&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp "No Tobal, the ship won't be effected at all by the weight of the books. I often forget how little experience you have with such things. Most people take starships for granted; it’s quite refreshing to be reminded that they’re actually quite a luxury. But as I was saying, they won’t be a problem. My ship can carry fifty metric tons of cargo, and the hold was all but empty when I arrived here.”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Marius grunted slightly as he hefted a large stack of books onto the hover-cart. After that he used the edge of his cloak to wipe the sweat from his face. The two of them had been working hard for a solid hour now, and had made great progress. Both of their carts were nearly full again, and only one load remained to follow. Straining, Vyktor and Tobal pushed their burdens to the Svelte Shuttle, and brought back the last cart they would need. Their job nearly complete, the older man had been deep in thought the entire time, except when replying to Hadul. Now he chooses to speak, looking to the younger man as they loaded the last of the books.

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “I don’t know about you Tobal, but I plan on following Master Fearson’s wishes. At the same time though, it’s a lot to do. We need to take all of these to Clak’dor, for the time being. I don’t think we should base the order there however; it’s not very secure. We’ll need something better…”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Vyktor cut himself off in thought again, but shrugged as they began pushing the last cart from the now empty library, their task finally at an end. “I’ll have to add that to my list of things to research, and tack it to the top. That’s one thing I really should talk to you about Tobal, I’m going to be really busy here in the foreseeable future, researching a location for us to base off of, and reorganizing all of these books. On top of that I have my own training, and my other responsibilities. Please don’t let that discourage you though. I’ll be busy, but feel free to come see me whenever I’m around. If you need any transport, or perhaps flight lessons, let me know, I’ll be happy to help. As for your Force training, Jade or Dakkon will have to help you with that, but I can input there if you like at times. Chadd once told me he often worked students of the same level together, it was helpful sometimes.”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp By the time he’d finished, they had reached the shuttle, and pushed the last cart inside. Marius motioned for the younger man to follow him to the cockpit, and strap in. The ship powered up quickly, having been in standby mode while they loaded it, and as they slid out of the small docking bay, Hadul’s ancient ship followed, slaved to their current craft. Vyktor’s chrono started beeping as he locked in their jump coordinates, the two hours had ended. Looking out the front viewport they watched the “Celestial Corrupter” disappear into hyperspace, as Marius saluted his friend one last time.

The planet of Clak’Dor VII was warm, and humid. The shuttle containing Tobal, Vyktor and the precious load of books landed smoothly outside a large compound. No people came out to greet them; the compound seemed completely deserted.


Tobal exited the shuttle, and walked fully around it in a slow, thoughtful action. He was listening, for any sound that he could pick up. Once again on land, Tobal was in his element. He could feel things, just hints of things everywhere, in every direction. His ears picked up a few small animals moving through the bushes on the edge of the clearing, and his eyes saw a bird flying out of a clump of trees. Once he had finished his patrol, Tobal joined Vyktor in investigating the compound. It was indeed deserted, for not a shred of life was present. It took the two ten minutes to find a suitable building to store the priceless books in, neither wanted them to be destroyed by the eliments. Vyktor went back to retrieve the ship, for there was room to set it down outside the building. Tobal continued to look around, checking all the rooms – for what he did not know. Slowly, he made his way to the roof of the building.


It was morning on this planet; the sky was beginning to glow. Tobal felt a pang of homesickness hit close to heart as he watched the sunrise; it reminded him of his home. A home from which he had been cast out. His future was different now; he could not see what lay ahead.


Both Vyktor and Tobal paused in their respective acts to view the dawn. It was beautiful, streaks of red burning across the sky, the hot fireball that warmed this planet rising to begin a new day.
While neither may have realized it, this day marked the dawn of a new era for the Shadow Jedi.

Whether it would be a good or bad era was in their hands, the future is not predetermined.