Eye Of The Needle (Star Wars)

Chapter 3: Anger Leads To Hate

I furrowed my brows. "How do you know her?"

"Veda? She's part of the Council of the Echani Command and the Senator of Echani. Anyone who's anyone knows her." Koltav stated. "She has connections all over the galaxy."

"I knew she always has had many friends, but I didn't realize it was to that extent." I replied before taking a sip of the noale.

At that moment I realized that Koltav was right. As a child, we'd always be visiting different planets as mom always told us she had close friends who were all spread out in the galaxy such as the Amidala family and the Chuchi family. It's why I've known Padmé and Riyo since I was very little. However she never spoke about her past nor did her mother, grandma Sincra. She lived in Kor Vella, Corellia. She claimed to have lived there with her husband who was a Corellian, but some things didn't add up. But of course I said nothing since I had no proof.

Koltav chuckled. "She's always had connections, especially with many royal families. It seems like you no knowing of your mother."

I knew he was joking, but his words just didn't rub me the right way. Without thinking twice, I shot up from my chair, slamming my hand down on the table. "I don't like your jokes, Diktat! I know my family very well. There are no secrets between any of us."

Koltav raised his hands in the air as he quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, Storm. I didn't mean to strike a nerve...I just found it odd that you didn't know about her connections."

I clenched my fists. "As if that matters! She doesn't need to tell me every little detail of her life!"

"Let's all calm down, shall we? We don't want to make any decisions we'll regret." Korste said, intervening.

His voice was laced with fear, but I was too caught up in my anger to notice.

"STORM! STAND DOWN!"

My master's booming voice snapped me out of my blinding anger. It was at that moment that I realized that I was holding my vibrosword in my hand. I glanced around to see the guards with their weapons out on high alert. However once I sat back down, putting away my vibrosword, they retreated to their posts.

Master Allie wore a stern look as she crossed her arms. She looked livid. "What were you doing?"

Just before I was about to say anything, Koltav spoke up. "It's my fault, Master Jedi."

Master Allie's face softened. "It's alright, Diktat. It's all forgiven, right Storm?"

I nodded with a sheepish look. "Yes, Master."

"Remember the Jedi Code." Master Allie reminded me. "I don't wish to yell at you, Storm."

"Sorry Master, I'll be more mindful next time." I assured her. 

Master Allie released a sigh before walking towards me and placing a hand on my shoulder. "You are a good Jedi, Storm. However please control your thoughts, including your anger. Anger leads to hate. And hate..."

Before she could finish her sentence, I finished it with a sigh. "...Leads to suffering, which leads to the dark side. I remember very well."

"Good, then you'll remember to put it into action next time the occasion arrives." Master Allie suggested. 

As soon as supper ended, Koltav stood up. "I will retire now to my chambers."

"Allow me to escort you." I offered. 

  At my words, the guards moved towards the Diktat as if to protect him. Korste looked at me with a hesitant look. Great...I screwed up big time. I decided to take out my lightsaber putting it on the table. The yellow lightsaber made of an ancient crystal called the Heart of the Guardian along with Impact crystals, wasn't my first lightsaber I created. It was my third one. I made my first lightsaber when I was ten on Ilum. It had a Viridian crystal, giving the blade a silver green color. Then, my second lightsaber was a double bladed lightsaber with Impact crystals, giving the blades a yellow color. As I turned towards them, I raised my hands. "There. I'm no longer dangerous."

Korste then raised his eyebrow. "I saw a vibrosword in that belt of yours as well."

I reluctantly took out my vibrosword, placing it on the table. I gave him a look that said "Happy?" 

"Guards, search her." Korste ordered.

"This isn't necessary." Master Allie began but was cut off by Korste. 

"After the little stunt she pulled I'm merely taking safety precautions." Korste explained.

With that the guards began taking out hidden vibro-knifes I had hidden, surprising my master. I quickly tried to explain. "This was just backup in case I ever lost my lightsaber."

"And the vibrosword?" Korste inquired.

"Yes and the vibrosword..." I trailed off. "It was my second backup plan." 

Master Allie sighed. "Oh Storm..."

As the guards continued taking out my hidden weapons, Koltav intervened. "Korste, this is ridiculous. She's here as part of my protection."

"Did you not see what she did ten minutes ago? She could've hurt you." Korste protested. 

"Which I provoked." Koltav shot back, silencing Korste who muttered something under his breath.  

"Thank you, Diktat. I understand there is severe tension due to the recent events, but I am glad there is someone here whose mind is not completely consumed by fear." Master Allie chimed in with a smile.

"My pleasure." Koltav replied with a small nod before turning to me. "You can collect your weapons, Storm."

I smiled. "Thank you, Koltav."

As soon as I grabbed my weapons, Koltav and I left the dining room. As we made our way to his chambers, I spoke up. "I'm sorry, Koltav. The whole incident was my fault."

Koltav shook his head. "No Storm, it wasn't your fault."

"But I'm the one who lashed out. I think I got on all their bad sides." I argued.

"But it was I who sent you into that rage." He reasoned. "And don't worry about getting on their bad sides. I'll talk to Korste. Think nothing more of the matter, Storm."

I smiled at his words. "Thank you, Koltav. You're too kind."

He returned my smile. "Only to those who deserve it."

For some reason my heart fluttered at his words. I mentally cursed at myself. What are you thinking, Storm? Remember the Jedi Code! It wasn't long until we arrived at the door of his chambers. He gave me one last warm smile before making his way into his chambers.