The Weaving Force: Chapter 23 (Patreon)

Chapter 23:

Vicky:

Vicky had a plan.

Granted it… probably wasn’t a good plan. But it was a plan! And it even had multiple ways to succeed!

That was already better than most other bad plans!

She always had a tendency to stick her nose where it didn’t belong, and try to help when she could. Her elementary school years were filled with skinned knees and stained clothes fighting with bullies and mean kids. Her teenage years were spent (verbally) beating down the mean girl squads of Arcadia until everyone knew who the real queen Bee was.

Then she got powers.

That tended to shoot one up the pecking order a bit.

So honestly this whole… thing going on with Taylor… She couldn’t help herself. Even if she hadn’t been involved already- she likely would have poked her nose in to see what she could do to help.

Given that she was already involved, and that as far as she knew there was absolutely no one else that could do this… well she doubly needed to be the one to do it.

The issue was that Tay was scared, of herself, of her power and especially what she called Khepri, which was, as far as Vicky could figure out anyway, another name for her power or perhaps Taylor under the control of her power.

So the best way to deal with something you were afraid of was to tackle it head on. Vicky couldn’t force Tay to do that, at least not as a first step but she could make things better.

By confronting her power.

Because if powers were sentient, and it was already proven they were, who’s to say that her power and Taylor’s power didn’t know eachother? Maybe they were friends or something.

So if she could talk to her power and her power could talk to Taylor’s power and make it play nice; maybe things could just be solved that way.

Even in her own head she knew it was perhaps overly optimistic but she had to try something. Now that she knew the true extent of Taylor’s overwhelming fear she felt almost… guilty at the fact that she’d been so oblivious to it before.

There must’ve been signs things she’d missed or brushed under the rug out of convenience or callousness and that just wasn’t cool. She should have acted. Even if she didn’t know the specifics she’d known something was wrong.

So the thought of just “leaving it alone” wasn’t acceptable to her anymore, plain and simple.

She would help, and drag Taylor kicking and screaming into healthy-headspace-land if she had to.

But that part- the ‘drag kicking and screaming’ part, had to come later, after she found out if it was even possible.

After all, it wouldn’t make much sense to start dragging her kicking and screaming only to find out she didn’t exactly have a ride to get her to healthy-headspace-land at all.

So for now, get all her lil’ ducks lined up. Then do the dragging part.

“Tay.” She called, knocking gently on Hebert's door.

No answer but that was expected, pressing the access pad the barrier whooshed up into the ceiling, revealing Tay sitting on one of the Jedi’s “not-bean-bag” but “totally-bean-bag” chairs by her window. She was blinking rapidly, as though Vicky had woken her up from a nap.

“Oh. Were you asleep?” She asked. After that ten day bullshit she really didn’t want to be the one to wake up Taylor from even the smallest of naps.

Seriously. Ten days. It still worried her. Hell the medical examiner that checked them a few days ago wasn’t exactly jumping for joy either when he learned about it

But Taylor shook her head; indicating a negative.

Vicky had a hard time believing her though as she rubbed at her forehead- everything Vicky could see screamed that Tay was only just waking up and shaking off the grogginess.

Still, if she was asleep that was all the better. If she left quick enough maybe Tay would go back to sleep. “Hey, Tay- can you tell me where Little Green is? I wanna ask him something.”

Tay’s eyes fully opened, narrowing in sudden suspicion as they swiveled over to look at Vicky. No doubt their little spat with Master Plo-Koon a few days ago came to the forefront of her mind.

“What’re you gonna ask him?” The insects hissed around them. Vicky didn’t even know her bug voice could sound knowingly suspicious but hey- there it was…

Neat.

But still, she was prepared for this. “I actually wanted to ask him about my memory lock things. With all the excitement that kinda got lost in all the hullabaloo.”

Taylor’s eyes narrowed again, still suspicious Vicky could see a muscle in her jaw working.

“I could lead you there… you might get lost.”

It was like debating around her mother when Brandish knew something was up but couldn’t prove it…

“If you weren’t napping weren’t you doing something?” She decided to ask.

If Tay insisted then Vicky would let her follow.

She could always try again later, and right now, she still didn’t have the exact limit of Taylor’s range. That information would be useful in ensuring privacy and might become apparent if she delayed for a bit. Just flat out asking her would scream that Vicky was up to something but quiet deductions and extrapolations she could get away with. Ergo, Tay tagging along right now, if she decided to do that, was more annoying than a genuine setback if it happened.

So Vicky’s bad yet probably not that bad of a plan was proving to be flexible. She was a genius. Truly.

Tay looked conflicted then and Vicky suspected that maybe she had been doing something. Naps were nice but she didn’t think anyone could ever look out and out conflicted about continuing one over doing something else.

She could almost see the cogs turning in Taylor’s mind, weighing her options as she stared at Vicky.

Finally, she came to a decision.

“He’s in the youngling Creches. Two levels down, near the library.”

She smiled, waving. “Thanks Tay. On my way back I’ll bring some food.” She promised, rushing out of the room before the brunette could reconsider.

(X)(X)(X)

Taylor:

I felt Vicky leave, keeping track of the tiny bugs hiding in her clothes and hair, rapidly floating out the room and down the hall.

I… knew what she was likely going to talk to Yoda about. She was about as subtle as a brick through a window and a part of me genuinely wished to go and stop her but… I’d been…

I forced my heart and mind to still, trying to recapture my focus as I resettled in my seat. Trying to repeat the process. The tips of my fingers tingled, my whole body feeling charged with static as equal parts excitement and trepidation cut through me

-Breathe with me Padawan. Slowly *Inhale*... *Exhale*

For days now, I’d been listening to the instructors teaching the younglings of the temple. To recordings played back in study sessions among the aspirants. To Masters in more intensive lessons with their padawans. To Padawans themselves sharing ideas and methods for completing hard lessons. From morning to night, while in this room and out of it. Inundating myself to try and learn as much as I could as fast as I could.

-It flows through you as it flows in all things. Do not try to search for it. It was always there

Because I needed to learn. I couldn’t risk them waking her up just because I didn’t know what the hell they were doing.

Khepri…

-Feel the world around you. Touch it. Let it flow through you.

Khepri.

-Touch the mists that drift from life to life. Feel. Only feel.

The name strangled me even as I breathed.

Facing down the mere possibility of her… It was like standing atop the precipice of a mountain, the howling gale tearing through me… and finding myself buried alive.

Trapped. Helpless. Silent. Alone.

-Strip away the metal. Strip away crude matter. Words are meaningless, flesh is meaningless. Listen only to the currents and eddies of life that surround your being

I needed to learn.

I couldn’t risk it.

And just now; before Vicky had interrupted I… I know I felt something.  Like a drifting cloud… the warmth of sunlight without the harshness of its glare.

I needed to focus… I needed to focus.

(X)(X)(X)

Vicky:

Floating down the hallways, she was the victim of many an odd and startled look, but “floating briskly” was a lot faster than walking and oddly less conspicuous than running. And the last thing she wanted was for Little Green to leave the Youngling Creche in the interim of her leaving the room and arriving two stories down. That would just make everything a pain in the neck.

So, “Floating Briskly” it was.

Opting out of taking the elevator she made it to the central mezzanine “opening” that overlooked several floors.

She called it the chasm personally.

Rushing forwards she almost giggled at the startled shouts she heard behind her as she hopped over the railing to leap down- and she did smile when a few people jumped and screamed at the lower floors when she halted her descent and made a bee-line for the creches.

She wondered how long it would be before they got used to her flying around?

She waved over her shoulder, trying not to feel too meanspirited at her amusement as she saw wide eyes and gaping mouths

Reaching the Creches she wasn’t surprised to find a gaggle of little kids running around. At this hour, if she recalled correctly it was “play time” She saw children with toys, coloring books, little games and puzzles. While she wasn’t an expert on alien kids, judging by the human kids here they must’ve been around four or six years old.

She almost missed little green amongst the gaggle, seeing as how some of the kids were just a bit taller than he was, and wasn’t that freakin funny as all hell.

But she found him, sitting at the edge of the group; and beside him was a taller, older man, the two of them speaking quietly. Little Green had a small smile on his face as he watched the kids. The old guy was stern and serious. She hoped she wasn’t about to interrupt something important…

Her approach was obvious, if not because she was… well her (did that sound conceited? It probably sounded conceited) but also because the little munchkins oohed and ahhed, pointing and gasping at the “Flying pretty lady” (That one was her new favorite gremlin!)

So, Yoda caught sight of her easily, his smile growing just that little bit as she smiled and waved back.

She planted her feet on the ground, now negotiating her way past the gaggle of kids with soft smiles and whispered “Excuse me’s”

“Why can you fly?” It was an alien girl who asked; at least Vicky assumed it was a girl. A… Twilek? Did she get that right? She hoped so.

She also hoped she got the gender right come to think of it. She sounded like a girl but kids had high voices regardless and head-tails didn’t serve like human hair to help determine gender.

She leaned down. “I’m a little special.” She answered.

“Can I learn?”

“Maybe.” She suggested not wanting to be the bad guy. “You’ll have to ask your masters if they can teach you.”

As the little twilek and several other kids that had been listening in ran off, Vicky had the distinct impression she just gave someone, somewhere, a rather large headache.

She hoped, whoever they were, that they didn’t have a stick.

Making it to Little Green and the old man she smiled at them. “Hi. I hope I’m not interrupting.” She extended her hand towards the older gentleman. “Victoria Dallon.”

“Count Yan Dooku.” The old man answered politely as he stood. Vicky could admit he had a downright handsome voice.

He extended his hand, taking hers gently as he shook it politely. “Do not concern yourself, we were just finishing.” He assured, turning to Yoda. “You will consider my request?”

“Meditate on it I will; an answer tomorrow you shall have..”

“Thank you.” Dooku stood from his seat, bowing towards Yoda and then lightly towards her. “Master, Ms. Dallon.”

She smiled as he turned his back, beginning to march away. His back ramrod straight and his posture making her feel like a slouching hunchback by comparison.

She turned back to Yoda. “He seemed nice.”

The little Master huffed out something that sounded like a laugh, then he hopped down from his chair.

She was slightly confused, turning to follow him before he booped her on the knee with that stick.

“Don’t move.” He demanded.

She was subsequently startled when the little green gremlin got behind her and climbed her like a tree, settling himself over her shoulder.

“Excuse me!’ She laughed, shocked and more than a little amused. “Did I say you could just have a seat?”

The stick lightly swatted her other arm. “Polite it is, to offer your elders.” He humphed. “To the gardens we will go, discuss your troubles there, we will.”

“What makes you think I’m troubled?” She asked, beginning to walk.

“Excitement. Urgency. If not troubled, some ideas you have. Hmm?” He guessed

“Maybe.” She hedged.

“Bye Master Yoda!” Some of the kids called, all the others catching on to the departure and chorusing the farewells in short order.

“Goodbye young ones.” Yoda waved from his perch. She waved back with both hands, smiling at all the cute little faces as she made her exit.

Marching down the halls with Yoda hanging off her shoulder like a barnacle she got even more strange looks than when she’d been floating by.

It was also a little embarrassing to admit she got… lost. Just a little bit. Not a lot.. Probably because Yoda stopped her from wandering off.

As they entered the Gardens Yoda directed her towards a circle of benches surrounding a fountain, the babbling waters shone in the Corruscanti sun, birds sang in the air.

She had to admit, even surrounded on all sides by steel and a literal concrete jungle, somehow the Temple was beautiful even here.

She sat down on one of the benches, adjusting so Yoda could slide off her back, hobbling on the bench itself before he plopped down beside her, his little legs dangling over the edge.

“This idea you have.” He smiled, looking up at her, a smug, almost knowing smile. It reminded her of a grandfather indulging a toddler’s brilliant plan. “Tell me of it, you will.”

She settled in her seat, staring right into his eyes. “I want to talk to it again.”

“Hmm.” Yoda rubbed at his chin. “Yes. You do. But an end this is not. A means it is. What is your goal?”

The little gremlin was sharp, she’d give him that.

“Taylor is scared of her… ahhh… partner?” She hedged. That was a safe word to use for it right? Partner? “So I’m thinking, maybe if I can talk to mine, it can tell us about Tay’s partner. For all we know about them they might be roomates or something like me and Tay are right now. It could really help us out.”

Yoda rubbed at his chin, now thinking on the idea more seriously.

“Also-also.” She continued raising a finger. “Maybe it knows what messed with our heads?” She ventured. “I mean. It’s kinda living there. It should know who rearranged the furniture.”

Now Yoda eyed her. “Responsible for the ‘moved furniture’ it might be. Hmm.”

She… hadn’t thought of that.

“Can it do that? Why would it do that?” The question was almost directed at herself more than Yoda, a moment of thinking aloud rather than actually asking.

Sabotage her? Or… Tay had implied that what happened in her future kinda sucked…

Protecting her maybe?

Wait. Wait… she was getting ahead of herself- and getting distracted.

“We don’t even know if it can do that!” She argued, “And if it can, all the more reason to get in contact with it and ask. There’s only so much we can just guess at talking to a two-way mirror.” She pressed.

Yoda frowned, scratching at his chin. “Understand I do. But caution I would advise as in all things. Fear, halt you it should not. But carelessness through lack of fear, equally dangerous it can be.”

She understood and she made an affirmative sound. “I get it. But we still have to try, right? So will you help? What do you need from me?”

Yoda humphed. “Other Masters for one. Important this is. Rarely do we find true unknowns mysteries of the Force. Good this would be for them to learn. Insights multiple eyes would carry that mine alone would mi-”

Yoda paused.

She saw the little green Master stiffen, his body leaning back, head looking upwards with narrowed eyes.

Vicky blinked, confused at the sudden silence. “Something up?”

Yoda didn’t answer, his gaze traveling down until he was staring at her with an unnerving intensity.

Vicky leaned away from him just a little bit. “Hey… little green you’re kinda freaking me out-”

Yoda moved, and Vicky flinched just a little bit as his tiny green claw reached up towards her face.

But then, he moved past her face, reaching behind, into her hair.

She was confused, and even more confused with his little claw pulled back, revealing a tiny little bug clutched in his cupped palm. It almost looked like a cricket.

He stared at it.

Was he about to eat it? Because she really hoped he wasn’t about to eat it. What did his species eat anyway?

Also. Ew. Shower with shampoo and conditioner after this.

“Ahh, than-”

She cut herself off.

Yoda was still staring at the bug, brow ridges furrowed, a deep frown pursing his lips as he settled in a meditative position, the little bug cupped in both hands as Yoda granted it his whole focus.

Vicky was very confused until her brain sort of clicked on the answer.

Bugs. Talking about partners. Yoda freaking out.

Taylor.

Something was happening with Taylor.

If “floating briskly” was startling to passers by before this, then “flying bullet” was probably a hell of a lot more alarming.

(X)(X)(X)

Master Yaddle:

Master Yaddle felt the disturbance before many others. A tremble in the force, quiet and distant but… far reaching. Like the whole of the world beneath her shook ever so faintly beneath her feet.

She stood from her seat in the library; following the subtle tremors in the force.

Many didn’t notice. Padawans and Knights continuing about their day, undisturbed by the tremors she could almost feel between the marrows of her bones.

It wasn’t violent. It wasn’t obvious but she could feel it and wondered if other masters were converging here as she herself was, or was the Force leading her here specifically because it wished for her presence over others? Sometimes such things did happen, but it was rare.

She offered polite nods and smiles but didn’t let herself be distracted or diverted, following the path like a pulsing ley-line.

Approaching the living quarters, she was perhaps not wholly surprised to sense others approaching now.

It seems she was not the only one to sense the disturbances.

Hurried footsteps behind her and heavy breathing announced Master Galia, the youngest member of the Council looking harried and concerned. “Master Yaddle-”

“Be calm Master Galia.” She advised, one claw reaching out to pat the youngling’s leg. “All will be well.”

Across the hall, Master Plo rounded the corner

“Master Yaddle, Master Galia.” He greeted, a faint undertone of tension suffusing his voice.

“Master Plo” Galia answered back as Yaddle closed her eyes, focussing.

She could feel it… spreading outwards, tendrils and gossamer thin wisps. A web of feelers brushing across all life it could reach within the temple.

The edge of her senses brushed across its touch, touching back and the presence pulled away; retreating.

Yaddle followed it in body, while in the force she emanated waves of calm.

Behind her, Master’s Plo and Galia followed after her, Master Plo sensing her actions and doing the same, Master Galia following his example.

When they came across the door, Master Yaddle was perhaps, unsurprised to recognize it as the rooms the temple guests were occupying.

With a wave of her hand, the door was opened. Entering the lived-in but cared for living space, Yaddle wasn’t surprised to find the trail leading to one of the rooms.

Another wave of her hand, the door opened.

Ms. Hebert sat there, head bowed, eyes closed, the dark ink of her hair cascading down to the sides of her head.

The insides of the room… rumbled with the Force.

“She’s communing with the Force…” Master Galia breathed. “How? Did someone instruct her?”

“I know not.” Master Plo answered. “But she is in a deep trance. For a first time usage, it could be dangerous.” He turned his head, and Yaddle could feel his eyes on her. “We must try to coax her back.”

Yaddle nodded. “Cautious we must be, her entity, perhaps, involved it is.”

“Hmm.” Master Plo-Koon agreed, even so, he knelt to Yaddle’s left, Master Galia hastily taking her place to Yaddle’s right.

Yaddle settled between them, scooting close, her claws reaching out to grasp Ms. Hebert’s limp ones in her own.

She shut her eyes and focused.

(X)(X)(X)

Master Yoda:

Yoda delved into the web.

More accurately. He delved into the Force. But that’s not how it was seen. Projected.

It was a web. Vast in its tendrils. Thin golden strands of light, reaching, linking, interconnecting all life around it.

Impossibly complex and… beautiful. A living representation of the interconnectedness of all life.

He could feel its center. Its core. Ms. Hebert. Lost in the sensation of what she was experiencing, an almost transcendent sense of wonder had overtaken her; overwhelming the constant terrible pain and augur of fear deep within herself for once.

Delving deeply she was. Dangerous it could be.

He allowed himself to walk across the web. Feeling the eddies and flows of life linked together by it. The hundreds of millions of tiny candle flames illuminating the tapestry in flickers of gold.

He felt himself awed by its glimmering beauty.

And it was also not Ms. Hebert.

She could not do this alone, few could. Force sensitive or not.

That meant it was another.

Yoda allowed his presence to flow beyond him, announcing himself, a water droplet on the web. A tremor in the force.

Distantly, across an ocean in the force he felt others. Masters Yaddle, Galia, Plo Koon. Wading through the waters. Reaching for the center just as he was, to coax her back.

Something noticed.

He could feel it. The other Masters no doubt felt it too.

Rumbling through the currents and eddies of the force, the great web quaked around them.  The Galaxy quaked around them.

He felt its gaze fall over them. Immense. Incalculable. Overwhelming. Ancient.

He felt the sharp, cold knife of fear. Not from Ms. Hebert. She did not realize. From Master Galia and Master Plo. The Kel Door rallied quickly, and Yoda, distant as he was, sent waves of calm to help as best he could.

The ancient master stared- and the eyes as fathomless as the core of a burning star stared back.

Suddenly, he could sense its effort. A giant attempting spare the blade of grass beneath its feet.

Calibrating.

The… idea the power of a mere concept nearly staggered him, alone as he was. Yaddle, Plo-Koon and Galia weathered the storm by combining their mental shields, overlapping them and still they reeled.

The difference between this entity and Ms. Dallon’s, would be comparable to the smallest toddler in the creche to Yoda himself.

The Stars quailed. The web shuddered.

It spoke.

Communion. Host. Desire.

The meaning was unclear to him. But the power of the previous… concept was diminished, if only just.

Was it saying Ms. Hebert.  wished to commune with it? Commune with the Force? Or that it had wished to commune with Ms. Hebert.

Even at this apparently reduced strength, the second wave sent the thrum of pain through Yoda’s physical body.

In answer, he felt the storm abate. The Stars retreating farther away. The Giant sparing the blades of grass that were so small to it.

Powerful. Ancient.

But not Dark.

He did not speak with words. He doubted it would understand, so different it was. Instead he allowed the Force to carry his meanings.

Ready she is not.

It was simple and it was true. By her own fear, her own lack of knowledge and lack of instruction. She was not ready. Either to commune with the Force to this degree or with this entity.

Regardless of whatever had happened, whatever was happening it needed to stop.

And whether she herself had tapped into the Force or her entity had done it for her, even Yoda was uncertain

The meaning seemed to carry

The Stars retreated

The golden light of the web dimmed.

He felt the others reach the center. Reach Hebert. He felt them pulling her back towards calmer shores.

Fragile One. Known.

…

Know. Queen Administrator.

The last of the stars faded.

Yoda opened his eyes within the garden, feeling suddenly more drained and more exhausted than he had in a good long while.

He was surprised to find the concerned face of young Dooku kneeling infront of him, beside him Young Kenobi and young Skywalker.

His old Padawan’s severe, grave features stared him down,  his former student bodily lifted him, declaring that he was taking him to the Medical wing and ordering Kenobi and Skywalker to carry word ahead so they would be ready for their arrival.

Yoda was fine, truly. And he  whacked his uppity padawan with his stick, but it didn’t seem to do much good. Dooku ignored his protests and continued carrying him.

Yoda was asleep before they made it to the medical wing.

(X)(X)(X)

Vicky

They were lucky these doors didn’t have hinges because Vicky was pretty sure she’d have torn the entrance door off of them by the way she barreled into the room.

“Tay!” She shouted.

Rushing past the living room, she was surprised but not really surprised to see Tay’s room was rather crowded, and just before the door Masters Windu and Tower-Head hovered by the doorway, apparently fully awake and alert.

“What happened!?” She demanded.

Master Windu and Tower-Head looked at her.

“That is something we were hoping you’d answer.” Windu began.

“Ms. Hebert has entered a meditative Force Trance.” Tower-Head answered, crossing his arms. “Seeing as how she has received no instruction this should be impossible.” And yeah- Ok, she wasn’t imagining the accusation in his tone.

“Look buddy!” She hissed pointing at him with a very pointy finger she jabbed into his chest. “I don’t know anything about this force mumbo-jumbo. You guys are the experts so just fix it!”

“Silence!” Windu barked, the command in his voice making them both go quiet. “Masters Yaddle, Plo and Galia need to concentrate. This hinders them. If either of you can’t keep a level voice then you’ll both be waiting outside.”

Vicky could feel her teeth grinding together, and- with an almost nostalgic feeling- she remembered Amy screaming similar things when she was making too much noise in the hospital.

She crossed her arms, pacing infront of the door as she waited. Minutes ticked by like hours.

“Can’t you guys help?” She whispered, when the tension grew to be too much.

“The more Masters involve themselves the more risk for potential confusion in the execution, especially if we simply join part way through.” Windu explained. “Three Masters should be enough, though it is taking an inordinately long time.”

Just then a visible shudder rippled through the female Master who Vicky wasn’t sure was a human, an alien or a human offshoot. Cold sweat broke across her brow as her body shook, fists clenching over her thighs. She saw Master Plo’s shoulders bunch before after almost thirty seconds he began to relax.

But Master Windu and Tower-Head’s faces were grave and that didn’t fill her with confidence.

Suffocating in the silence of the room, Vicky started to go over the day's events.

Shit. Shit. Was this her fault? Had she missed something or her having gone to talk with Yoda pushed Taylor somehow? Taylor knew what she was going down there for. She must’ve. She was clever enough to figure it out. So had Vicky made her desperate or something?!

Shit. Shit! This was her fault wasn’t it?

Her hands rose up, scratching at her scalp as guilt thorny and sickening spread across her chest and stomach like a fungal bloom.

Distantly a part of Vicky reminded her that strictly speaking she and Tay weren’t friends. They weren’t meant to be friends. That Tay was a villain and she a Hero.

But right now, that really really didn’t matter.

Because Tay was her friend.

Maybe it was because she was the only one from home here. Maybe it was because she really wasn’t a villain while in this galaxy. Or any number of reasons but she was Vicky’s friend.

And if Vicky being stupid had caused this or hurt her…

Shit… Shit!

Her pacing must have carved a divot into the floor, or it felt like it.

When she heard the three Masters in the room suddenly breathe, like breaking the surface of the ocean to suck down a breath of air she damn near shoved Windu and Tower-Head out of her way, floated over the three Masters and planted herself next to Taylor, hands brushing down onto her shoulders as she coaxed her attention..

“Tay! Tay talk to me, girl.”

The brunette blinked, as if coming out of a daze, her eyes glassy and hazy as she looked around, settling on looking at her hands.

“I…”

Vicky’s breath hitched. The small tiny whisper almost lost in the stillness of the room.

“I feel it…”

(X)(X)(X)

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