Off World Assignment

"To this day he regrets what he did. He just wants to save you from the pain he has been living with all these years.", said the Castellan, sighing heavily.

Lance imagined himself in Donovan's shoes. He could not lie to himself and say he would not have hesitated. Judging from what had just happened, Lance would have done the exact same.

"Lance, my duty as your master stops at identification. How you overcome your weakness is up to you. I do have some suggestions. Would you like to hear them?", he asked.

Lance didn't answer for a few seconds. He was playing back the scene over and over again in his mind. He had to struggle to extract himself from the loop.

"Yes master.", he replied, hoping that his master would have a way. A way to not let the same thing happen to him.

"At this moment I only have one suggestion for you: a solo off world mission. You need to experience the tension of a mission situation by yourself. This will let you get a better grasp for the future. If you choose to accept, I have one ready for you."

A solo mission? Lance was a bit doubtful at first. He had gotten used to operating as a team and would be out of his comfort zone.

As he analyzed his thoughts, he realized that this was exactly what was needed. He needed to withstand the perils of a mission himself to understand what affects his mind and learn how to overcome them.

"I am ready, Master.", he said, back to being confident. He was a wisher! And he would reach the level where the stars and galaxies were nothing that pathways that he could cross!

"Good. Your mission will be to intercept an incoming refill ship for an outsider race. We recently intercepted communication that this ship will be equipped with high strength scanning and cloaking equipment but will be manned by a few disposable personnel, as the equipment inside is apparently so sensitive that they will self destruct even if it is detected."

"We need a low-level but strong initiate to intercept, enter and obtain information regarding the contents of the ship and cargo. You can choose whatever initiate level equipment you desire. Do you accept your mission, initiate?", he asked as his voice became stoic in the end. It was the voice of a commander talking to his troops, bolstering their courage and molding their power into one.

"Yes, Master!", said Lance loudly, standing up.

"Good. We have a month until it will be time for you to leave. I would suggest you store as much energy as possible. You might just end up needing it. For that purpose, I have requisitioned a high energy training room for you.

We shall speak again before the mission. Remember, weakness are often what turn into our greatest strengths. Do not be discouraged. Be well, my disciple.", he said before flicking his fingers, making Lance vanish again from where he stood.