~27 hours after Session 7b finished

This may be the earliest I have risen in… 15 years or more? But it is also the first time I have experienced the inside of a bacta tank, and 24 straight hours of rest was quite enough. Quiet, peaceful, perfect for reflection and meditation. I rather enjoyed it - despite the pain of my injuries. Perhaps Master Xenrad is on to something; I feel the Force more strongly after the last three days - it was a long time to do nothing but contemplate the universe.

Purchases: Natural Mystic - reroll Force pool once per session; Force Rating +1; Free Spec - Niman Disciple: someone who focuses on mental discipline and self-control, defense, survival, and integrating the force into his fighting style

I need to catch up on a few missed days. The gala ball, as I wrote about earlier, was a fantastic night. Especially compared to what followed! The next day Via contacted me, inviting me to meet her for dinner, wanting to explain her actions at the banquet. And even though I was not too impressed with her (not that her involvement was exactly unenjoyable, but the consequences were rather extreme), I thought I would give her a chance. I packed up my lute at her request and decided not to dress up too fancy - who knows what kinds of journalists are tailing me now! - and a good thing too, that outfit is now destroyed…

She had wanted me over at her apartment, but, feeling edgy, I declined and requested we meet at The Bin Prime Beef, a nice steakhouse in her area. That should keep her apologies to a more appropriate level. I booked a reservation and finished up some more paperwork - it never ends!

When I arrived I could sense something was wrong, but I had no idea what. Everything looked normal, and when Via arrived - dazzling of course - she took my arm and as I stepped forward into the room I felt something stab my neck - a dart of some sort. I pulled it out, and heard Via scream, as I felt my body fall. Arms caught me, but my vision dimmed.

The next few days are extremely fuzzy. I briefly awoke when they first dunked me in their experimentation tank; a survival instinct I guess. They were not expecting it, and I almost broke the tank. I saw some old man in a lab coat, and I am sure I heard a familiar voice. A guard was wearing a strange insignia: a skull holding a knife in its teeth.

The tank was somewhat like a bacta tank, but incredibly painful. I steeled my mind, and I believe Xenrad's training helped prepare me for the this. Meditation techniques brought calm. I could feel the chemicals seeping into my skin. I occasionally saw dim shadows and the murmur of far-off voices - again, flickering recognition. And then, oblivion.

My mind half-awoke near the end - half delirious. Visions of the past - my parents and Tomas calling to me. I saw my sister singing along with me playing the lute, and playing hide and seek at the estate. She disappeared, and then Circe was there, laughing and beckoning to me. I took her hand, my consciousness screaming danger; falling, more pain, a glowing red beam of light, and then - Damaria's mind suddenly touched mine. Peace returning, I let myself go, not able to fight anymore.

I do not recall the rescue. Merlyn told me this morning that I arrived a complete mess, and he spent what was left of the night in emergency surgery. But he said my friends stayed with me, not letting go. I have faint recollections of the ordeal - was someone holding my hand? - and the coolness of the bacta tank brought the first true rest in days.

So here I am, feeling like I was trampled by a bantha, but alive.

Purchase: “Nobody's Fool” - he learned from that experience…

I had a busy afternoon, but I will speak of that another time. We also had a meeting this evening; the team gathered in the medbay to catch up, figure out what happened when we were apart.

Poor Dash - I remember exactly how I felt when my innocent world was destroyed, when I realized that life is not about fun and games and adventure but that the choices made by those around us can be devastating. And our own choices can haunt us. I let him know that if he wanted to talk with me, my door is always open to him. And I'm not going anywhere for a week or so.

Sprend tried to deflect our praises for his actions at the Human League stronghold in the desert, but he showed his true colours. I do not think I could ask for anyone better to cover my back. I gave him a firm nod - and I know he will do it again in a heartbeat with no regrets.

Tor saved the day again - without his quick-thinking and slicing abilities, I may very well have been floating in that gunk for another few days, and it may have been too late. He also offered to fix up some armour for the team - we had scraps left over from the ambush.

Damaria's effectiveness with her abilities is increasing - I jokingly took credit for being her guinea pig with the battle meditation at the banquet - I believe that is what Xenrad is calling it. She also took a harsh shot to save Fox; he was already hurting, and her instincts took over. And whatever sentiments she may have for her time in the Imperial military, she has shown that she is one of us without reservation. Very few people will step in front of a disruptor pistol willingly - she has my utmost respect.

Fox's clever use of explosives dealt a heavy blow to the Imperial mining project - I let him know that I and the Alliance both appreciate his job well done. And I also complimented him on his opportunistic thinking in regards to the mining equipment - we need to take hold of every advantage we can.

Another good evening. The Alliance is sending us supplies this week - our mission went very well from the Rebellion's point of view at least, and Compatriot told us to lay low for a while.