The Jock Life of a Geek

A single light flickered from the rear of a two story wooden house. A large drooping willow growing on the right side of the house draped across the top and down the other side, covering it in a spider-legged curtain of alabaster branches that hung listlessly a few feet from the ground. The flickering light was a single red candle sitting on a straight copper-ish metal candelabra. Wax had built up around the bottom, clumping in odd areas that made for irregular imitation blood droplets. The kitchen was much like the candelabra, simple and functional. Long wooden countertops sectioned off the large room, with a very clean mirror-like metal waterscrew with a hand crack off the right side of the spout that brought well water to the sink. Large shadows wrestled about the tiny candlelight to light the area Gennie Kethel’Mari was working. Dressed in a rather plain brown and beige dress that spread down to her ankles with large bell-shaped cuffs, Gennie wiped the long dark-stained wooden table with a damp cloth sending little bits of green Frudroot stalks into a clay waste container.

She quickly picked up a plate with eight small length-cut black frudroots and walked into the living area. Asia was sitting near the white marble fire-pit on a plush leather chair, dressed in a loose fitting white cloth sleeping top with large pink buttons and bottoms. Her feet were curled up underneath her as she read a book sitting on her knees, “Frudroot, mother?”

“Yes, for you and your brother…where is he?”

Asia frowned, “I don’t know, I didn’t see him since he went into his room when we got back. I thought he went to bed.”

Gennie put the plate down next to Asia, “I guess I should go check. It was a long, hard night…”

“Perhaps the action got to him,” stated Asia as she turned a page, “You know how exhausted he gets after even a little excitement.”

Gennie walked through the darkened hallway to Alaistar’s room. The wood door was closed. She rapped lightly against it, “Al? Are you awake?”

She opened the door carefully and looked in. The room was completely dark, the mural, dresser and even bed looked like they hadn’t been touched all day. Slivers of moonlight that poured in from the lone window showed the black and white circular rug reaching around from the bottom of his bed was also empty. White silk curtains fluttered from the breeze coming from the open window…

…open window? Gennie felt her heart drop into her stomach as she rushed to the window and looked out, Alaistar’s name slipping off her lips absently as her eyes scanned the side of the house. Her mind rushed with a thousand different possibilities on what could have happened to him…if anyone did anything to hurt him…

…and there he was, standing out near the lake. His hands were together in a prayer-like fashion, slowly reaching up to the stars above. He suddenly broke to the right and raised his arms to his sides in a defensive stance, then moved forward and thrust his hands forward. Alaistar quickly repeated the actions, then turned to his left and performed them again. His mother chuckled to herself and shook her head, leaning against the window sill to watch him, so much like his father, always training in some way to prepare for something. She quietly thanked The Force that his potential to be a ranger was practically nil, soon she would lose her sweet daughter and suffer the same hardships and sleepless nights that she did with Davin but Alaistar would always be there. He could never go out on his own to fight impossible odds or sacrifice his life to save people who never knew or appreciated him. He would be something more, like a herbalist or a teacher. Yes this one she would not let get away, but she would never dissuade his desire to dream. He wanted to follow in his father and sister’s footsteps so much.

“Mother? Are you ok? Where is he?”

Gennie turned to her daughter with a smile, “Quietly, Asia. Over here.”

Asia walked to the window and smiled widely, “If father sees him, he’ll get scolded.”

“How many times has your father done that and still Alaistar practices the katas?” her mother shrugged.

“He definitely knows the basic movements well,” commented Asia.

Gennie shook her heard, “It’s from watching your father in secret. In the tree, pretending to play with his toys outside, while swimming, the boy has a photographic memory.”

“I should go get him before father sees him,” said Asia and deftly slid through the window to the outside, “And ask how much he’s willing to trade for tutoring.”

Left…strike…right…block…crane…block…kick…strike…return…his kicks were still not on target. How was he going to fix his flexibility? He sighed and stopped, sitting on the ground looking out towards the lake. He set his legs spread apart as far as he could, then leaned forward trying to stretch them.

“Al, what are you doing?”

The boy looked up to see his sister looking down at him, in her slumber clothing, hands on her hips with a cocked eyebrow, “You know what your father will do if he sees you doing this.”

“I know,” said Alaistar and leaned forward to stretch, “I don’t care.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard Father tonight, he’s exhausted from fighting The Renegade all of the time,” replied Alaistar, “I have to be ready to help him.”

“Al…”

He stood up and pulled his legs behind him one at a time to stretch again, “I promise I won’t be just standing to the side next time. Next time I’ll stand next to father and all three of us will face The Renegade together.”

“Alaistar,” she took him by the shoulders and turned him to her, “You don’t have to do this. Mother is waiting for us, why don’t we go back inside?”

“But…” he looked up at her, “…but…it’s not fair. Why doesn’t he have any help?”

“Five rangers…two squires, two rangers, one lord,” she nodded, “You know this. No more, no less.”

Alaistar kicked at the ground, “The Renegade has hundreds of brigands under his command in the badlands.”

“That is why he is choosing a squire once again,” answered Asia, “I will keep him safe and he will do the same in turn to me. Besides, we still have the guards from the noble houses as well. As father has shown time and time again, they’re more than enough.”

“But what if the next time they aren’t? What if the next time…”

“Lost all faith in me already, Alaistar?” asked a much deeper masculine voice.

Both younglings suddenly turned to see their father standing before them out on the water, as if he had been there the whole time. His steps were silent, but then Alaistar figured it was tough to make noise while walking on water. His eyes locked onto Alaistar as he spoke to his sister, “Asia, go inside. I wish to speak with Alaistar alone.”

The boy’s blood suddenly ran ice cold, but he stayed his ground. He knew he was right, how could his father take on so many and expect to constantly come back alive? Five Rangers…one of them did nothing but sit in the capital of Kiernan and give orders when the situation fancied, and two rangers and two squires, one set on either side of the inhabited lands…against hundreds of brigands led by Seti Darkalus. They needed help, why didn’t the lords of the land mount an offensive yet?

“Father, please be lenient. His heart is…”

“Go inside.”

Asia nodded and quietly walked back to the house. Both Alaistar and his father watched her walk back to the house, catching his mother watching them from the window. She was fully erect watching them both with a concerned frown. Davin motioned for her to leave the window, after a moment of her concerned look changing to a watery-eyed plea, she crossed her arms and walked from the window.

“Do you doubt my power, Alaistar?” asked his father flatly.

“No sir.”

“Then explain yourself.”

“The Renegade does not follow the same code as you and the others,” he sputtered, “They have so many against us…”

“And we have won every single time,” stated his father evenly, “We the Rangers will always conquer the Renegades, even if their armies number in the thousands. You must trust in The Current, Alaistar, it evens all odds in the face of danger. The Current, the Light Side of the Force allows us to beat back the Beast, the Dark Side, each and every time.”

Alaistar gritted his teeth, “But…I…” he lowered his head with a sigh and nodded.

Davin sank to one knee and raised his son’s head with a finger on his jaw, “Trust in The Current, Alaistar, and my…” he withdrew his finger immediately and absently rubbed it. It was that damned coldness again, was it getting stronger?

Alaistar watched his father recoil from him yet again, he wanted to apologize, but knew it didn’t matter. Still, his father actually touched his chin, he couldn’t remember the last time that was done without there being a scolding afterwards. The ranger’s suspicious squint made him shiver and turn away. He wanted to reach out and wrap his arms around his father so badly but knew what would happen, he could picture it in his head. He would slap him aside, make up some story that he heard something in the forest or heard mother and usher him back to the house…

“You know practicing the katas without being sanctioned by the Order is forbidden,” the ranger stood up and crossed his arms.

“I know, Father.”

“If the public believes that I am training both my children there will be sweeping rumours that we are trying to give our family line exclusivity within the Order,” said Davin, “Many are already suspicious with four generations of Rangers coming from our line in the last two hundred years. Do you understand?”

Alaistar clenched his teeth, “I understand. I’m sorry, Father.”

(Source: themagic-carpet)

Davin, Gennie, Asia and Alaistar walked between wooden houses of various shapes and sizes. Some had secure wooden roofs while others were thatched with groupings of tall, thick grass. Each home seemed perfect in its own little way, even the less fortunate had small bits of grassy land to plant food with which to feed their family. Some chimney smoke snaked weakly from a few of the better built houses, giving the air a slightly sweet smoky smell. Their lives were perfect, and yet so many had no idea how close they came to having their unassuming lives ruined time and time again.

Their lack of knowledge almost made Davin jealous. The Ranger stood on their south side, protecting their side from the forested mountains which led out to the Great Badlands Desert. The lack of knowledge would mean he wouldn’t be a Ranger, it would mean that he never would have taken part in so many battles and his own family wouldn’t have been threatened directly. If Seti Darkalus was going to attack again, The Renegade would have to go through him first.

“Father?”

His fingers balled into fists, his arms tingled with anticipation. If that damned Renegade thought about attacking his family, Davin would make it the worst mistake he ever made…

“Sir?”

…if he was going to attack, Davin wished he would do it now and get it over with. Maybe Darkalus would be man enough to fight him directly this time without sending wave after wave of brigands at him first…

“Davin!” Gennie yelled, “Your son is speaking to you.”

The Ranger frowned at his wife then briefly looked down the line at Alaistar standing next to his sister, “What is it?”

“Is everything ok? Are we going to be…”

“Everything is fine,” snapped Davin, “I can defend the South as well as anyone.”

His whole family stopped short like they collectively walked right into a wall. Alaistar stood slightly behind his sister, “Of course sir.”

Alaistar’s words were like an icy cold wind blowing in from the North. Damn that child, his words always stung. How dare he imply that Davin couldn’t do his job! Look at his big hazel eyes, staring up at him with that glassy, fearful shine, as if he had full reason to believe that there was no hope, that Darkalus had some kind of grand scheme that involved hundreds of off-worlders that would be unstoppable when implemented. Davin shivered slighty and shook his head, there was that damned cold again, as if no warmth, no hope could ever heat it up…

“By the Creator’s will, I have been defending the South for eighteen years!” he pushed by them roughly, “Even if he’s got the whole Republic behind him, I will keep Kilia safe!”

“Father…”

He raised his hand towards the child with a snarl, “Don’t touch me!”

The Ranger stormed off into the forest. Alaistar watched him leave, lowering his head shamefully. He watched his shadow become enveloped in the coming darkness as the sun’s finally rays disappeared behind the distant mountains, much the same way his heart felt with the sadness building in his chest. Long, slender arms crossed over his chest and gently pulled him back into a loving embrace.

“He’s under a lot of stress, Al,” said his mother, “Don’t ever forget your father loves you very much.”

He lolled his head to the side and looked at his sister standing next to him, her eyes watching their father as he walked deeper into the forest. He never yelled at her, never told her to stay away from him, hugged her and showered her with love constantly. He couldn’t help the small pangs of jealously that welled up inside his heart, he couldn’t hate his sister but he had always wondered what it was like to be treated like a proper son.

“Should I go after him?” she asked her mother.

She shook her head, “Let him go. He just needs some time to himself, your father never was one to feel pride, especially in himself. Besides, the squire should escort her defenceless brother and mother home.”

Asia smiled weakly, “Of course mother.”

****************************************

The inhabited valley of Kilia IV was a paradise of sorts, it never got too hot or too cold, it rained regularly, it was lush with forest, wildlife and its lands were always fertile. However the rest of the planet was another story. Davin looked down at the Badlands Desert from one of the mountains that guarded the savage weather systems from the valley, strong winds whipped up the sand in small tornados that were illuminated by random snaps and flashes of static electricity bolts that danced between bits of flying sand. Within moments the desert storms would pick up and beat towering waves of sand against the mountainside for another three days. The Ranger shut his eyes, his raging emotions felt much like the scenery before him.

“Greetings, Kethel’Mari.”

The Ranger instinctively reached for his siang lance, the weapon snapping from his side holster and pointing in the direction of the voice. Looking down the muzzle of the ancient sporting blaster was an older man who was a whole had shorter than Davin, his grey balding hair matched his steel colored eyes that squinted ever so slightly even in darkness. His garb was exactly like Davin’s only his golden surcoat glowed lightly in the darkness and was emblazoned with a tusked kilian bantha. Davin’s eyes widened and immediately holstered his weapon.

“Lord Biul?!” exclaimed Davin, “What are you doing here?”

“Concern.”

Davin frowned, “About?”

“You,” Lord Biul walked up beside the Ranger, “Your fourth battle against The Renegade in three weeks was today.”

“In self-defense,” he countered, “Things have been difficult lately but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”

The Kilian Lord crossed his arms, “You are so much like your father, it’s as if he were still alive. Same connection with the element of Air, same selfless code of honor, same indestructible attitude and ethics,” he looked at the ranger with a frown, “But he now rests with The Force before his time. I have sensed conflict in you lately, Davin.”

“You have nothing to worry about, Master.”

Biul shrugged, “Indulge me.”

“About what?” asked Davin nervously, “The Renegade? I have sent him cowering into the hole he crawled…”

“Tell me about your son.”

“My…my son?” he sputtered, “What’s there to say really?”

Biul shrugged, “Maybe why he incites you to curse his name to The Creator uncontrollably when you’re within five feet of him?”

“I don’t…”

“Lying only strengths The Beast,” scolded Biul, “Concerned friends and The Creator himself have asked me to watch over you. I must agree with their concern, I have seen your treatment of your family within The Current, particularly your son. Now tell me why your flesh and blood incites you so much.”

Davin sighed and turned towards the desert, “I…I think I’m going crazy…he scares me.”

Biul raised an eyebrow, “Explain.”

“It’s difficult…” the Ranger cleared his throat nervously, “You know how we tested him for latent Force ability like my daughter and he tested nil? Well, I think the test gave a false reading.”

“You think he possesses Force power?” asked Biul?

“It didn’t start right away,” Davin licked his lips trying to find moisture in his body, “It started when he was around four, when I would pick him up my hands would slowly get numb over time, I thought he was just getting heavy,” he smirked and shrugged, “Then Gennie told me over the years as it got worse that it was from stress. I couldn’t argue with her, year after year the Renegade’s army has gotten larger. But now it’s gotten to the point where his presence is like a strong Northern wind to me. His words enrage me, his eyes taunt me, even when they’re confirmations of love and support.”

“You’re saying the boy is invoking The Beast?” asked the Ranger Lord, “And he doesn’t even know? Has he affected anyone else?”

Davin shook his head, “I believe Asia’s powers aren’t refined enough to detect it and Ranger Poole and his squire are too busy with the North. It’s not an immediate effect, it builds over time, especially when he is pushed emotionally,” he paused, feeling a lump build in his throat, “I can’t even…hold my own boy. Master, I can’t even cope with my own family…I am so ashamed. But lately, I know in my heart there is something wrong with him.”

Biul nodded, “Can he grow anything?”

“What?”

“Has he planted anything?” he asked again, “Has he planted anything and it has grown from his working of the soil? Has anything died under his care?”

“I don’t know, he helps his mother sometimes with the garden at the back of the house…” Davin’s face dropped suddenly, “You can’t be thinking…”

“What do you think?” asked Biul flatly, “You say he is unconsciously reaching out to the Beast…”

Davin shook his head pleadingly, “Master, he’s just a boy. What you’re insinuating is speculation at best.”

“You weren’t around the last time the Devourer reincarnated from its slumber,” stated the Ranger Lord, “’Once every hundred years the Devourer returns to threaten our way of life. Last time, I was but a young squire under my old master,” he pointed out to the badlands, “The Devourer fed upon two kilometres from this very area then over one kilometre to the east as she headed north and four whole kilometres to the north, turning what little vegetation we have into more of the same badlands that encompasses this planet to feed its insatiable hunger. It took the combined forces of all of the rangers, including our dark friend from the North, to destroy it before it consumed us all…she was a young girl no older than your own daughter.”

Davin’s bit his lower lip, “Do you think?

Biul shook his head, “It’s still too early by my calendar…but it’s not an exact science. But as a Ranger you have sworn an oath to protect these lands from The Devourer, no matter what form it takes. For a thousand years it’s reduced our living space to nothing more than a small valley from a lush planetary body. If Alaistar is, we must act…but…”

“But?”

“We always were beset by the Curse of the Devourer upon its awakening, its knowledge of what it is and its power,” the Ranger Lord stroked his chin, “But if we could catch it before it awakens, perhaps we can reverse the affects, finally put an end to Kilia’s greatest threat.”

“What should I do, master?”

“Bring him to the Enclave tomorrow at the Witching Hour for testing,” ordered Biul, “It is the time when The Beast is strongest and will be easier to detect. If you are right and there is something wrong, perhaps we can help before it’s too late. If not, then you can rest easy knowing that you’re insane.”

Davin laughed weakly, “Yes, master.”

“You shouldn’t have done this.”

Perhaps Davin’s timing was impeccable as not a single soul turned to acknowledge that they had even remotely caught wind of the statement. Yawns and stifled belches came from every which way, perhaps a seven course meal was too much but at least the people couldn’t hear him over the sounds of the massive digesting ritual taking place. Davin ran a hand through his brown hair and closed his eyes, letting The Current flow into him, calming his unease.

The noble lord smirked, “You don’t approve of this? My friend, you may have saved my land but right now, I am quite insulted.”

“Davin, enjoy yourself,” said his wife, “By the Creator, you do so much and get so little.”

“Gennie, mind yourself,” he replied flatly, “My lord, you know I’m appreciative of each and every luxury you have afforded my family. But the other rangers, including Lord Biul…they don’t approve of such excess. Plus not inviting the other noble houses surely will rile a few feathers…”

“This isn’t a royal event, I’m doing this as my personal thanks to you,” stated Elsnar.

“We do what we do because we are charged with defending the helpless,” replied the Ranger, “All of Kilia and not because we seek personal glory.”

“I know of the Ranger Code, my friend,” replied Elsnar and smiled teasingly, “However I don’t see you openly defying my wishes to celebrate your actions.”

Davin sighed lightly, “I’m afraid other houses may see this wrongly, expect to have to give Rangers rewards, increase their tithes to The Grand Enclave…”

“As far as I’m concerned, the other houses don’t do enough,” replied Lord Tionc, “You Rangers risk your lives every day for us, especially against the Renegade and his army. What little time off you do get should be had with all the fineries one can have. Without you, Kilia would be in utter chaos.”

Davin frowned slightly looking away…Elsnar didn’t understand. Davin had a reputation, what if it started to become tarnished with all of this attention poured onto him? No doubt this could be used by Lord Maskan of House Grenchaka to bring up a motion to move Davin from his home on the grounds of House Tionc and then there would be nothing left to stop Maskan from moving in with a political coup and taking the ultrachrome mines for himself. Lord Elsnar Tionc was good at dividing up the spoils from the mines to the other houses and their small lands, but Lord Maskan was young, ambitious and thoroughly greedy. To him the noble lines were nothing more than a competition to see who was better. The young Lord didn’t understand and his now dead father never saw it his duty to teach him the value of cooperation.

“If you want, I’ll stop the celebration short…send them home.”

“No, no…”

“Come my friend, don’t worry about it,” stated the king, “Now eat your food before it…”

Suddenly all of the windows blew open at once and smacked hard against the side of the walls, glass shattered and shards sailed in all directions to the floor. Davin snapped to his feet and sprinted to the windows, his siang lance coming to his hand in mid-step, “Asia! The younglings!” he barked to his daughter.

The masses shrieked and jumped from their chairs, some pushing towards the window while others ran for their children or ran for cover. Asia sprinted to the children’s noble table, her chin-length blonde hair fluttered about as her bell-shaped cuffs as she rounded up both child and adult alike who had gotten there before her, “Everyone against the wall, now!”

“I have to get my boy out of here, now!” screamed a hysterical woman who had grabbed her daughter and tried to leave.

Asia thrust her hand forward, the motion firmly sending the woman back a step, “My master told me to protect the children! Backs against the wall, everyone behind me!” Alaister looked to his sister, his eyes betrayed his concern. Asia gave him a reassuring nod, then turned her back and kept a firm eye on the room for any assailants.

Davin came to the small mob and leaped, using the Force to engage the element of Air, creating a momentary updraft to carry him up and over the people, landing on one of the open sills, his lance pointing outside at the ready…

Nothing.

Davin held his weapon upright to his side while he scanned the sparkly night sky and darkness below. The centers of his eyes slowly began to glow with what could have been deep orange-like embers from a fire as his vision quickly switched into the infrared spectrum. Various hot and cold areas could be seen out into the courtyard, the huge stone fountain on the main garden path stood out as a large blue-shaded monolith against the sky blue shade of cobblestone path and grass. Seven people had come running to the castle, their bodies giving off a various haze of orange and red heat, but Davin immediately recognized their shapes as being castle guards. Nothing…nothing out of the ordinary…

A cold chill suddenly ran up Davin’s spine. The Beast…the dark side…it was out there. It was watching him. Ssssarshhh’gran chilltuc…vrushnol jen drixun prasssshhhh…the words snaked into the main hall for everyone to hear. The people looked about nervously, some of them started to panic and tried to make their way to an exit. Davin could barely hear them, the Sith language burrowing into his head, revealing a cryptic message only he could decipher. King Elsnar immediately jumped into action to calm the people, while reluctant they complied…for the moment.

“Is everything alright, M’Lord?!” bellowed one of the guards from below.

“What is it?” asked Elsnar as he approached from behind.

 “A warning,” he replied and sheathed his weapon.

 ”Gather the reserves! Double guard duty for the night!” ordered Elsnar to his guards, “We do we do?”

Davin smirked and stepped down from the sill, “Enjoy the party,” his voice elevated to address the guests, “Because there’s nothing worse to a Renegade than to show that he is a total failure.”

The crowd seemed to sigh in unison from their ranger’s assurance and sat back down to feast. Davin looked over the hall again as he returned to his chair, suddenly he felt what was like two icicles boring into his left side, his eyes finding the little child named Alaistar - his son - looking over at him with wide, concerned eyes. He gritted his teeth and pushed out the feeling, it was all in his head as usually, at least that’s what Gennie told him. She did have a point, he was the only one who could feel it…still…he nodded quickly to the boy and turned his head, he needed to collect himself. He wished that his words were as soothing to himself as they were to the people.

***

The ranger watched the honoured guests leave the castle to return to their homes through the main courtyard from the second story star-gazing balcony. Their images wavered in the shadowy light of the large, ornate torches that lit the path to the main road just outside of the small wooden gates that separated the tiny villa from the rest of the municipality. Renegade Seti Darkalus’ statement was clear…soon The True Beast will awaken once again…your family’s time in the light is coming to an end…what was he planning? An attack on his family? The bastard had better not…                                                                             

“Father?”

 He turned to the voice, “Yes, Asia?”

 “I’m sorry for disturbing you…but…”

 “You felt it too?”

 She took a deep breath that cracked with a panicked exhale. She caught herself and bit her lip, “I’m sorry…I wasn’t fast enough…I couldn’t move…”

 Davin frowned and pulled his daughter close to him, “Asia, come now. These tears are not necessary.”

 “No…I was so frightened I could barely move my limbs…”

 “Do not think such things,” said Davin, wiping a tear from her eye, “Nor will I hear them. You reacted as I expected you to, flawlessly. One day you will be a fine ranger, a true defender of the people. Our family has had the privilege of siring four generations of rangers, you will be the fifth. I foresee you being celebrated by our people tenfold of my own accolades,” he patted her back tenderly, “Don’t ever doubt your abilities Asia.”

 Asia looked up at her father, a smile slowly creeping up on her face. She nodded and put her arms around his waist, “I love you father. I promise I’ll make you proud.”

 Her father smiled, “You already have, Asia. Don’t ever doubt that.”

The sound of boots on stone interrupted the scene. King Elsnar looked on, waiting patiently. Davin nodded to him, patted his daughter on the head, “Asia, help prepare your mother for home, I have to speak to the King.”

Asia nodded, turned and gave the king a slight curtsy before walking back into the hall. The king stepped out beside Davin and looked out at the moon, the huge white sphere shining brightly back at them, “Should we be worried?”

“You don’t have confidence in my power?”

“I didn’t say that. I asked you if we should be worried.”

“No,” stated Davin, “But I will convene with Lord Biul. The Renegade’s attacks here in the south are becoming more frequent.”

“Does he want the ultrachrome mine? But what would he want with it? Even to sell it he would need…”

“Help,” Davin frowned, “Perhaps he’s found some.”

“Offworlders?” Elsnar said with a sneer, “Would he stoop so low?”

“He does have the brigands and whatever number of captive slaves to dig underground and he does have connections with offworld slavers. No doubt the Republic would be very interested in an ultrachrome mine that’s only been in use for half a decade,” Davin shrugged, “While the Kilian Elite Guard have new nearly unbreakable spearheads and even the horses have better, stronger shoes, we still have yet to tap into the potential of the ultrachrome.”

“It’s just so hard to smelt and shape,” said Elsnar, “Only the best blacksmiths in teams can heat it properly.”

Davin nodded, “The Republic and other offworlders wouldn’t have that problem. If he was in control of the mine, it would mean he would have the resource necessary to obtain offworld technologies, tip the balance in his favour. Although I can’t believe the Republic would go so low as to associate with him.”

“Why not?” asked Elsnar, “The Republic would do anything to get ahead. I heard tales from my grandfather about the atrocities they had done to those not a part of their grand design. The wars they’ve been in…let’s not forget how many.”

“Let’s not jump to conclusions my friend,” replied Davin, “This is all speculation. Before we start arming the locals with pitchforks and aim them at the stars, let’s find out what Seti Darkalus is truly after.”

At the mention of the name, Elsnar quickly muttered a quick prayer to The Creator. He nodded, “You’re right as usually. The republic fills me with so much anxiety, I do hope it’s not them,” he turned to Davin and gave him a small smirk, “Your daughter is becoming quite beautiful.”

Davin laughed, “Don’t even think about it, Elsnar.”

“Would never dream of it, my friend,” joked Elsnar.

“She’s nervous but will make a fine ranger,” stated Davin.

“What about your son?”

“Hmm?”

Elsnar turned to him with a frown, “Your son, Alaistar?”

“OH! Yes…Gennie didn’t cry out from him having been hurt so…I suppose he’s alright.”

Lord Tionc raised an eyebrow, “Is something wrong with your son?”

The ranger smiled and placed his hand on Elsnar’s shoulder, “Of course not. Good night, my lord.”

Elsnar Tionc watched his friend quickly cross the banquet hall and disappear down the hallway. Could it be he forgot all about Alaistar? Then again he never really talked much about him, always about Asia. Still, he never actually ran from hearing his son’s name being mentioned before. Whatever the situation was now, Elsnar was sure that the last sentence his friend spoke chilled him worst of all.

Telos Holocron: Entry by Darth Plagueis– The Dark Side Outside of the Sith Entry #68.

 The Dark Side is a path that is taken by many. Sith should not be known as the sole users of its power. There are many organizations who utilize the dark side that are rarely known outside of their own planets. The Sorcerers of Tund were one such organization, while barely a whisper is uttered of their workings within the galaxy, they would use the dark side and science together to impressive effect. The Dark Force faith is another such organization that splintered off from the Rule of Two to create a church-based faith that followed such philosophers as Dak Ramis. They are foreseers of considerable power and one can learn much from their teachings. These two organizations are true Sith-based organizations with their ties being from the lineage of the Sith in one way or another.

Then there are those who take up the mantle of the Sith for themselves and claim to follow their tenets. The Renegades of Kilia IV, an offshoot of the Kilian Rangers, are one of these self-proclaimed followers of the Sith teachings of a bastardized Rule of Two. At first glance they copy the Rule of Two to the letter, one master - who takes the title of Seti much as the Sith takes the title of Darth - and one apprentice. However, their backwater beliefs and dismissal of technologies to reach out to the vast powers of the galaxy have left them with a very mundane workings of the Sith and the dark side, which they laughably call The Beast.

Consider this, a planet where the inhabitants live off of the land, in wood and stone houses, a scattering of nobles ruling over them. While their rich metal and mineral deposits keep them relatively wealthy with the few offworld traders they deal with, they are not part of the Republic. They prefer to live in isolation from the rest of space, stunting their relationships with potential knowledge and power from neighbouring systems.

But when one looks into the workings of the Kilian Rangers themselves, one finds something interesting. During the Draggulch period, a small group of Jedi decided they wished to leave the War of the Fittest and start a new life on a new planet. At the same time a group of Sith believed that the Jedi were after an artifact of tremendous power in order to turn the tide of the war. The resulting meeting rumoured to create a truce between the Jedi and the Sith, both sides deciding to live together in ridiculous harmony. From their ranks the Kilian Rangers were created.

Why does this promote interest? Because the Kilian Rangers teach to use both the light – which they also call The Current - and the dark side equally. Their Jedi and Sith teachings combine to create warriors of impressive power. They believe that The Beast must drink from The Current for there to be perfect balance. The Jedi would see this as an inevitable fall to darkness. Yet for a thousand years, the Rangers have persevered in their own ignorant ways.

The Jedi are proven once again to be nearsighted and foolish.

The Kilians also believe in a foreseen dark time that renews itself every generation known as The Curse of the Devourer. From what I surmise, one of the Sith that landed on Kilia IV was a Sith Assassin who was particularly talented at Force Draining much like the legendary and ultimately weak Darth Nihilus. This Assassin apparently became so powerful that he learned the secret of draining the very life around him much like the Sith Lord, increasing his force power considerably. This Assassin didn’t agree with the other Sith’s truce with the Jedi and sought to destroy them both with his power. The combined efforts of the others defeated this Assassin, but not before cursing Kilia IV with his continued return generation after generation to finish what he began – to destroy the Rangers and Kilia IV.

Wouldn’t it be fascinating to have this kind of power?

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The grand hall was huge, but then everything was huge to 10 year old Alastair. On the outside Castle Askard was an imposing figure by itself, but every time young Alastair was allowed within its walls it always felt like it was even larger. It was like being swallowed by a huge stone giant’s maw and taking up life inside its head, the world standing still while those within performed their duties…with the exception of the sun of course…then upon exiting the town would resume life as it was. Of course Alastair knew this was all in his mind, or at least he was told this by his father on more than one occasion. Still, there was always something special about this castle, as if it was alive in some way watching down on those within it.

It was late but the castle was alive with merriment. Alastair looked up, rainbow streamers ran across the 20 foot high ceiling, illuminated by fine candles that hung from 4 large chandeliers spaced evenly across the hall. The lighting was soft and warm with a very slight flickering that stayed only at the tops of the walls. The scent of charred boar and the sound of hearty laughter put a smile on the boy’s face, The King certainly knew how to throw a party.

The grand hall was packed, Alastair couldn’t begin to count how many people there were but it seemed like the whole guild of business owners and moneymakers from the Southern part of the inhabitable lands were here, but none for the other lord houses. Lord Elsnar Tionc, their host, had yet to make his appearance but everyone was invited to start without him. Tables that were about seven to eight feet long lined the grand hall from one end to the next and were stacked 8 deep to the entrance. At the very back was the longest table of all, the king’s royal seating, easily fitting 20 across one side as it overlooked the patrons enjoying their meals. Three of the people sitting at the long table, his mother, father and older sister, were easily recognizable to him. Dressed in a long flowing white gown lined with purple Persia Sea pearls along her sleeves and neckline, her long flowing blonde hair contrasted with her large sparkling emerald eyes peering proudly, his mother, Gennisha, looked the part of a regal angel of the forest. Now fourteen winters old and almost four years into her squire training, his sister Asia was dressed in a red gown with what were like flames sewn in yellow flowing up the gown to her neckline. His father sat on his mother’s right, next to the throne, wearing the same clothes that he always wore – brown pants with black knee high boots, green shirt and black jerkin with a black surcoat bearing the current Ranger Lord’s coat-of-arms Lord Gajakur Biul, a gold male Kilian Bantha with it’s head down baring its horns forward, the traditional garb of a Kilian Ranger under the direct service of the king. His mother and sister sat excitedly at their seats, talking and laughing with each other while his father sat calmly with a broad smile on his face. How he wished he could be sitting with them now revelling in the moment…

“Friends! Welcome!” Noble Lord Elnar Tionc announced as he walked into the hall, “I trust you all are enjoying yourselves this fine evening?”

The crowd roared with a reply. The king nodded happily as he made his way to his chair, his massive sapphire-encrusted silver crown hugging his scalp, “Excellent! You all know why you’re here and therefore we shall give the demiurge its due,” he picked up his golden chalice, “As you all know, earlier today our Ultrachrome mine, that which keeps our little House Tionc so wealthy and secure, was raided by The Renegade and his army of brigands. But thanks to the will of The Creator and our diligent defender of the South, Kilian Ranger Davin Kethel’Mari, our mines, land and people are safe once again!”

The crowd roared in approval, some still with their mouths full. Everyone in the hall raised their glasses towards Davin. Alastair’s father gave them a kind but awkward nod, clearly uncomfortable with the attention. King Elsnar was not adverse with continuing to dish it and raised his goblet to him, “To my friend. Without you I cringe to think what would become of House Tionc. This night is yours, Davin.”

*****

Hey guys, just to let you all know, in celebration for #StarWarsDay, I’ll be releasing a Star Wars fan fic that I had been working on a few years ago. It is a rather long story, and will be released in a few parts.

This story takes place in an Expanded Universe section that can be found in the Star Wars RPG, Kilia IV. It is a planet that is kind of like the Amish area of the galaxy, just outside of the Republic where its people live in a society that borders on medieval themes and minimalist technology. It may seem a little odd for Star Wars, but I also wanted to write a story that would take place in an original and memorable setting…so expect a little more fantasy than sci-fi in this one.

The story is about the origins of the first person who became the archetype for the secret organization of what would become known as The Emperor’s Hand. It takes place just before the Clone Wars, after the Battle of Naboo. This character has his own inner demons and is very powerful, having the potential of being a very powerful enemy to the Republic in the future.

I hope it at least piques your interest to read one block, if not the whole thing. :)

Hey guys, just to let you all know, in celebration for #StarWarsDay, I’ll be releasing a Star Wars fan fic that I had been working on a few years ago. It is a rather long story, and will be released in a few parts.

This story takes place in an Expanded Universe section that can be found in the Star Wars RPG, Kilia IV. It is a planet that is kind of like the Amish area of the galaxy, just outside of the Republic where its people live in a society that borders on medieval themes and minimalist technology. It may seem a little odd for Star Wars, but I also wanted to write a story that would take place in an original and memorable setting…so expect a little more fantasy than sci-fi in this one.

The story is about the origins of the first person who became the archetype for the secret organization of what would become known as The Emperor’s Hand. It takes place just before the Clone Wars, after the Battle of Naboo. This character has his own inner demons and is very powerful, having the potential of being a very powerful enemy to the Republic in the future.

I hope it at least piques your interest to read one block, if not the whole thing. :)

The invention of the Internet has made Marshall McLuhan’s theoretical view of the world becoming a Global Village with the use of technology real. Think about it, with the internet we can go to anywhere in the world with the use of our computers. We can go anywhere, see anything and perhaps most importantly – meet anyone.

That’s the end of the educational part of this post. I just wanted you all to realize, maybe to a younger audience who has had the internet available to them for their whole lives, that there was a time where knowing someone from another part of the world would be impossible if not for certain circumstances (camp, vacation, chance meetings). Keeping up with them would have been even worse…image actually WRITING A LETTER and mailing it! I know, it’s Caveman talk. But meeting someone through a medium like Facebook or Twitter was not possible, and so knowing someone from outside of your suburb could make you seem like a big shot to others.

But in today’s world, we can connect with like minded people who live in different parts of the world in a matter of seconds. The internet has allowed us to all become neighbours  - and this is the story of one of the best neighbours I have ever met…and who passed away all too early last week.

The late 90’s boom was interesting. While the internet was growing, but cautiously due to the .com failures, so too was one of my favorite interests – professional wrestling. I was (and still am) a huge fan. The internet was fast becoming the best way to get your behind-the-scenes – or kayfabe – news about all of your favorite promotions. It was during this time that wrestling was going through its biggest war to date – WWF vs. WCW – during the times when wrestling would dominate the cable T.V. ratings and both organizations were trying to beat the other.

I decided I wanted to try my hand at becoming an opinion columnist…I mean why not, during those times everyone had their own wrestling news website. I got hired by a small site but right after I posted my third column, it pretty much got shot down thanks to one guy who completely discredited the website owner – he stole news that he didn’t credit and didn’t pull through with a number of promises that this one guy called him out on.

This guy was Ron Stewart. Ron ran a wrestling hotline out of Detroit, Michigan and ran his own wrestling news website – both called PWRHotline. com – with one Robert Hanley. Ron was a majorly passionate fan of wrestling and not only reported news on the big two organizations, but kept particular attention to the independents as well. His site wasn’t just a wrestling hotsheet, he wanted and kept it like a news hub for local and international wrestling promotions.

I saw his posts about the site I was working on and sent him an email. This conversation went pretty much like this.

Me: “So um…dude…the guy bailed, you closed the site. Thanks for killing my part time journalism hobby.”

Ron: “Oh, hey…sorry about that. But look, I read your columns, you seem to know your stuff. Come write on my site, I could use a guy like you.”

Me: “You have a site?…ok.”

As you can see, he spoke a mean game.  But what’s more important from this is that I quickly became friends with Ron, and later became good friends with him…and it was all thanks to the internet. For a good 2-3 years I spoke to Ron through email and MSN Instant Messenger almost every night. We shared everything from our passion for wrestling, sports, opinions on life in general, even what was happening in our own lives. He helped create the Independent Wrestling Revolution, an indie wrestling organization that was one of the most popular in the Detroit area, AND was THE most popular ring announcer in Michigan at that time. I got to live it all through him thanks to the Internet. It was as if I was a part of his life by proxy, and knew practically everything that was going on with him (that he cared to tell me).

Ron was a person who held particular beliefs on a number of things, and he was never shy about voicing his opinion on practically anything. He was a firm believer of UFOs and loved to read about government conspiracies…always ready with a joke or a witty one-liner to anything I said. I remember one time he called me out of the blue because Matt Hardy and Lita/Amy Dumas from the WWE had walked into his restaurant…and couldn’t stop laughing at the fact that all of the internet crap spoken about them at the time just kept cycling in his head over and over again. I remembered he telling me about that night “Now I know why Amy wears all that makeup on T.V.” Ouch!

But he was also concerned, for me and his other friends on the net. It was something that back in the day, most people would be very suspicious of. After all, this guy lived 100’s of miles away, why would he care about anything I did? But he did, and always asked if he could help in any way. That’s the type of guy he was.

What’s more is, he was the type of guy who I could see myself hanging out with along with my friends at home. He was a loyal guy who would be there for his friends, and despite not knowing me on a face-to-face basis, he was very supportive of my work, whether it be a particular controversial column at the time, giving me the opportunity to interview wrestlers he had lined up, or even just work outside of the news site. In my opinion, he would have fit in seamlessly if he had been living in my hometown.  It was as if one of my friends who had lived near me my whole life had just moved to Detroit and we just kept in touch through the internet. Twice I made a trip out to Detroit to see wrestling shows and Ron. To be honest, I believe the total time we hung out with each other face-to-face hovered between the 3-4 hour mark in 12 years.

As the years have gone by I’ve wondered about a few things when it came to the Global Village. I had made all of these great friends, Ron being one of the closest…and one of the thoughts that came to me was what would happen many years in the future when one of these people went on with their lives without me, or worse? How would I feel about this?

On March 25^th , I unceremoniously found out. My brother from a far-away American mother passed away in hospital.  It was absolutely terrible, like a sledgehammer to my chest. It felt like I had lost one of my best friends living here in my city, and the only reason why I found out was because I made a quick Facebook check for something completely unrelated at the time of his death. <- This example being one of the true limitations of the Global Village in its current state.

No more Facebook messages, no more late night chats on the weekend, no more anything. I couldn’t even make the funeral, which made me feel even worse. For those of you in the Detroit area, there will be a memorial show to be put on in his honor starring all of your favorite IWR and Michigan area superstars –even the ones who have retired – on Sunday May 20th for one last show.

Many of my friends here can’t understand, they haven’t interacted to the degree that I have on the high levels of the Global Village as we know it today. They haven’t taken advantage of it or seen what I have – where typical people afraid of internet interaction just see a world of sexual predators and people after their credit card number, I’ve been introduced to a world where I hold strong feelings for people who I never would have met normally, people who have let me into their lives and for a select few, their families as well…all thanks to the internet.

If you do know someone who you feel strong ties to you that you’ve met online, I would give you this advice. Take a minute and let them know how you feel, don’t take it for granted that when you wake up you’ll find your friend’s latest Facebook post or Twitter tweet. You might not get a chance to shake their hand or give them a hug, but they should know how you feel about them.

You’ll probably feel better letting them know as well.