a vision he said he had.

While she stirred in another serving of instant coffee, Rania watched the focus in Gravis' eyes. His determination to get the lightsaber to work. He cursed under his breath frequently. Wiped at sweat beads that formed. Yet he continued on. As she brought the cup to the table and found her seat once more, the Twi'lek watched as he twisted a wiring around a small protrusion inside the lightsaber.

"Finally." Gravis said with some relief. The first wiring replacement finally stayed put. It only took all of ten minutes to get the single wire in place. Now it was time to work on number two.

Rania didn't like when Gravis went all yellow eyes on her and the boys. It scared her. She knew there was a monster inside of the man. All Yellow Eyes had it but unlike most, Gravis controlled it. He was driven, as he said, by something other than power. By his own accounts, he wasn't the typical Sith. So what would happen then if this quest of his failed? What would happen to the man sitting calmly in front of her if he couldn't bring his family back? Rania had little hope honestly. She'd never heard of the dead coming back.

"What happens if..." Rania chickened out of finishing her question.

Gravis finished it for her, "... if I fail?"

The Twi'lek nodded as she took a sip of her coffee.

"I would end it." Gravis replied surprisingly calmly.

"What?" Rania asked.

"You heard me. I won't fail though. I will reunite with my family. I'm going to have them back." He replied with an eerie calmness to his raspy voice.

This conversation had suddenly gotten morbid. The Knight was openly stating that should this not work he was going to end himself. This man would rather die then continue living on with no hope of reuniting with his family. Was it poetic? Was is sad? Perhaps a little bit of both. She had heard this kind of talk before from guys. During her earlier smuggling days men would claim they'd kill themselves if they were ever caught by security forces or any kind. They'd rather die than rot in a jail. You know what? None of them did. All that were caught chose to rot. Gravis though, he was different. She could see it just by looking at him; the man would do it and most likely without any hesitation. Concern was all the Twi'lek held for Gravis as she came to a quiet stand and silently exited the dining room.

 

[Jake Daniels]

Rania entered the cockpit of the small freighter. Umako was busy looking at his navigational controls while Cody read a dirty magazine in a chair next to him. That was the thing about the dark skinned human, he had absolutely no shame. The man would openly called Gravis by the nickname Graves', he would insult the Sith Knights smell and look, and would read and watch the dirtiest smut this side of the galaxy in front of other peoples. He simply had no shame sensor. Rania could only roll her eyes.

"I think we might have a problem with Gravis." Rania whispered.
"We heard." Umako said tapping on a intercom. The normally red light was green. "that's how we heard your insult of us."

"You were listening in?" Rania asked.

"Absolutely." Cody responded. "Listen, I respect Graves. I really do but the mans a walking paradox. Claims to be a Yellow Eyes and has them to prove it yet he's only focused on other people. That doesn't seem like a Yellow Eyes to me. He isn't completely selfish. He just wants his family back."

"Well, what are we going to do?" Rania asked.

"About what?" Umako asked.

Rania huffed, "His threat to off himself."

"Nothing." Umako replied. "If there is one thing I know about Gravis, its that everything seems to just work out for him. Look at everywhere we've been. Every planet we have visited. He's not only gotten us paid. He's gotten what he's needed. When he's about to lose his mind, the Noghri show up and help him. Gravis doesn't seem to believe in destiny but it seems like fates ensuring he doesn't die. I don't think he'll off himself. What I think is that he'll reach whatever light is at the end of the tunnel. The question is will he like what that light reveals?"

"Huh?" Cody asked.

"Lets say we go to Ambria and everything is revealed to him. Lets say whatever vision he just had comes true. He finds whatever it is he is going after. What if its not what he expected? What if its detrimental; not helpful as he thinks?" Umako said.

"Well," Cody interrupted as he turned the magazine to stare at a centerfold image, "as you said earlier; fates making him its queen."

 

[Jake Daniels]

Alexandrite Cove. A small island port on some backwater world that Umako just had to stop by. To Gravis it was a port of seedy societal rejects; people even below his already low social status. Having arrived twenty minutes earlier Umako and Rania had gone off to do their little checks on the ship. From what Jake understood, Umako needed to ensure the ship could handle a trip through a desert. The Togruta had a point when Jake protested upon landing here; they had spent so much time around population centers and jungles that the ship hadn't been prepped for a desert run. An exposed engine not properly prepared could be damaged by sand. Along with that Umako needed to check on coolant fluids and some other technical crud with regards to the hyper drive. All Jake cared about was the e.t.a. for leaving; a hour or two tops. He had a funny feeling that given his temper, Umako would make sure everything was done by then.

"This place is awesome." Cody said. "You're going to love it."

Jake simply looked at Cody who continued to window shop. Alexandrite Cove just wasn't just a smugglers cove; it was a dealers paradise. As people made stop overs for whatever reason; whether it be ship repairs or rest, they were greeted by hundreds of different market style set ups. People of various species had their own tables set up with goods ranging from toys for children, to weapons. Even collectables to genuine antiques. It seemed as though they had everything. Yet nothing caught Jakes eye. That didn't mean Cody wasn't drooling at the various merchandise.

"I don't see the appeal to this place." Jake replied.

"What do you mean? Look at everyone. Anyone whos anyone in the smuggling community is here selling whatever merch they recently acquired." Cody explained.

Jake saw the flaw in that, "Wouldn't that mean that anyone looking for a smuggler trying to sell 'hot goods' would track them here?"

Cody laughed, "I feel sorry for whatever poor saps landed here looking for trouble. Smugglers and Pirates may be individualistic when it comes to scores but we will always have one anothers backs if some big brother type tries shutting down one of our ports."

Daniels shook his head and continued on. His cane lightly tapped the Cove's wooden walkways as the two continued wandering around. It was colder than the ship, surprisingly enough, and Jakes knees simply were not holding up. That mixed with the sniffles beginning to return simply reminded the man of his lingering frailty.

"They probably have something here for that cold you have setting in." Cody said after watching Jake wipe at his nostils with a handkerchief.

"Don't need it." Jake bluntly replied.

"Fine, fine." Cody said. "Hey you hungry?"

"No."

"C'mon Graves. We haven't eaten since we left Honoghr."

"That was just a couple hours ago."

"Ah yeah but you don't keep a physique like mine by only eating once or twice a day!" Cody flexed his arms to show nicely formed and toned biceps.

Daniels simply rolled his eyes, "I want to go."

Cody knew Jake wasn't in a jovial mood. This was a stop that was not planned ahead of time yet it was needed. At least Jake understood that much. What then could get the man to lighten up? Then Cody saw it and it was simply sitting on a table near them.

"Yo' Graves check it out!" Cody said excitedly, "Its Soap! You can use it when you finally take a ba...."

THWACK!​

​

Jakes cane smacked the lower back of Cody who bounced forward in pain. Daniels icy blue eyes had turned a sun colored yellow as the anger at the insulting joke consumed him. He had tolerated Cody's less than humorous jokes before. Did Jake stink? He knew he had a rather strong musky scent going on at the moment. He understood the scraggly dead animal like beard and tangled hair he sported could have used a decent wash. But he simply didn't want too. Wasting time on his body was less time studying the scrolls. Less time studying scrolls or searching for the lineage meant less of a chance at finding anything. Finding nothing was unacceptable. Jake was no longer in the mood to deal with Codys insults anymore. The man should have felt lucky Jakes saber still didn't work.

"Make fun of me one more time." Jake growled; daring... challenging the man to insult him again.

Cody rubbed his lower back vigorously, "Jesus Man, I was only kidding." He actually wasn't; he just wasn't going to give a reason to get smacked again.

 

[Jake Daniels]

Jake stood for a moment as Cody walked away, his hand continuing to rub on his lower back. He stared at the smuggler, then glanced at his cane, then back to Cody. There was a new feeling; incredibly small but unmistakable. It was a sense of regret. Daniels actually felt bad for smacking the man. Was the joke rude? Completely. Had Cody been rude in the past with his comments? Yes. Why then would Jake hit him now and not then? That was like punishing a child for taking a cookie before dinner for the eleventh time but never correcting them after the first. Jake was wrong. He knew it.

"Hey you!" A man from the very table that Cody had pointed too shouted to Gravis. When Gravis turned to look at him he continued, "Yeah you. The one that hits people."

Daniels perked a brow as he came closer. The man immediately noticed the musky scent emanating from the Fallen Knight. "Now I have met alot of smelly people before but you, sir, are... by no means the smelliest. Trust me. Have you been in a mine on Tatooine? Woooooweeee boy, I'll tell ya... them boys can give off a stink that'll cause the hair on your grandma's knuckles to fall right off!"

Daniels rubbed the bridge of his nose with two fingers in irritation, "Whats your point?"

"You look like you're a person on a mission." He replied. "A person on a mission shouldn't look like they came out of the ass end of a acklay. So tell you what. If you buy a few of these soaps I'm going to toss in a shaving kit."

Jake couldn't help but laugh, "Tell me. Where'd you steal the shaving kit from?"

"I object to such a wild accusation. There isn't a soul in Alexandrite Cove that would dare partake in the selling of stolen merchandise." The salesman replied in an overblown theatrical way.

"Sure." Jake rolled his eyes, "So if I buy some fru-fru soaps you're going to give me a shaving kit? Why don't I just use a bar of soap on my ship along with a disposable razor?"

The salesman laughed, "A bar of soap won't care for your skin or hair. Oh no. But what I sell will. It's the finest body soaps and shampoos this side Alderaan. And a disposable razor wont even get through half of that tangled mess on your face before dulling out. This will though..." The man pulled out a small wooden box and lifted its lid. A straight blade, a bar of shaving soap, and a lather brush all in a well constructed box. Jake had to admit, he was impressed.

"What do you say?" The Salesman said. "Buy six bottles of my shampoos and body soaps in any combination at full price and I'll throw this in for... say... 50% off."

"Didn't you just say you'd toss it in, as in to the purchase?"

"Yes I did... but I didn't say it would be free!" The salesman remarked.

Daniels shook his head. In the corner of his eye he spotted Cody watching. Daniels lifted his hand and focused on the mind of the salesman. It was weak. Perfect. "I'll purchase four of your bottles. Two shampoo. Two body wash. Half off. You will give me that shaving kit for free along with a second for my friend over there."

"You know what! Four bottles and I'll give you two of these for free!" The salesman said.

"Deal." Jake replied. Was it wrong to steal from a thief? Jake didn't think so. Especially if it meant keeping a bridge from burning with Cody. The less drama he had among the crew the less of a chance of someone screwing up his plans. If it meant giving the guy a nice little gift, one that he would actually use as he did shave his head, then so be it.

"You didn't have to do that." Cody said as he walked up to Jakes side. "But I'll accept your apology."

"I never apologized." Jake protested. He handed the salesman a few credits then took his bag of merchandise.

Cody took the bag from Jake as the two continued on their walk, "Graves, you apologized."

"Like hell I did."

"Then whats this for?" Cody said holding up the bag so the two shaving kits were seen.

"A gift. Not an apology."

They both knew the truth. It was an apology.

 

[Jake Daniels]

Cody and Jake stood around the ships entrance. Daniels paced back and forth. The ships engines had been turned on while Umako ran a couple of systems checks to ensure that whatever adjustments he made to the intakes not only worked but also did not impede the engines overall performance. That also meant the engines warmed the surrounding air enough that the aching of his knees had ceased.

"Thank you again." Cody said as he held the bag of soaps and the two shaving kits.

Jake simply nodded and turned his attention to an approaching Rania whom had done a little shopping on her own. Her hands were filled with a variety of clothes that were all wrapped up and shoved in. Jake was curious. Cody seemed to know something he didn't.

"You find what you needed?" Cody asked.

"Yeah. They made it quick too." Rania explained.

"I thought you were with Umako dealing with the ship?" Jake said.

"I was but there was something else I wanted to do." She turned to Cody, "Didn't cost much of anything either. Gave them the overall design, they cut, trimmed, and sticked in minutes."

"Wow."

"Helps when you have the template dimensions already." Rania replied. "I just need to do a couple of touch ups and it'll be set. Now you see why I love Alexandrite Cove?"

Cody nodded, "You love to shop."

Rania eyed the bag and laughed, "Looks who's talking."

"Hey! Graves bought this. Not me. He also got me a gift." Cody said.

The Twi'lek looked at Gravis, "That was nice of you."

Jake ignored her statement and instead turned his gaze elsewhere. There was a tug on his mind. Not the tugs he had felt since awakening that were pulling him to search for the spells and the lineage. This tug was a warning. His instincts were kicking in, the force was alerting him, there was someone strong in the force nearby; someone far more powerful than Jake. If he knew they were there, then there was absolutely no doubt they had felt Gravis.

Umako was heard from inside the ship, "Time to go!"

Gravis slowly began walking backwards. His eyes scanned every face that passed, every gaze that turned his way. None of them belonged to the presence he felt; a presence that was growing closer. When Jake finally entered the ship, Cody clicked a button on the wall to shut the hatch. Jake shook his head as he struggled to comprehend what he was feeling. Yet when the engines roared and the ship began to lift off, the presence vanished.

"You ok?" Rania asked.

Jake nodded and walked back to the dining room, "I just want to get to Ambria."