Farren's Journal

[Farren Sefu]

I was about 8 years old when I underwent the Gathering. The Crystal Caves of Ilum were like nothing I'd ever seen. Boarding the Crucible with 4 other younglings and Master Fisto was an amazing experience. Professor Huyang was amazing, and I didn't realize a droid could be so heavily programmed with lightsaber knowledge and skill. Inside the cave, we found Master Yoda waiting for us. He told us that we would be going to retrieve our very own kyber crystals and learn to make our first lightsabers. The scary part was being told that if we didn't make it out we'd be trapped, and to head out immediately upon finding our crystal as a result, and not to wait for anyone else. It was definitely a unique experience.

Entering the cave, I found myself sticking close to a rather skiddish Aqualish boy named Raynir. He didn't want to be alone and was almost attached to my hip as the others went different ways through tunnels and caverns. I wasn't fluent in Aqualish, but I knew enough to understand that he wanted to stick together. I found this tolerable, but not ideal. I didn't want to have to babysit him, but the caves were creepy and I was secretly happy to have some company. As we traveled through the caverns, Raynir said he could see something shining in the distance, but I couldn't see anything. <Farren, look! There's a light! There's a light! Maybe that's the way out!> Or, at least that's what I think he said. Either way, he suddenly ran off down an offshoot. He made it maybe 50 yards before the cave ceiling suddenly collapsed, separating us. I could hear him groaning on the other side, and called out to make sure he was ok. <I'm alright, I think!>, he moaned back. The ice and boulders now between us were huge. There was a gap where I could look through and see Raynir on the other side, but couldn't get through to him.

"Raynir, stand back! I'm gonna try something!" I called out. Closing my eyes, I tried to focus the Force and push the rubble out of the way. Instead, the ground beneath me gave way and I fell, landing hard in a large cavern about 15 feet below. Before I could even dust myself off and call out to see if Raynir could still hear me, I was covering my ears against a deafening shrieking sound. I looked around and saw lights everywhere and the sound seemed to come from all around and nowhere at the same time. I figured I had broken some kind of rule and started crying, dropping to the ground and putting my head on my knees. After what felt like forever, I realized that maybe this was just in my head, and I looked up, wiping away tears. As soon as I did, the screaming stopped and all the lights were gone. Instead, a stalactite that I hadn't noticed before was inches in front of my face, with a something shining at it's tip. I grabbed at it, and it easily broke off, and that's when I knew that it was my crystal. Overcome with joy, I got up and ran across the cavern, seemingly knowing just which way to go. In a few minutes, I could see the entrance hall where Masters Yoda and Fisto were waiting, along with 3 other the other younglings. But Raynir wasn't among them.

The others were yelling and waving at me, clearly happy that I accomplished my goal. I smiled and waved back, and continued walking calmly towards them, until I saw that the ice door was already more than halfway frozen over. Where was Raynir? Whatever. I was sure he would find his way out before the door closed. I made it to the threshold of the door, but stopped. What kind of Jedi would I be if I left behind someone in need, especially someone as scared as Raynir seemed to be? Clutching my crystal tight in my hand, I turned and ran back into the caves, ignoring the cries of the other younglings. I swear I saw Master Yoda smile as I turned around. I ran back through the caves, but ended up taking a different tunnel than we had originally gone down. Something told me to go a different way. Sure enough, I came across a large crevice deep in the caves, and saw remnants of an ice bridge that used to connect to the other side. In the middle, trapped on a lone spire of ice, was Raynir, clutching his own crystal, but stuck on a tower in the middle of a bottomless pit. "Raynir! Jump to me! You can make it!"

<No, Farren, I can't! I'm scared!> He replied.

"Believe in yourself, Raynir! You're a Jedi! You can do it!" I called back. He whimpered a little more, then seemed to swallow hard and bent his knees. With great effort, he launched himself off the spire, and flew across the expanse, landing just on the ground beside me. He did lose his balance a bit, and I grabbed the front of his shirt to stop him from falling back. He gave me a big hug and began babbling something in his language that I didn't understand because he was talking too fast. I just patted his back and said "you're welcome" a few times.

We were out of time, though and I grabbed his wrist and yanked him into motion, and we ran back the way I had come to get there, arriving back at the main hall. It was almost too late, the ice door was maybe a foot off the ground and closing fast. I slowed my pace, allowing Raynir to pull ahead of me. When he was a good 5 feet in front of me, I concentrated again and shoved my arms out. Raynir was shoved forward hard and tumbled to the ground, rolling under the door and making it into the main hall. I stopped and bent over panting, ready to let the door close in front of me. Before I knew what was happening, though, I felt something grab my ankle and pull. I fell on my back and was dragged across the ground, sliding under the door with a inch between it and my face. When I stopped moving, my fellow younglings were standing around me talking over each other, and I looked up in time to see Raynir lowering his outstretched hand. He hadn't even gotten off the ground before he pulled me to safety.

He was a good friend. I know he was in the Temple when the Purge began. I hope his death was quick. He didn't deserve to suffer.

[Farren Sefu]

6 BFE (Before the Formation of the Empire)

The libraries were massive. Far bigger than my master had led me to believe. When I wasn't on training or outreach missions, I enjoyed spending my time in the archives, and became friendly with the head librarian, Master Jocasta Nu. She gave me data files containing history of the Order, and I liked to learn where we came from and the legacy of the Jedi. It gave me a sense of honor and pride. There was a curious section, though, millennia ago, that caught my interest and I asked Master Nu to bring me further records of this so-called Jedi-Sith War. However, Master Nu refused, telling me I wasn't ready to hear the tale. She claimed it was too violent and graphic for my young mind. Being 19 years old, I tried to disagree, but she shushed me and sent me away.


A few days later, I was walking through the Temple with my Master, as she had something to show me. As we were walking in silence, I decided to break it with a question.

"Master Tranyen, why does Master Nu restrict information from us? I thought were supposed to learn all that we could about our Order. I'm confused by the head librarian not giving us that opportunity. Isn't that the exact opposite of her job?" Luna Tranyen turned her head to me and shook it gently.

"Master Nu is in charge of all the Order's knowledge. She is the only living Jedi who knows every piece of our entire history. That kind of power comes with massive responsibility. It is up to her to decide, based on the disposition of each and every one of us, who can handle how much and what kinds of information. In fact, there have been things she's denied even me for years, and I've been a Master for...well, let's just say since before you were born." She said with a chuckle, as she seemed shy about discussing her age. "What information were you looking to access?"

"I found a mention of an ancient war between the Jedi and Sith. I already know that the Sith were once the sworn enemies of the Jedi and have been extinct for millennia, but that's it. I wanted to learn more about that war. Is that wrong?"

Master Tranyen almost stopped in her tracks, but resumed her pace almost immediately. "That is a touchy subject. The content of which is graphic as well as tragic. Many lives were lost on both sides. It's no surprise that she would keep that information from you. The information in there is available to all, so it's not that you're not allowed to know it. Master Nu likely believes that you just aren't ready for the burden of such an intense war yet. Especially not in this time of peace we live in. Take no offense from it, Padawan. In time, perhaps you shall ask again and receive what you seek. Today just does not appear to be that day. There is no shame in that. In the meantime, enter these chambers and wait for me. I must retrieve an item for this next stage of your training." She stopped outside a room in a meditation corridor that I had never seen before. I must admit, in my mindset, I had no idea where we had been going as I had not been paying attention. I had never been to this area of the Temple before.

"More training, Master? I wasn't aware of any-" I began, but I was cut off by my master waving her arm in front of me, and beckoning me to enter. I nodded and did as I was instructed.

"Wait here and await my return. If your inquiry troubles you, meditate on it. The Force may just hold the answers you seek. Always trust in that, my young apprentice." She smiled at me as she walked back and the door closed behind her. I trusted my master, so I did as I was told. I kneeled down on the floor in the middle of the room, and laid my lightsaber on the ground in front of me. I closed my eyes and focused my mind. Nothing happened. I was lying there in total silence, and, admittedly, growing bored. I wanted my master to return and show me what new training awaited me. My attention was suddenly drawn by a massive explosion in the distance, and sounds of people running and clamoring outside the chamber doors. I grabbed my saber and ran out the door, up the hallway, and looked out the nearest window. I was shocked by what I saw.

Coruscant was burning. Explosions raged all over and people were running for their lives. Republic security forces were gathering and returning fire at the enemy coming down from above. Looking at the sky, I saw hundreds of ships I’d never seen before, but somehow instinctively knew. Hovering above the city were seven capital ships: four Terminus-class Destroyers and 3 Harrower-Class Dreadnoughts. Each of them was unleashing laser fire on the city and spewing out fighters, a mix of Mark VI Supremacy-class fighters, B28 Extinction-class bombers, and several Fury-class Interceptors. They were destroying everything in sight, and the Republic had little air power to immediately repel them, though I could see a fleet of Consular-class Republic Cruisers coming to intercept.

Sith. I knew it. Somehow, I knew. Other Jedi running around me had their sabers ignited and were heading outside or to the roof. I followed the batch heading to the roof and bumped into my old friend Raynir on the way. His green saber and my blue one both activated and ready to use. As we got to the roof, we were greeted by the corpses of many of our allies and friends, Jedi and Republic Guard alike. Several Jedi were still standing and deflecting blaster fire as Raynir and I joined in and did our part. Every chance they had, the stronger of Masters, including Master’s Fisto, Bellaba, and Windu, would reach out with the Force and cause fighters to crash into each other, or rip off wings and send them crashing down. Master Luna Tranyen was nowhere to be seen. I had no time to look for her, though, as 3 Sith Assault Shuttles hovered overhead and opened their doors. Out jumped 3 dozen Sith warriors, their red blades ignited and already cutting down Jedi as they landed. I had a bad feeling about this.


(To Be Continued)

[Farren Sefu]

The Sith that we thought were extinct were everywhere. Even with their fewer numbers, they were cutting down Jedi left and right. Their weapons consisted of single, dual-blade, and dual wielding sabers, all shining a bright crimson. Lightning shot from their hands, and they would choke the life out of Jedi they couldn’t best with a blade. As the middle of the battle ground cleared as the Sith carved their way through our defenses, a figure in heavy battle armor dropped out of the transport ship, landing heavily on one knee. He slowly rose to his feet and ignited twin double bladed lightsabers, revealing his Delphidian appearance. Several Sith nearby cheered, “Darth Exodus is here! Our victory is secured! Down with the Jedi!” The one known as Darth Exodus shoved both his hands out in both directions and sent a force pulse that knocked down everyone on the roof, Sith and Jedi alike, including myself. All sabers deactivated as their owners fell. As I struggled to my feet and grabbed my saber, I saw that Raynir had lost his weapon and was frantically looking for it. Before he recovered it, a blur of green darted in front of our eyes, and just as fast, Master Yoda was standing before the one called Exodus.

“Come here, you should not,” Yoda said, holding his hand out in front of him. “Lay down your weapons, before hurt you are. No more need die here.”

The Delphidian laughed, and it seemed to shake me to my core. “My dear Master. I’m right where I want to be!” With a grin, he threw one of his sabers at Yoda like a deadly disc, but Yoda was too fast. His saber was drawn in the blink of an eye, and he deflected the incoming weapon up and away, disabling it in the process. The deactivated hilt landed with a clatter a few feet away.

“Strong with the Dark Side, you are. Yes,” Yoda said, assuming a Form IV ready stance. “However, win, you will not. The Light is my ally. Defeat you, I shall.” Yoda then shoved him hand out and sent forth a concussion of Force energy, but Darth Exodus was too fast, responding with a push of his own. The two were locked in a standoff, trying to out-push the other. The pressure of the building energy could be felt by all the other Jedi and Sith on the roof, who sat there watching this showdown. Before long, the pressure was too great, and the floor cracked and gave way, sending us all crashing into the Temple below us. I landed hard on my back, and had the wind knocked out of me. As I breathed through the pain and opened my eyes again, I was horrified to see a large chunk of ceiling heading straight towards me. I was paralyzed and couldn’t move as it came down on top of me and….

“AAAAHHHHH!!!” I yelled, jumping to my feet, saber ignited at my side. I was back in the chamber Master Tranyen left me, sweating and shaking. There was no damage, no Sith. I was confused. Was it all a dream? Did I fall asleep? How weird. I took a deep breath and resumed my meditative position from before that dream-vision. Another deep breath later, and I heard it again. The booms, the scrambling, all of it. Confused, I once more grabbed my weapon and exited the room. And there they were – the Sith ships bombing the capital city and heading to the temple. Was what happened a premonition? Was this the real thing? No matter, I ran as I had and once again found Raynir, headed to the roof, saw the Masters, and fought my way through. Exodus dropped from his ship and the Sith cheered. Force repulse, enter Master Yoda. Clashing pushes, broken floor. Open my eyes to the ceiling falling…..

“AAAAHHHHH!!!” Again, I was standing in the chambers, saber again ignited. What the hell was going on, I thought myself. This time, I deactivated my blade and ran out of the chamber, keeping my weapon in my hand, however. I found my Master a few yards up the hallway, taking a turn that led away from the roof access. “Master! Master Luna!” I called after her. She turned and faced me, smiling…..before an explosion enveloped her. “MAASSTTERR!!!!!” I yelled, as the shock wave knocked me on my ass. It was the Sith, commencing their bombing run. Again, like clockwork, Jedi running, Raynir at my side, on the roof, Exodus, Yoda, Force Repulse, falling ceiling….darkness.


I opened my eyes once more in the chambers. No screaming. No sweating. No saber ignited. All was quiet. I grabbed my head and shook it. What is happening to me? I took my weapon and hooked it on my hip, and walked calmly out of the room. Just as before, I found Master Tranyen walking away. I couldn’t lose her again! I reached out with the force and pulled her towards me hard. She yelled and, being the Master she was, she was able to flip out of the pull, leap over me, and land facing me with her aqua green saber right in my face. I stumbled back and fell, not expecting that. The exploding never came.

“Farren? What was the meaning of that?” She said, lowering her weapon. “Are you ok?”

“I-I’m sorry, Master. I thought there was going to be an explosion. You see, I’ve had a vision of the Sith attacking. I saw you die! The same thing, over and over. At least three times. I thought…I’m not….what’s going on?” I tried to explain. The more I spoke, the weirder it sounded. My master began to laugh. It wasn’t an amused laugh, though. More of a pitying sound. “M-master?” I questioned. What the purple Mikkian said to me next was not what I expected……

(To be concluded….)

[Farren Sefu]

"Oh, Farren. You poor, simple boy. I had a feeling you wouldn't be able to handle it. Looks like Master Vos owes me 50 credits. He bet me that you'd be able to see through the Sight Room. What a shame. Now, there's only one thing left to do." She said, shaking her head and throwing her body around in a fashion that said she was disappointed, but not surprised. Next thing I know, she reaches into her cloak and pulls out a saber I'd never seen before. "The point of that vision was to make sure you would see that the Sith are the true power in the galaxy and join them. You failed." Igniting this new saber, a bright red blade erupted out of the emitter and was thrust into my face. I barely had time to duck backwards and sidestep out of the way.

"Master!!!!! What are you doing!? Stop this!!" I cried, drawing my own weapon and locking blades with my master, who seemed dead set on killing me. "This isn't you!!" I blocked and dodged as best I could, but she was just too fast. How could I expect to win, I was clearly outclassed by this Master Jedi.

"Of course it's me, Farren. It's the real me. I grew tired of this Jedi facade. Now, it's time to strike!" She lunged as she spoke, and broke through my defense, clipping me in the right arm, forcing me to drop my weapon. I tried to call it back to me, but she was too fast, retrieving it before I had a chance and turning it on.

"HELP! PLEASE! Master Tranyen has lost her mind! Somebody!!" I cried through the halls, but no one heard. No one came. "Please...." I let out in a whimper.

"I always knew you were a failure, Farren. You want to know the reason that Master Nu didn't give you access to Sith history? Because she knew the Sith were still active. She knew they had penetrated the Order. And do you know why she knows this? Because she's one of us! An double agent, in the perfect place to destroy the Jedi: the heart of all Jedi knowledge and power. The secrets in those vaults are ours!! Long live the Sith!!!" She called out, her voice crackling and cackling.

Something inside me snapped. I pushed her back with the force, and recovered my saber. Then I tightened my grip on my saber and let out a vicious yell. I began hacking away at my master, using the most aggressive techniques and styles I could muster. I wasn't going to let the darkness get her. "This isn't you, Master! And if it is, I can't let you win! No matter what! The Sith are evil!!" She just laughed at me, blocking my strongest strikes like they were nothing. It was exhausting.

"Good apprentice! Give in to that hate! Let it drive you! Only then can you beat me and take my place!" She cackled with glee in her voice.

No....this can't be the end.... I thought to myself. "This isn't real. This can't be. My master would never do this! She would never betray the Order. She would never betray me! You're not her!" I yelled out, finding a sudden surge of confidence, as if I had been spoken to by a secret friend. "I know that you won't hurt me, 'Master'. And if you do, then let it come. I would rather die than live in a world where my best friend is evil and corrupt." I stood on my feet squarely, shoulders back and chest out. I stared down my master dead in the face.

"Foolish boy! Then you shall get your wish! Say hello to Master Jinn for me!" She shrieked, and lunged at me with both blades as I closed my eyes, stabbing me square in the chest. I could feel the heat of the blades, but....no pain. Nothing. I opened my eyes slowly and saw an empty room. The meditation room I was in. I was back. It was over. Another illusion. Once more, I reclaimed my weapon, laying in front of my feet right where I left it, and walked out of the room. This time, I was greeted with thunderous applause. Out in the hallway, staring at the door, were dozens of Jedi. Masters Yoda, Windu, Fisto, Kenobi, Mundi, and Nu were all there. Several of my fellow padawans, including my friend Raynir and every youngling who had been in my Gathering class. They were all clapping and smiling at me. Some pumped their fists in the air. And in the middle of them all, Master Luna Tranyen, with the biggest smile I've ever seen on her face.

"What...what's going on? Master?" I asked, stammering. My master walked over and placed her hand on my shoulder, still beaming.

"My young apprentice, you have done so well. You saw through the illusions and darkness inside yourself and the Force. You rose above it. You have surpassed my teachings." She rubbed my shoulder as she spoke, and all the gentleness and love that I knew was back in her. I looked over and saw Master Yoda walking over to me. I took a knee and bowed to him.

"Very good, young one. Very good, yes. Excelled, you have. The Force is full of mysteries, and yet, helpful it is. A guide. A friend, yes?" Yoda dropped his walking stick and force levitated his saber out of his robes and into his hand, igniting it. "By the rite of the Council; by the will of the Force. Farren Sefu, you may rise" he recited, tracing my shoulders as he spoke.

I stood up and looked around. Master Yoda had put his saber away and reached out a hand. I felt a tug on my head and saw that my padawan's braid had been removed and was floating into Yoda's hand. "A Padawan, you are no longer. Jedi Knight, you have become. Well done." I looked around, stunned. My Master walked over and hugged me.

"Congratulations, Farren! I am so proud! Come with me now. I'm sure you're hungry." I nodded, still speechless. I followed my master...no. My former master to the commissary, a new fire in my heart.

[Farren Sefu]

2 months AFE (After the Formation of the Empire)

The call was getting stronger, I just knew it. Ever since I found refuge in the air base on Umbara, I could feel like the stars were still calling me. From dodging clones over Coruscant, to making questionable deals with pirates on Florrum, I could feel something in the back of my mind. And now, I felt, I was about to find out what it was. Part of me knew, of course. This kind of call was unmistakable for a Jedi. But when I came out of hyperspace in orbit over Pantora, I had to admit it was the last place I expected to go in search of a new kyber crystal. Still, I knew better than to doubt the Force, and so I set a course for the outskirts of the capital city, where the call got stronger. It took some time to find a suitable landing spot to conceal the Shadow Lark in the marshlands, but I managed it. Imperial presence wasn’t offensively strong here, so I wasn’t too concerned about raising an alarm with my unexpected landing.

Trudging through the mud and plants was not fun, but at least the sun was shining, which made it a vast improvement from the darkness of Umbara that I had gotten used to. The animal cries that I heard in the distance were foreign to me, as I had never been to Pantora before. I didn’t think I had to worry about any predators, but I kept an eye open, just in case. I walked for what felt like an eternity, following the sound that wasn’t really a sound. As I was about to think I was on a wild bantha chase, I saw something odd in the distance. Upon sighting it, I instantly dropped to a knee and drew my new KYD-21 and held my breath. It was a Separatist drop pod, used to deploy battle droids. I realized I was being ridiculous, however. I mean, this pod is at least 2 years old, and it seemed damaged. This was clearly not a controlled landing. Whatever droids it carried were either destroyed or long since gone. The door wasn’t open, though, so I felt that it was most likely the former. But this drop pod seemed to be the source of the kyber’s call. Of course it was. Stepping closer, and making sure no one was watching, I used the Force to pry the door open and away, and almost had a heart attack. Four deactivated BX-series commando droids were waiting inside. They were still strapped in to their harnesses and, upon closer inspection, all seemed to be damaged beyond repair. They posed no threat. Stepping inside, I felt the call of my crystal like never before. Was it somehow merged into the components here? Stuck to the foot of one of the droids from whatever planet it had been on prior? I closed my eyes and reached out with the Force, calling the crystal to me. The pod began to shake.....

The fall wasn’t as bad as it felt in my head, all things considered. The shaking of the pod turned out to not be Force related, but my additional weight causing the ship to sink deeper in to the marsh and break through the soft ground. After some yelling that would have my Master turn pink instead of purple, I realized that I was still in one piece. The same could not be said for my deactivated companions. Though they had been in their chairs, the debris had weakened the restraints and three of them were sent tumbling around the cabin like rag dolls, ultimately breaking into several large pieces and coming to a rest on the floor. Only one remained intact. It was apparently pinned to the back wall by a piece of metal through its chest, piercing its power core. It couldn’t turn on even if it wanted to. I almost felt pity for it. Almost. Shaking the dust and loose metal shards of myself, I exited the pod and found myself in a subterranean cave, probably never found by sentiments before. There was water and moss all over the place, almost as if someone copied the surface and remade it underground. The main difference now was that there were shards of rock sticking out at random. Rock and..... crystals! There were pillars of crystals sticking out in several different places. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Of all the planets in the galaxy, I would have never pegged Pantora has having its own kyber cave. If the Separatists had known....the Empire! When I finished here, I had to make sure that the Empire would never find this place. With a brand new skylight in the cave, I’d have to get creative, but that would be for another time. I had other priorities.

It didn’t take nearly as long to find my new crystal this time as it did back on Ilum. Within minutes of wandering through the breathtaking sights of this cave system, I found myself prying a small crystal from the wall of the cave, and not out of an outcropping as I had expected. With it safely in my hand, the precious stone seemed to briefly glow and the call in my head ended. I was very glad to have an old ally back in my possession, but that was only half the battle. The crystal was useless without a saber to put it in. I’d have to solve that problem back at my base, so I began to leave. It wasn’t until I arrived back at the damaged droid pod that I got an idea. Kneeling down over the scraps and mess of the destroyed droids, I closed my eyes and waved my hand slowly over the scrap. As if by intelligent design, parts and wires from them pulled themselves away and took shape. My hand moved automatically from my pocket and released the crystal, which slid into place. The components all locked into place and I grabbed the handle instinctively and opened my eyes to view it. The design was something I couldn’t consciously imagine. 6 short parapets guarded the emitter matrix in an evenly spaced circle, and three long spikes stretched out and down along the top half of the hilt, acting as a hand-guard. It looked markedly different from my original saber, but it was mine! Keying it on, I was greeted by a very unique silver blade.

My work done, I was preparing to leave when I took note of the remaining droid. It was mostly intact, despite being pinned to the wall. I made the command decision to take it with me as an aide. Using the Force, I removed the bar that pierced it, and then levitated the droid up and out of the pod. As it drifted past, I caught a glimpse of the base of its neck where an serial number was etched: W3-57LY. The roof of the cave was a good 50 meters above, so I had no choice but the chuck the poor bastard up and out, following behind with a Force powered jump of my own. I pressed the beckon call on my belt, and in a few moments the Shadow Lark settled into a hover over head. When the loading ramp opened, I once again threw the droid through the air to get him inside and jump up after, but I couldn’t leave yet. I had to make sure that this place was never found again. Reaching out with the Force, I got a hold of the trees and bushes in the surrounding swamp. With effort, I yanked and pulled them at randomly, allowing them to drop in a haphazard pattern that I had to hoped looked random or natural enough that it wouldn’t appear intentional. When I was satisfied that the cave opening was well hidden, I locked the droid in the cargo hold, sat in the cockpit, and keyed a course back to Umbara. I had a lot of work to do on my new toy.