—Journey to the Amaxine Station, by Reath Silas—

REPORT CONCLUSION

The reasons you gave for accepting a frontier assignment have been fulfilled, master. I’ve encountered situations more unpredictable than anything that could’ve happened in the Archives. I’ve used my knowledge in real conflicts, not just through simulations. I’ve gained information about unknown cultures, though Master Cohmac says we still have a lot to learn about the idols and whatever darkness is trapped within them. I’ve gotten out of the Archives for a while. And I’ve met forms of life I never knew existed; while I can’t say I’ve managed to communicate with Geode, I sense him through the Force more. A little more. I think.

Since I’ve already accomplished all that, why remain on the frontier?

Please, just consider, master. Not only did the hyperspace disaster trap both of us in separate parts of the galaxy, separating us for days, but this mission also cost Dez Rydan his life. I know you feel his loss even more than I do. Dez had more experience, more skill, more—well, almost more everything than me. More than almost anyone. He still died, because there are threats out here we don’t know about. We don’t even know enough to guess what they are, or when we’ll encounter them. How can we study the deepest secrets of the Force, achieve higher levels of meditation, if we’re too busy fighting to stay alive? How can I put my knowledge to use when the frontier doesn’t call upon most of that knowledge?

You know I’m no coward, Master Jora. I’ve never failed to do what was necessary and right. But being on the frontier isn’t necessary. At least, not for us.

If thinking about the Kyber Arch was supposed to clarify things for me, well, it hasn’t. Jedi can and do cross it alone. Maybe that was just a puzzle you gave me to distract me from the upheaval of leaving Coruscant.

I’m never going to turn this in for you to read. This is just about working through things in my head. There’s no convincing you to change your mind—I know that if I know anything.

But is it so bad if I hope you’ll change your mind on your own?

Reath turned from his holocam when he felt the subtle shift in vibration that meant their hyperspace journey would end soon. To the cam he said, “Delete all,” then got to his feet.

When he reached the jump seats, Orla Jareni was already settling in and adjusting their belts. From the bridge, Leox called, “Should we secure those idols? Last thing I need is evil spirits messing up my landing.”