Star Wars_ Darth Bane 02_ Rule of Two - Drew Karpyshyn [52]
The young girl felt a surge of pride well up within her. “What happens now, Master?”
“Now your real training will begin,” Bane said, marching off toward the Star-Wake.
She quickly fell into step behind him. The doubts and fears she had experienced during her time alone on the ship were gone, swept away by the words of her Master and the display of raw power she had witnessed. No longer was she afraid or uncertain about her future; she finally accepted who and what she truly was. She was the chosen apprentice of Darth Bane. She was the heir to the legacy of the dark side. And she was the future Dark Lord of the Sith.
“You sent for me, Master Valenthyne?” Johun said as he entered Farfalla’s private quarters.
It was three days after the Senate had passed the Ruusan Reformations, and they were still on Coruscant. Johun was eager to leave the city-world behind them, but after his shameful outburst in Chancellor Valorum’s chambers, he was determined to show that he could control his emotions and that he trusted in the wisdom of his Master. As long as Farfalla felt they were needed here, he would serve without further complaint.
“Sit down, Johun,” the Jedi Master said softly, pointing to a nearby chair. From his tone it was clear he had bad news to deliver.
Johun did as he was instructed, dreading what was to come.
“We’ve located the Star-Wake.”
For a brief instant Johun’s heart leapt. Sometime after he had left Irtanna and her crew, their ship had gone missing. Search parties had been sent out but had come back with nothing. Now, nearly two weeks after she disappeared, she had been found!
Then Johun’s elation vanished when he realized that his Master had specifically said the ship had been located; he’d made no mention of those aboard.
“What happened?” Johun asked, almost too afraid to get the words out.
“We think it may have been mercenaries,” Farfalla explained. “The ship was discovered floating in the Japrael sector, abandoned. Everything of value had been taken. Everyone aboard was dead, shot with a blaster at close range.”
“Everyone? Irtanna? Bordon? Even his sons?”
Farfalla could only answer with a solemn nod.
There is no emotion, Johun thought, reciting the Jedi Code as he fought to control the sudden burst of anger that flared at their senseless deaths. There is only peace.
“I know this is difficult for you to accept,” Farfalla said, taking a seat across from Johun so he could face him. “But there is nothing we can do for them now. And whatever happens, you must not take it upon yourself to try to avenge their deaths.”
“I understand, Master,” Johun said, choking back tears. “Yet I cannot stop myself from grieving for their loss.”
“Nor should you, my young Padawan,” Farfalla said, giving him a reassuring pat on the knee before rising to stand. “It is only natural that you feel sorrow over what has happened. Grief alone holds no danger.”
Farfalla stepped away to the far side of the room and studied a painting on the wall, giving the young man some privacy and allowing him time to collect himself. When Johun stood a few minutes later, his Master turned to face him again.
“This news sits heavy upon my heart, Master Valenthyne,” the young man offered. “But I understand that it is not my place to seek out their killers. And I am grateful you brought me here to tell me.”
“That is not the only reason I sent for you,” Farfalla admitted. “I have a mission for you.”
“Tell me, Master. I am ready to serve.” Johun thought that truer words had never been spoken. He was desperate for something, anything, to take his mind off thoughts of Irtanna and her crew.
“The Senate has passed the Ruusan Reformations. You already know what this means to our order, but there are many other aspects to this legislation. As Chancellor Valorum has said, the Republic must be reborn.”
Johun nodded to show he understood.
“There will be many people across the galaxy who are opposed to this new legislation,” Farfalla continued. “Some see Valorum’s efforts to reunite the Republic as an attempt to reestablish Senate control over