Nar Shaddaa

Galen liked the rain, whether it was a violent storm or a light cloudburst like this. It could make a hunt difficult, however, and what he had planned would be difficult enough. Weather was one of the many variables he would need to consider. As he watched rain drops run down the leaves of a nearby plant in ever shifting directions, he wondered about all the other variables the future held.

How did Lyshea see through them?

He'd ask her, if she came to see him.

Lyshea walked up to him with her hood raised. Though her posture was still immaculate, her expression was solemn. "You came and yet I am unsure why," she stated.

"I was wondering about that." he gave a concerned look. "Your reaction to the attack yesterday... It took you by surprise. That clearly bothered you. I was worried. About that and about your choice to meditate on it then and there."

"I was searching for a way to resolve it. Every choice I saw led to only more violence."

"There really was no viable solution." he nodded. "Is that the best way to look for one, though? I would think there would be times when it is better to consider what's in front of you than to contemplate what's in your future."

"Others do not possess my abilities. Others may process the very present as I analyze the future." She gave him a weak smile. "But even with all my foresight, I had no ability to stop them. If I had simply been inside, then I would have..."

She shook her head. "No. There is no changing the past."

"No, there isn't." he agreed. "Stepping closer. Nor is it always possible to change the future. Some would say it can't be changed at all. I don't know. I can only live in the moment and make the best of it I can."

She lowered her head. "Galen, in one of my visions, I saw that my padawan would be in danger. However, I did not see that despite my proximity, I would be unable to help her."

"I didn't realize she was there." he responded softly. "Is she alright?"

"She is in the critical care ward of the hospital. The damage to her nervous system and lungs is extensive."

"I'm sorry." He was very close now. "Is there anything I can do? For her or for you?"

The Miraluka opened her arms and brought him into a hug. "There is a sickening corruption spreading throughout this Moon. I believe many, including those of my own Order, may be affected by it." She sighed. "They will seek the Dark Side because it is seductive, because it is more immediate. But there is no mastering such an impurity in the Force. True power comes from seeing past the ease of losing oneself to desires.

"And there is nothing I can do to stop it."

He hugged her comfortingly.

"There are many things happening on this moon. People are making horrible decisions and doing terrible things for inexcusable reasons. But, not everyone."

"Right. Not everyone is." Master Mersl removed herself from the hug and gave him a warm smile. "I am glad that it appears that you have not been swayed."

"I have my vices and I pursue my desires." he admitted with a shrug. "But, they're relatively simple and aren't worth causing harm to others. I don't think that's difficult. And, I know others are of a similar mind."

"There are certainly many individuals of the sort. But not everyone has the same connection to the Force that we do." She paused and focused on him. "Who else do you speak of, Galen?"

"One doesn't need the Force to make a difference." he replied. "Anyone can do what's right and influence those around them."

"As for those who are connected to the Force? There's only one I worry about, but only because she has worried over it herself. I trust her, though."

She nodded. "You are correct. But what I meant is that they are not so easily corrupted by the Dark Side. They are not seduced by it; the Dark Side would have to overtake them forcefully."

The woman smiled. "Perhaps you will teach her. I have faith in your abilities, Galen."

He shook his head. "The Dark Side offers a tempting path. But, no more so than status, wealth, fame or any other form of power. It is a choice one can make, either because they see no other way or because they don't care about the consequences."

"The Dark Side corrupts on a spiritual level, Galen. It corrupts more than greed or even wrath could."

"So, it's worse than what compelled those who attacked the wedding?" he asked. "Worse than the calousness of the man who bought me and used me as bait? If I chose to, I could use my rifle to kill a man before he could know I was there. Our capacity for evil is unlimited without the Force."

"I understand that the Dark Side is tempting and that it affects us on a spiritual level. But, embracing it is a choice. Suggesting that it actively corrupts us into making that choice makes it easier to dismiss our conscience."

"There will always be evil, Galen. It is in the nature of sentient beings to have those impulses. I certainly disapprove of the events at the wedding, by what happened to you before. However, the Dark Side corrupts, harms, more than our mortal shells."

She lowered her head. "But you are right. It is an active choice to embrace it. However, I believe most do not know what they are agreeing to when they give into the temptation."

"Perhaps I don't understand." he sighed. "What does it do that other forms of power does not?"

"It is a spiraling path. But it also can create disturbances in the Force, unnatural constructs. This is often by the usage of Sith alchemy and sorcery."

"Unnatural things? Now I understand." he nodded. "Then, do you think something like that is involved in what is happening on Nar Shaddaa?"