Isaiah the Gray, Part 21

Previously: https://storytogether.com/2020/09/10/isaiah-the-gray-part-20/

The Vow

Issac doesn’t answer, instead contemplatively staring off into space.

“Some life,” says Corban as he realizes the depth and seriousness of Issac’s situation. “Maybe “alive” was putting it too strongly, Issac.”

“There are some who value the Force above ideology, Corban,” retorts Issac. “That love can’t be taught with your textbooks or your philosophy. And that dedication requires a sacrifice. Even one this…extreme.”

“But undeath?” says Corban. “You can never pass on and truly rejoin what you purport to love. You can never feel its infinite embrace. Just how does that protect the Force?”

“And yet it still exists, despite the strain your kind places upon it,” says Issac who pauses, feeling strong emotion bubbling up from within. “Look at the signs all around you. The Force is being torn apart by the conflict between the Jedi and Sith. You think it’s a coincidence we’re sitting here talking, while he’s in the other room?”

Corban is surprised. What does Issac mean?

The Ancestor’s Test

“I was there on Korriban. I saw the Catalyst. And I…I met They.”

Corban sits in a stunned silence. But a few moments later he regains his presence of mind and laughs. “So I suppose we’ve been chosen! What a thing to be a part of, Issac. I feel for Isaiah. Let us be there for him, unbiased as our ancestors would have wanted.”

Issac nods in agreement. “Wouldn’t want it any other way. But if you and I are the Jedi and Gray representatives, who is the Sith?”

Jimmy walks into the room and immediately attracts Issac and Corban’s attention.

“Gentlemen, we’re going to be approaching Tatooine soon,” he says. “Please prepare yourselves; AI has detected a higher than usual amount of activity at our intended landing site.”

Tatooine

Jimmy feels a deep curiosity from both men as he turns and exits. He shakes it off as he heads back toward the bridge.

Issac looks to Corban. “I wonder…”

The Defiant pulls out of hyperspace and into orbit around Tatooine. The desert planet reflects the sun’s rays, creating a near halo effect around the system.

“Commander, we have arrived at the planet Tatooine,” announces AI over the intercom. “Shall we attain landing credentials at the Mos Eisley spaceport?”

“Yes, please. And then set us down,” says Isaiah who enters the cargo bay and approaches Corban. “Now, let’s go find this Catalyst of yours.”

Part 1: https://storytogether.com/2020/02/06/isaiah-the-gray-part-1/

Part 2: https://storytogether.com/2020/02/13/isaiah-the-gray-part-2/

Part 3: https://storytogether.com/2020/02/20/isaiah-the-gray-part-3/

Part 4: https://storytogether.com/2020/03/13/isaiah-the-gray-part-4/

Part 5: https://storytogether.com/2020/03/26/isaiah-the-gray-part-5/

Part 6: https://storytogether.com/2020/04/02/isaiah-the-gray-part-6/

Part 7: https://storytogether.com/2020/04/09/isaiah-the-gray-part-7/

Part 8: https://storytogether.com/2020/04/16/isaiah-the-gray-part-8/

Part 9: https://storytogether.com/2020/04/30/isaiah-the-gray-part-9/

Part 10: https://storytogether.com/2020/05/07/isaiah-the-gray-part-10/

Part 11: https://storytogether.com/2020/05/21/isaiah-the-gray-part-11/