The dream was always of the same thing. A dead world of ghostly whispers and choking dust, each breath leaves the tongue and throat coated with the acrid taste of decay. Strange creatures long since dead leave only their giant husk's behind to hint at the life that once was, scattered between small outcrops of what once must have been a sprawling city. This is what Knight Joe Durham has been dreaming about for the last two weeks.
At first, Joe had disregarded the dream as insignificant. But after his experience in last night’s dream he was certain the Force was trying to tell him something. This is why he’s decided to speak with his old master Kromtal Bloodfyre Stormfyld about the matter.
“And this dream, you’ve had it every night for several weeks?” Asked Kromtal sitting behind his large durasteel desk and looking intently at his former apprentice.
“Yes and always the same one.” Joe responded from the couch several feet in front of Kromtal’s desk.
“Interesting...very interesting.” Kromtal mumbled placing his hands under his chin. “Tell me what the dream was about again.” He ordered.
“ A planet, barren with ancient tombs scattered across the surface. It’s terrifyingly desolate, like it exists in nothingness.” Joe responded looking down at the table in front of the couch.
“ But last night’s dream was different. It felt as if I was actually there on the planet. I could hardly breathe and I could feel the Force leaving my body. I was completely powerless and terrified. It felt as though I was dead.” Joe said, clearly disturbed.
“What!” Exclaimed Kromtal. “That’s impossible.” He whispered, a look of complete horror spread across his face.
“Master what’s wrong?” How asked, a shiver moving down his spine. He could sense his master was in a state equivalent to that of a frightened child. “Your hands are trembling.” Joe observed.
“Listen to me!” Kromtal spoke in a distraught voice. Joe could tell his master was struggling to keep his composure right now. “ There is a place in the Galaxy where the dark side of the Force runs strong. It is something of the Sith but it was fueled by something far more sinister. It corrupts any living thing that walks on its surface, draining its life essence until nothing remains but an empty shell.” Kromtal explained, practically on the verge of tears.
Joe could feel the room around becoming darker, and the air colder, a sense of dread enveloping them. Clearly the dark side is at work. Joe thought to himself. He could feel himself trying to fight off the subtle feelings of fear creeping into him.
“This place what is it’s name?” Joe asked looking at his master.
“Please don’t make me say it” Kromtal begged. “ Tell Me!” Joe insisted. “Nathema… it’s called Nathema.” Kromtal said.
“We have to go there master!” Joe said standing from the couch.
“NO PLEASE PLEASE NO!” Kromtal suddenly blurted out before falling to the floor. “....I have n-n-no desire to even kn-kn-know of such places let a-a-alone go to them.” Kromtal whispered, curled into a ball on the floor.
He’s right something that not only scares the hell out of me but even a master of Kromtal’s level is really bad news. I’m way out of my league here. Joe thought to himself, doubt beginning to enter his mind. He collapsed back onto the couch.
He closed his eyes and tried to focus entirely on the Force. He stayed like this for several moments. Then suddenly his eyes shot open, his eyes were the color of a fiery red. He outstretched his arms and hands. Then a wave of pure Force energy was emitted from his very being, driving away all the darkness and fear inside the room.
That’s right the Force is calling me to the planet. This is my destiny. That is why no matter what I must go. And with that he left with his mind made up. He was going to Nathema to fulfill his destiny.