First Reply Shadows of Doubt

[Serina Calis]

Location: Jedi Temple, Coruscant, Lower level library wing.
Tag: -|-|-​

The Jedi Temple was a bastion of tranquility at night, the towering spires casting long shadows under the soft glow of Coruscant's endless city lights. Within its depths, the lower levels of the library were eerily silent, save for the faint hum of the ancient systems that kept its archives operational. Rows upon rows of data terminals and holobooks lined the vast chamber, their contents containing the knowledge of countless generations.

Seated at a lone desk illuminated by a dim, warm light, Serina Calis leaned forward, her golden blonde hair cascading over her shoulders as she pored over an old manuscript on the fundamentals of Force harmonics. A notebook lay open beside her, meticulously annotated with diagrams and personal insights. Her piercing blue eyes darted between the pages and a softly glowing object perched before her on the table.

The library had long since emptied, its usual patrons retired to their quarters, but Serina had lingered. She had ensured the area was clear before settling into her secluded corner. The precaution was habitual, not born of guilt but rather a pragmatic understanding that her methods—while effective—would raise questions she did not wish to answer.

From the glowing object, a figure materialized—a translucent, humanoid projection of striking intensity. The figure's presence exuded confidence, its voice resonating with a rich, commanding tone. "You're overthinking the harmonic alignment," the figure said with a faint trace of amusement. "It's about resonance, not precision. The Force doesn't adhere to arithmetic. It flows, it adapts."

Serina pursed her lips, her expression caught between concentration and mild annoyance. "I know that," she replied, her tone more conversational than defensive. "But these texts barely explain how it flows. They're all vague platitudes about harmony and connection. It's infuriating."

The projection chuckled softly, crossing its arms in a relaxed manner. "That's because the authors wrote for those already immersed in their dogma. They weren't trying to teach; they were preaching. But you… you're asking the right questions. That's why you'll learn."

Serina's gaze shifted to meet the figure's luminous visage. Despite her focus, a faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "You always say that. It's flattering, but not particularly helpful when I'm stuck deciphering ancient metaphors."

The figure leaned slightly closer, its posture almost conspiratorial. "Then let me simplify. Think of the Force like a river. You can shape the current, guide it, even divert it—but you cannot force it against its nature without consequence. Understanding begins with observation, not control. Watch how it interacts with you, and the answers will present themselves."

Serina nodded slowly, her pen moving deftly across the page as she jotted down the insight. She hesitated, then glanced toward the library entrance, her voice lowering instinctively. "You know, if anyone found me here at this hour talking to you, they'd probably think I was losing my mind."

The figure smirked, its tone teasing. "Then it's a good thing no one's here. Besides, you're not losing your mind. You're expanding it."

Serina chuckled softly, shaking her head as she returned her focus to her notes. Despite her caution, there was a comfort in these sessions, a strange camaraderie with the enigmatic figure that offered her knowledge no one else could—or would.

The stillness of the library persisted, broken only by the faint scratching of her pen and the gentle hum of the glowing object. Deep within, Serina knew the risks of her solitude, but the allure of understanding outweighed them all. For now, the quiet corners of the Jedi Temple were hers alone, a sanctuary for her burgeoning ambition and the secrets it harbored.