Transmigration into a Galaxy Far, Far Away...
It is a period of peace and prosperity for planet Earth. Much of the credit for this period of stability is in no small part due to our protagonist, Damien Winters.
Damien is a visionary, a genius, and an American patriot. Even from an early age, he displayed a brilliant and unique mind.
At the age of four, Damien built his first circuit board. At the age of six, he built his first engine. At the age of seventeen, he graduated, Summa Cum laude, from MIT.
In the year 2024, Damien’s life was struck by tragedy, when a racial supremacist group launched a terrorist attack on the Capitol of the United States of America. The attack resulted in innumerable deaths, including both of Damien’s parents.
Following in the wake of his parents'' death, Damien devoted his life to defending freedom and protecting America, and her interests around the world. At the age of twenty-one, Damien founded “Winters Technologies”, specializing in smart weapon systems, satellite targeting systems, and Advanced robotics.
Now at the age of thirty-seven, the current world is at peace, and Damien has turned most of his attention to developing clean, renewable energy.
Underneath Damien’s private residence is a fully equipped and functioning state-of-the-art private laboratory. At present, Damien is inside, conducting an activation test, on his experimental prototype, “Atmosphere Reaction Containment system”, or for short, “ARC power core”.
During the test, A catastrophic failure results in a devastating explosion, reducing the entire residence to rubble.
Amid the explosion, when Damien’s life hung on the threshold separating life and death, God by an act of divine intervention, spared, Damien Winters’ life. However, our protagonist did not escape his fate completely unscathed...
Chapter One
Damien’s first thought upon waking up was "ouch!!!"
Damien’s second thought was "Death sucked, and she could go suck an egg."
Damien’s third thought was interrupted by a stranger’s voice...,
"Hey kid, hate to break it to you, but this isn''t the afterlife and you''re not dead yet.''''
Turning to look at the owner of the voice, Damien’s inner “Star Wars” fan boy immediately squeals in glee. Ok, sure Damien’s response was a bit of a knee jerk reaction. But can we blame him? After all, what geek wouldn''t let out a little squeal at the sight of a genuine "Force Ghost", who was sitting right in front of him, in all its hazy blue incandescent glory? For Damien, the “Star Wars” universe was the perfect “Heaven”. And as a devoted fan boy through and through, Damien quickly recalled everything he could remember about “Force Ghosts”.
A Force Ghost was the soul and essence of a deceased Force-sensitive being, who had come to terms with death and invoked this technique to preserve their identity. Some Sith Lords learned similar techniques, which allowed them to physically interact with their environment. This ability also allowed the “Force” user to interact with both living beings and other Force ghosts.
"Holy shit..., you, you, you! Were you a “Jedi”! Who are you? You kind of look like “Jesus Christ”, but all the Jedi had that sort of vibe. Were you famous? How did you die? Were you cut down by a powerful Sith Lord? Back up...., Did you just say this isn''t the afterlife?"
"Enough, let me stop you right there. First, I am “Jesus Christ” and everything that name represents. Secondly, you need to listen carefully, you have a choice to make."
"Wait, your “Jesus Christ” the actual son of “God” “Jesus Christ” ..., Holy shit, and you’re sure I’m not dead, right?”
“Seriously, you''re not dead, and yes, I’m the one and only “Jesus Christ” Let’s stop wasting our precious time and start discussing your current situation, shall we?”
“Um..., you’re the boss.”
"Alright, so you stepped in the proverbial shit with your little invention. Here’s the thing, “Father” has a certain design in mind for humanity of your original reality, and that design does not include sustainable energy, or world peace for that matter. In fact, your entire reality is heavily restricted and quarantined from all opposing interests to “His” grand design. Following so far?”
“Umm, yeah...., I royally screwed the pooch, and got stepped on, is that about, right?”
“Actually, this wasn’t your first offense..., but your third. Let’s see, you first crossed the line with your work in full immersive VR (virtual reality), the second time was your work in creating intelligent robotics. Your “ARC power core” was just the final strike that got you placed for termination. Fortunately, this isn’t the “Old Testament” times, and it gave me just enough wiggle room to preserve your existence. It would have been much easier if you had been one of my faithful believers, but who am I to judge. Free will is often a double-edged sword for humanity to cut themselves with. That too of course was by design, a sort of vetting process if you will.”
“Sorry about not believing..., but it’s just the whole “miracle” thing seemed so irrational and un-scientific.”
“Don’t sweat it, I get it, I really do..., besides, that was all done by design. What would be the point of faith, if it was easy?”
“So, you saved me, and I’m now..., what exactly?”
“Short version is, you were transplanted in another reality, which is in parallel to your original reality. So, before we go any further, let me make one thing absolutely, one hundred percent, crystal clear, you are never going to be allowed to return to your original reality, got it?”
“Wow, I have so many questions, where do I even start?”
“Actually, it''ll just be faster if I explain a few fundamentals on how reality works. Ok so imagine an infinite string of pearls. Then, imagine each pearl represents a single reality. Following along?”
“Yeah, I’m good so far.”
“Excellent, now here’s where I blow your mind. Imagine that the string is the "Force", and it connects all realities. Boom, just blew your mind, right?”
“Wait..., Are you saying the “Force”. The actual “Force” ...., is real? Oh, My Go..,ah!”
“Stop that seriously, “Father” really hates it when people use his name in vain. And we more than anyone else do not want to draw his attention. Got it?”
“Wait, isn’t “HE” omnipotent?”
“I already told you I''m currently wiggling right now. It’s one thing to know something is happening, and it’s another thing to witness that same thing happen. It’s actually a very important distinction.”
“Ah right. I’m in the proverbial “doghouse”
“No, you’re not just in “the doghouse” ..., You got yourself sent to the proverbial pound and are being scheduled to be put down. I''m the employee at the pound trying desperately to put you in a new home. So, how about you stop barking, and drawing down the “Boss” on us?”
“Ok got it, no more “barking”, I’m all ears.”
“Fine, and yes, the “Force” is very much a real phenomenon, and it is exactly what allowed me to pull off all those miraculous miracles, you found so un-scientific. So here is where things get complicated; each reality is divided into two parts, picture reality as a yin-yang symbol. The yang side represents life, and the material plane. The Yin side represents death, and the spiritual plane.
Each reality operates in tandem with a reincarnation cycle, which is constantly recycling the pool of souls, of each reality. If you think of it as a clock face overlaying the yin-yang symbol. The 12:00 position would represent rebirth, in which a freshly purified soul departs the spiritual plane and is born into a new life. The 6:00 position, would then represent death, in which the physical body dies, and the soul descends into the spiritual plane to undergo purification. This is where a soul is stripped of all its memories and identity in preparation for its next rebirth."
“Wait..., how is reincarnation even a thing. I thought it was either heaven or hell?”
“Ah that., well it''s a bit of a lie of omission, really. “Heaven” does exist, and it’s my Father’s private reality. However, there is a guest list, one needs to have their name on to be granted entrance. “The book of life”, have you heard of it?”
“As for “Hell” it also exists, and there is even a portal to it, in every reality’s spiritual plane. It’s reserved for souls who have fully embraced the Darkside, and can no longer be purified. We call this soul state, Demonization.”
"Ok, so this really isn’t some, “Alice in wonderland”, “Wizard of Oz” type bullshit? No chance of me clicking my heels together and waking up in my bed having learned a valuable life lesson?”
"Sorry kid, but if you haven''t already noticed, you don’t even have heels to click together, even if you could.”
"Yeah, about that, care to explain why I look like a exploded, Mr. Potato head?”
“Father’s brand of benevolence is giving someone a tribulation so that they can have the opportunity to overcome it and grow as a person. I’m sure Father believes he has granted you a great boon, by inflicting you with such an extreme handicap.”
“I’m missing both my arms and legs...., this is beyond handicap, this is being disabled. Wait, wait, wait..., putting aside the whole disability thing for the moment. What sort of reality are we even in?"
“First let me ask you a question, do you really think Earth’s science fiction and fantasy worlds, are merely the simple constructs of an imaginative mind?”
“I’m guessing they are not so simple?”
“Bingo..., some are, but most actually are caused by a phenomenon, where the spiritual plane of an alternate reality bleeds through into your old reality. Most of the time it manifests as vivid dreams, which spark the dreamer’s inspiration. “Star Wars” was just such an occurrence, but don’t get your hopes up. I couldn’t swing placing you in any of the mainline realities, but I got you the next best thing, a splinter reality off the mainline of “Star Wars”, so welcome to a galaxy far, far away."
"I suppose it could be worse. I’m at least in a high-tech reality, with highly advanced robotics. I guess it’s time to address the elephant in the room, any chance you’re going to perform one of those miracles and restore my missing limbs?"
“Sigh"...you really are a nerf herder, if you think I’m getting anywhere near your tribulation. I’ve borne my cross, this one is yours and yours alone. However, I am not without mercy. My first gift of mercy is a bit of background on this reality; this reality is no resort venue; it''s a perpetual war zone. In fact, the “galaxy” is what you might consider the multiverse’s trash heap, where everyone can dump their undesirables, and most of the time it’s an entire species. Hence how I managed to get you relocated here. So don’t blow it.”
"Fine..., I take it you have a solution for me?"
“This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill – the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill – you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. Remember, all I''m offering is the truth – nothing more.”
"Wow, "The Matrix"...., who knew you had such a sense of humor. That was a good one by the way, you totally had me on the line at the start. I hope you have more than just jokes though, i could really use a real solution."
"Relax, why so serious?... Smile. All you need to do is bond with this crystal, and let the magic happen."
Damien stared at the dark crystal held in “Jesus” force ghost’s hand. For the first time since awakening up to this reality, he finally took a good look at his surroundings and, wow... just wow. It was a long-abandoned ruin temple, with its own creepy sacrificial Altar. Which he just so happened to be atop of. It struck him, that this was not exactly a “Jesus” kind of setting. It was more the “Devil” type of place, and wasn’t that fellow always tricking people into bad shit?”
“Um..., I hope you don’t take offence, but..., what kind of devil worshiping bullshit are you trying to pull here. What happens if i touch your magic crystal? Does my soul get sucked in or something?”
“Haha..., you’re a quick one. It took that little girl “Joan” to be burned alive before she figured out, I wasn’t “God” talking to her. Oh well...,”
Damien watched in horror, as the “Jesus” force ghost, morphed and changed into a very corporeal red skinned “Devil”.
“Let me officially introduce myself, I am Lucifer Morningstar. Say hello to da bad guy.”
“Shit, shit, shit.”
“Very eloquent, I see. I was just kidding, jeesh. It’s not like I’m going to eat you, or anything. Any hoo, I’m still going to need you to touch this crystal, but no worries, it doesn’t need to be voluntary.” A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
“Wait, wait, wait.”
“No can do..., time is a wasting, and I can’t be gone too long, or the inmates start getting ideals, and we can’t have that now, can we?”
“I guess not, but what''s going to happen to me?”
“Space magic..., like I said. Weren’t you listening? It’s a Kyber crystal..., You form a bond with it and get some awesome powers. I thought you were supposed to be like some kind of, one in a million genius or something. I’m starting to think snatching you out from under the big guy’s nose, might have been a mistake.”
Damien’s mind finally couldn’t take anymore and finally broke at the mentioning of Kyber crystals. He wracked his brain for any memories about Kyber crystals. He recalled that Kyber crystals, were rare, Force-attuned crystals that grew naturally. They were used by both the Jedi and the Sith in the construction of their lightsabers. As part of Jedi training, younglings were sent to the Crystal Cave of the ice planet of Ilum to seek their own lightsaber crystals. There are also larger, rarer crystals of great power, and were used at the heart of superweapon by the Sith.
He suddenly snapped out of his fugue state, as he remembered that there was an even better source of information than “Wookieepedia” right in front of him.
"Hey..., um Mr. Morningstar, if that’s a Kyber crystal, then does that mean everything you’ve told me thus far is also true?"
“Haha kid...., don’t make me laugh..., I wasn’t given the moniker “The prince of lies” for nothing you know. I’ll be honest, at this point, even I don’t know what’s true and what’s false anymore.”
Damien realized he was better off not engaging with the “Devil”, and instead he focused on searching his memories, for what a silver Kyber crystal represented.
"If my information, isn’t wrong, a “Silver Kyber crystal” embodies neutrality, purity, and balance. Huh, I always pictured myself more as a Purple.”
“Haha..., You’re making me laugh again. To think of you as a purple. I hate to break it to you kid, but you’re a timid little shit, who doesn’t even know, the first thing about Kyber crystals. Here’s all you need to know; It’s silver, because your silver. You are what you are kid. Accept it and then learn to live with it. Now let’s get this over with.”
“Wait, will it hurt?”
“Not as long as you relax and just let the magic ease into you. (WINK)”
“You sick bastard, you’re just going to touch me with it, right?”
“Sure kid..., just the tip. I promise. (WINK)”
“Ack..., I hate you!”
However, that thought, and all other thoughts ended the moment the Kyber crystal made contact. In that exact moment, time and space seem to stop. Inside that frozen moment, Damien felt like he was being electrocuted and having an orgasm, all at the same time. Even that bazar sensation was overshadowed by the alien presence that enveloped him, permeated him, and completely overwhelmed him...,
Damien woke with a strange sense of disconnect. It felt like being submerged deep in the middle of the ocean, unable to tell up from down, left from right. He might have remained disoriented if not for the reappearance of “Lucifer”, providing a much-needed anchor...,
“Haha, take it easy, little lamb..., This sensation you’re feeling is the foundational ability of all Force-sensitive beings. It is called, “Force Awareness”, and the strength of your connection to the “Force” is relative to your sensitivity to the “Force”. Who knows. in time you may discover more unique inherent skills and abilities.”
“It’s so..., Overwhelming.”
“Like I said before; it’s best not to struggle or try to control it. Just relax into it, like you just smoked a killer blunt, let the high relax your mind, man. Just focus on breathing..., In and out, that’s it, just breathe...., Uh oh, got to go, husbands home!”
Damien panicked at the abrupt departure of the Devil. One moment he was there coaching him, and then in the next second poof, he turned into a dissipating cloud of black smoke.
“Seriously!”
Damien didn’t have long to question the Devil’s departure; his thoughts were interrupted by an earth-shattering crack of thunder. Then the ceiling of the old temple exploded inward, as a terrifying column of swirling fire descended to the floor with a tooth rattling BOOM.
“That brat sure can run fast..., Where are you, you little shit?”
Damien literally shits himself at the thunderously angry voice coming from the swirling fire. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out who this was. If he still had knees, he would have already fallen to them and begun begging for forgiveness. However, the sheer weight of “the Almighty’s” presence was literally smothering him. Even more so once it finally turned its full attention directly onto him...,
“Damien Winters, son of Malcom and Diane Winters. A three-time offender, who I personally marked for termination, and yet..., here..., you..., are.”
“Sorry, my..., my Lord?”
“QUIET...., I NEED NOT YOUR SNIVILING! I REQUIRE ONLY YOUR OBEDIENCE!”
“I sense incredible potential within you. It seems you’ve benefitted greatly from that brat’s baptism. Your “Midi-chlorian” count is now beyond even the likes of “Anakin”. You will no doubt be a powerful “Force” user, if you can survive your tribulation. Which is a great deal more likely now that that brat has bestowed upon you three abilities which will greatly offset your shortcomings.”
“SO, BE IT...., You are no longer capable of interfering in my great design, and this reality is a fitting reward for all your effort. Enjoy eternity repeatedly reincarnating, in this meat grinder of a reality. SO, SAYS I.”
With as dramatic of an exit, as was his entrance, “the Almighty” departed. Leaving Damien staring slack jawed at the enormous whole in the ceiling of the old ruin temple...,
“Holy shit”
With the departure, of first the “Devil”, and now “the Almighty”, the old temple felt even more desolate and lonely. Nevertheless, Damien did not have the time nor luxury to be bogged down by such emotions. Shaking off the negative, and embracing the positive, that has always been Damien’s “Modus operandi”.
The first order of business as always was basic survival and taking stock of his present condition and resources. Damien’s present condition was both excellent and terrible. Excellent due to all residual damage from his previous life has been completely regenerated during the baptism. Terrible since he was still missing both legs and both arms.
Damien’s available resources were similarly excellent and terrible. Excellent due to now being a Force user, with a higher-than-normal Midi-chlorian count. This signified great potential for the future, but little to no advantage in the present situation.
As for material resources, such as food, shelter, and clothing, Damien was in even worse shape. There simply was no food, nor did he have the mobility to hunt or forage. “Shelter”, he at least had the old ruin temple to shield him from the elements. However, there was no warmth, no fire, and no fuel to burn.
The ancient temple was so old that everything that hadn’t been made of stone had long since turned to dust. “Clothing”, was a bust from the start, since he had entered this reality as naked as a newborn.
It seemed the key to Damien’s continued survival lay with his high sensitivity to “the Force”. He just needed to figure out a way to tap into that potential. What he needed was a direction to proceed in, and he believed the “the Almighty” had pointed him towards one. “Midi-chlorians”,
Damien surprisingly found it effortless to recall every article he had ever read on “Mini-chlorians”. It appeared that his mind had also underwent significant improvements during the baptism. It now operates more in line with that of a computer. The only way he could describe his memory was, perfect interactive recall. Shaking free of his musings, he dove into his research.
“Midi-chlorians” were microscopic, intelligent life forms that originated from the foundation of life, in the center of the galaxy. By taking up residency within their hosts cells, a symbiotic relationship has formed with all living organisms. “Midi-chlorians” act as an interface between “the Force” and all living beings. However, only living beings with a sensitivity to “the Force” over a certain threshold can use “the Force”.
To gauge an individual''s potential in the Force, blood tests were used to estimate the number of “Midi-chlorians” within the subject''s cells, known as an “M-count”. For example, “Anakin Skywalker”, his test resulted in a “M-count” of over twenty-thousand midi-chlorians. Making his potential in “the Force”, the highest in galactic history.
Damien found the information enlightening, but not very relevant in his current situation. He already knew he was over the threshold to be a Force-user. No, what he needed was information on how to apply theory into practical application.
Which reminded him of “the Jedi” training”, “Force Powers” and “Force Technique”. So, he pivoted his research in that direction. “Force Powers” are manifestations resulting from Force-sensitive beings connecting with “the Force”. The nature and practice of “Force Techniques” are abilities capable of being passed down through bonds such as Master and Apprentice. There are also unique “Force abilities” that Force-sensitive beings are naturally born with and use on instinct.
There are also those who practice using the Force as a form of magic, such as “the Witches of Dathomir”, “Nightsisters”, “Mind-witches", and “the Sith” who also practice “Sith magic” and “Sith alchemy”.
“The Jedi Order” teachings in “Force powers” are divided into three schools of thought, which focus on channeling “the Light side” of “the Force”. They are “Control”, “Sense”, and “Alter”.
“The Sith” teachings in “Force powers” are divided into three schools of thought, which focus on channeling “the Dark side” of “the Force”. They are “Offense”, “Body”, and “Mind”.
This research direction showed promise, providing Damien a starting point. He decided to focus on “the Jedi schools of thought”. This was a matter of compatibility more than any sense of good versus evil. He simply felt no affinity with the aggressive nature of “the Dark side schools of thought”. The real question he needed to answer, how much of Earth’s “Star Wars” was just made-up theatrical dogma, and how much was true doctrine.
“The Jedi Order” Initiates are first introduced to “Force powers” through the school of thought called “Control”. “Control” techniques focus on abilities that focus on one''s own body. “Control” abilities included “energy absorption”, “self-healing”, and “meditation”.
“The Jedi Order” further their Padawan’s training by introducing the Padawan to the school of thought called “Sense”, “Sence” techniques focus on abilities that extend one''s awareness into their surrounding environment and expanding their understanding of the “Living Force”. “Sense” abilities included “life detection”, “Sense Force”, “postcognition”, and “projected telepathy”. These were considered the core to “Jedi” teachings.
“The Jedi Order” further their Knight’s training by introducing the knight to the school of thought called “Alter”. “Alter” techniques focus on abilities that physically impacted their surroundings. “Alter” abilities included “telekinesis”, “affect mind”, and “alter environment”.
Damien followed his plan, by first delving into the “Jedi” school of thought “Control”. Which was taught in three parts; “Tutaminis”, “Curato salva”, and “Altus sopor”.
“Tutaminis” was the umbrella title used by “the Jedi Order” to classify “Force abilities” related to energy absorption. These abilities granted their user the capability of dissipating concentrated energies such as “Sith lightning”, “blasterbolt”. or “lightsaber blade”.
“Curato salva” was the umbrella title used by “the Jedi Order” to classify “Force abilities” related to self-healing. These abilities granted their users the capabilities to stay fit and maintain endurance, extend their lifespans by staving off decay, and to flush out any poisons or diseases within their bloodstreams.
“Altus sopor” was the traditional term for the ability to increase a user''s focus on “the Force”. “Altus sopor” was a basic component of the control area of “Force techniques”, and when developed, could allow a practitioner to merge into “the Force” so that they would become invisible to others even to those with the most acute senses.
Damien wasn’t surprised that the information he had from Earth lacked any actual guidance in “Jedi” training. He was grateful all the same for the bleeding through between realities, that sparked the inspiration leading to the phenomena that is “Star Wars” universe on Earth. It at least gave him inspiration to aim for. Besides, it’s always easier to recreate something, than to invent it.
Damien decided his first step to becoming a “Force Master”, was to gain proficiency in the ability, “Altus sopor”, which was a fancy term for meditation. Lacking any actual guidance to proceed with, he turned to Earth’s diverse cultures for inspiration. Upon diving into his memories, he was soon suspicious of his findings.
Damien realized that nearly every documented civilization or cultural organization has at some point or is currently cultivating a meditation technique. If his suspicions were to be believed, then it couldn’t be a coincidence. If not a coincidence, then that made the implication even more staggering.
Was “God” cultivating Earth’s population into “Force-sensitive beings”, and if so, to what end? Maybe that was the “End Game” the book “Revelations” spoke of. Come to think of it, “the resurrection of Christ”, was very similar to the process of becoming a “Force Ghost”, or in this case “Holy Ghost”. Then that meant “the Rapture” would most likely be a mass migration of all the cultivated “Force-sensitive beings” to a reality specially prepared for them, while leaving the rest of humanity to face the tribulations and the purge of their reality. The more he thought through the correlations, the more he spun out of control.
Damien forcefully pulled back from the rabbit hole of speculation and conjecture. He no longer had a part to play in the fate of that reality. Besides, he had his own troubles to overcome and needed to get back to finding his own salvation...,
Damien was finding meditation difficult to define as it covers a wide range of dissimilar practices in different traditions and cultures. In general, he found the word "meditation" and the phrase "meditative practice" are often used imprecisely to designate practices found across many cultures. Basically, anything that claims to train the attention of the mind or to teach calmness or compassion, is included. He could only conclude that there was no correlation of necessary and sufficient criteria for meditation within the modern scientific mind frame.
Damien found most of the difficulty in precisely defining meditation has been in recognizing the particularities of the many various traditions, and theories, when practice can differ within a tradition. Even mainstream faiths such as "Hindu" or "Buddhist" schools may teach distinct types of meditation. In addition, he felt most techniques of meditation do not exist as solitary practices but are only artificially separable from an entire system of practice and belief. For instance, while monks meditate as part of their everyday lives, they also engage in the codified rules and live together in monasteries in specific cultural settings. Thus, creating a symbiotic relationship between technique and environment, resulting in a rigidly controlled lifestyle.
Damien realized that what he hoped to find was science, but instead he found spirituality. The scientific method was neat, a step-by-step procedure, you question, you test, you verify and prove the answer. Spirituality was messy, emotional, and chaotic. Meditation is a tool, it is used to tidy that which is messy, to calm that which is emotional, and to bring order to that which is chaotic.
More importantly, Damien realized meditation was personal, to everyone. Leading him to his conclusion, meditation was a process of trial and error, until enough experience is accumulated to create a customized technique personally.
And thus ended Damiens pursuit for knowledge, and began his pursuit for enlightenment...,
“Here goes nothing.”
Damien closed his eyes and tried several calming techniques, most, however, proved ineffectual due to the pervasive state of clarity his mind is now equipped with. Such stringent clarity of thought was proving stubbornly resistant. Even as a child, he had been chaotically hyperactive, making interactions with other people frustrating and tedious. It was only with his first introduction to computers, and the programming and coding world that he first found his own brand of inner peace. He recalled the state of peace he would fall into, while working on a new piece of coding for an experiment or new design.
It was then while recalling that feeling of peace, the material world and all its noise vanished. It was so absolute, leaving Damien bodiless while floating in nothingness. Only the piece of him that was self-aware remained and the alien situation scared the living hell out of him. The shock catapulted him out of his inner peace with such power that his awareness was flung completely out of his body. Like air newly free from a burst balloon.
Damien’s awareness expanded explosively, as he spread out beyond the temple and kept going. Soon he reached beyond the entire volcanic island, where the temple was located on. Continuing his expansion, he quickly surpassed the entire planet, and before a heart could beat once, he had exceeded the entire star system. It was only then he finally reached his limit.
In this expanded awareness, it was not clarity he felt, but vastness. Damien felt his very identity on the verge of dissolving and merging with the Force. In that defused state of awareness, Damien no longer felt the world’s influences, such base feelings as fear, anger, hate, desire, impatience, or frustration. All Damien could feel was peace, acceptance, and belonging,
Damien found it almost irresistibly tempting to let go of his awareness, to let that last bit of himself defuse into “the Force”. It was while in that strangely defused state-of-mind, that he recalled some of his favorite “Master Yoda” quotes....,
-“A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind. This one a long time have I watched. All his life has he looked away… to the future, to the horizon. Never his mind on where he was. Hmm? What he was doing. Hmph. Adventure. Excitement. A Jedi craves not these things.”
-“Fear is the path to the dark side…fear leads to anger…anger leads to hate…hate leads to suffering.”
-“Named must be your fear before banishing it you can.”
-“Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes. Even between the land and the ship.”
-“If you end your training now — if you choose the quick and easy path as Vader did — you will become an agent of evil.”
-“To be Jedi is to face the truth, and choose. Give off light, or darkness, Padawan. Be a candle or the night.”
Damien considered his own fears, they were simple, his biggest fear was suffering through this debilitating tribulation. He also recognized that his willingness to give up was him taking the easy path, which required nothing from him, only his complete surrender.
Now that Damien gave recognition to his fear, another more visceral part of his psyche revolted. This part was directly tied to his survival instinct and the core nature of a human being. That defiant piece, which laughs in the face of adversity, and made the human spirit truly indomitable...,