Five
In Kala's landspeeder, Tom, Colin, and Justin sat in the back, while Jimmy sat next to Kala. He was hypnotized by her lekku (the head-tails), but she didn't seem to notice and/or care. All four had just finished explaining that on Earth, the galaxy that they're in right now is fictional. That make sense to you? Colin asked when done.
Oddly enough, yes, Kala said.
Say what now? Colin said.
I believe you, Kala said simply. The Force would tell me if you were lying, and I sense no deception from any of you. And, before you ask, I believe I know how this George Lucas person was able to accurately depict this universe. He had some degree of Force power, and, using the Force, was able to see the events as they happened a millennium ago.
Hold up now, Tom said. When we are now is 1000 years after the Battle of Yavin?
That is correct, Kala said, turning right.
Technology sure hasn't changed much, Justin said.
"I now have a question: What are we doing here!? Jimmy exclaimed, apparently no longer interested in Kala's lekku.
I'll explain everything and more once we get aboard my ship, Kala said.
How long will I be sitting on my ass? Justin asked. As soon as he was done saying it, Kala parked her landspeeder in front of a gigantic ship in a docking bay. The ship was a narrow oval, but it was still massive. Justin noted the multiple blaster turrets on it.
Gentlemen, Kala said with a smile, I present to you, The Warhammer.
The four boarded the vessel, where Kala led them to the bridge. Standing there was a middle-aged (by Earth's standards) man, who had a short black hair and a black goatee. Tom saw a hint of madness in his eyes, but this was counteracted by the man's kind, patronly smile.
This is Sev Meston, Kala said, introducing the man. Grand General of the Army of the Galactic Union. Kala turned to face the General. Sev, would you come with us to the meeting room?
Well, I still the need to oversee some of the repairs, Sev began, his voice gruff and raspy, but not sinister. Kala shot him an icy look. But if it'll help you out, sure, I'll come.
The Jedi and the General led the four friends to the meeting room, which was a large circular room with ten or so chairs surrounding what Tom assumed to be a large holoprojector. The four sat together on one side, while both Kala and Sev stood opposite them.
Now then, Kala began, her hands in a placating gesture, I assume you have many questions, which we welcome. Please, speak your mind.
Why are we here? Tom asked.
Damn, you stole mine, Justin said with a fake pout on his face.
Kala sighed and sat down. Well, to understand why you're here, you're going to need a history lesson. Sev, would you do the honors.
Sev cleared his throat and began. Three years ago, give or take a few months, a large group of command ships, starfighters, and other types emerged from hyperspace into Union territory. This group of ships turned out to be a Sith Armada. As soon as they were prepared, they attacked the core world of Correllia, annihilating half of the world's population with its initial attack, and leaving a third of the other half injured and dying.
A month after the war began, the leader of the Sith Armada revealed himself. He was a Sith Lord who called himself Darth Drakos. It was with his involvement that the Jedi Order officially became involved.
I'll take it from here, Sev, Kala said. This is apparently what Drakos wanted. During the Battle of Manaan, a team of one hundred Jedi were sent to fight the Sith, along with the ground forces already stationed there. They were all captured, and subsequently turned to the Dark Side. We learned later on from a captured spy that they didn't turn of their own free will. Drakos used an ancient Sith technique known as 'Indoctrination' to bend them to his will. You must understand, these Dark Acolytes are completely loyal to Darth Drakos, and have no thoughts of betraying him as most Sith do. No, Indoctrination makes this impossible. Now, three years later, most of the Jedi have been turned. Those who haven't either died in battle or left the Order altogether.
Jimmy's eyes grew even wider than they already were. You're the last of the Jedi, aren't you? he asked sympathetically.
That's right, Kala said quietly. Because Drakos had both converted most of the Jedi and taken Force sensitives from their homes to teach them in the Sith way of thought, it has been hard to locate new students. Which is why I created a teleportation unit. This unit is powered by the Force itself, and when activated can summon any Force individual to a predetermined location. In this case, Shavaar.
Tom let out a deep breath. I think I see the big picture. You activated the unit, and that brought us from our galaxy to this one. His eyes shone with hope. We're Force sensitives, aren't we?
Yes, Kala said, smiling slightly. That you are.
Hell. Yeah, Tom said, his eyes now glittering with hope.
What are the odds of four Force sensitives becoming good friends? Colin asked, a question on both Jimmy's and Justin's mind, though neither of them realized it. Each was processing the implications that this revelation brought about.
The Force must have brought you together, knowing you're potential, Kala said.
Ha! Justin exclaimed, jumping up from his seat. Everyone looked at him. Luke's not here, that means he's not Force sensitive! I win!
Luke's a friend, Jimmy explained to Kala.
Oh, Kala said. Well, you don't exactly win, Justin. While both you and Colin do have stronger Force potential than others, you are still rather weak in it, and don't have enough potential for me to risk training you in the ways of the Jedi. Without the use of the Force, the training would be too much for you.
Justin looked angry while Colin looked crestfallen. But I wanted to help, Colin muttered.
I wanted to fight, Justin swore under his breath.
Don't fret, boys, Sev said. You two can still help and fight. Maybe not as Jedi, but as soldiers in the Galactic Army. I will personally train both of you.
Do I get to kill things? Justin demanded of Sev.
Well...yes...you will, Sev replied, looking flustered at Justin's directness.
Justin sat back in his chair, content. Tom was secretly glad he wasn't going to become a Jedi. Too angry, he felt.
So me and Tom are going to be trained as Jedi? Jimmy asked, his excitement, if existent, being very well controlled.
Yes, Kala said. We'll be going to Dantooine within the week. A Jedi academy used to be present there, and it is a planet strong in the Force, perfect for your Jedi training.
Excellent, Tom said, giving Jimmy a high-five.
One more question, Colin said. How will we get home? When we win the war, I mean. Because we will win. There's no other option.
It is a dilemma, Kala said. I suppose I could have the teleportation unit rebuilt and recalibrate it to get you back home.
So in return for winning the war, we get to go home? Justin asked, propping his feet atop the holoprojector. Sounds like a plan.
* * *
Meanwhile, across the galaxy, on the desert tomb world of Korriban, Luke Allen awoke. Spitting sand from his mouth, he stood up and took in his surroundings, making note of the many tombs present.
Hello? he called out, unaware he was being watched by shadows, both past and present.
!
