Continuing from last week’s Isaiah the Gray #TBTRPG story, Corban patiently stands, unable to view the AI’s re-creation. But as soon as Isaiah touches his shoulder, Corban’s expression changes to utter shock and amazement. “It can’t be…a Catalyst?”
Isaiah is surprised. “What’s a Catalyst?”
Corban is still flat-out stunned. “I don’t know if I can be the one who answers that question. Tell me, was there another on the surface? Or did this device react to your presence?”
Isaiah and Jimmy look to one another. Jimmy says: “Why do you ask?”
Corban responds: “It is said by some in the galaxy that there was a…pact among some of our ancestors. A…test of sorts of their progeny and their kin. Like today, there were spiritual, philosophical, and physical battles over interpretations of the connections to the Force. It is said that the Jedi, Sith, and even the clandestine Gray fought to a standstill with no resolution. So they came together and did something no other cycle had done: they agreed to disagree. But more than that, the legend says that their agreement was to let the future settle their debate for them. But no one knows how. Over the years, the legend that was passed down to the Keepers of History of the Jedi Order, to me, was that there were great Force Catalysts which somehow were tied to that pact between the sides. I believe I am seeing one through your memory, hard as it is to believe.”
“And you feel what we experience on Korriban could have been an interface with one of these Catalysts?” Jimmy asks.
“Yes.” says Corban. “And if I’m right, it could explain some of what’s been happening to you.”
“How so?” asks Isaiah.
“Concentrate on your connection to the Force.” says Corban. “Does it feel like you? Or something or someone different?”
“It is hard to say.” responds Isaiah. “I’ve never known anything different. Since Korriban, the connection has certainly gotten stronger, more fluid, more complete almost.”
Corban pauses and ponders for several moments. “If you were to encounter another Catalyst, how do you feel you would react?”
“I didn’t have much of a choice last time.” answers Isaiah. “But, even still, I would react the same. I would take answers from it if it had any to give.”
“FUK-U, awaken.” yells Corban. The assault droid FUK-U wakes from its forced slumber and powers back on to life. “You rang?” he says.
“Please, come here.” says Corban calmly. FUK-U sarcastically responds:”Anything you say.”
FUK-U approaches the group. Corban reaches behind FUK-U’s head, right above where his spine you would be, and withdraws a data chip of some kind.
“This chip may have the location of a second Catalyst.” says Corban. “I was hoping to explore it on my own when I retired. I sense the Light within you Isaiah. I would be honored to accompany you there.”
Isaiah takes the chip. “AI, please set coordinates for the location on this ship. Keep us on high alert throughout the journey.”
Isaiah turns to Corban: “The Jedi never cared about me when I suffered. They preach and preach but their words ring hollow to those without the means to live. Do not attempt to turn me Corban for there is nothing to turn.”
