Fiction Activity

Competition
Slice of Life 2: Rain
Textual submission

Jovian savoured the sensation of strolling through the atmospheric Promenade on Kamino, with the gentle rain enveloping him. He casually tapped the small communication device behind his ear and uttered the command, "Play Joves Playlist." Following a symphony of trills and beeps, there was a moment of anticipation before a melodious tune reverberated through the communication system. Jovian drew up the hood of his jacket and continued his leisurely walk along the promenade with a noticeable appreciation for the music that surrounded him. As a lover of music, he held a personal belief that humans had perfected vocalisations, although he acknowledged that this sentiment was open to debate. The music, a powerful catalyst, despite the ferocious nature of the rain, he found solace in the calmness of the seas below as he ambled along.

Reflecting on the multitude of events that had transpired in a relatively short span of time, Jovian found himself in a state of disorientation. The sound of the rain against his cloak and hood was fierce and meditative, providing a peculiar sense of tranquillity. For Jovian, water always seemed to embody a fusion of contemplation and unrestrained fury, a state of controlled chaos. With its unyielding constancy, the relentless rain exuded a meditative quality that he found deeply soothing.

As Jovian ventured further from the bustling habitation, he found himself in a moment of introspection. The memory of the chilling warmth of blood on his hands, a stark contrast against his now-retired Nightsister Armor, served as a haunting reminder of the sacrifices made in pursuit of his freedom. The melody flowing through the communication system gently drew Jovian back to the present, reigniting his internal struggle. As he grappled with doubts about the true nature of his freedom, he found himself ensnared by an unshakeable sense of bewilderment.

He unclenched his fists and leaned against the railing, fixating on the vast expanse of the ocean below. The distant reflection stared back at him, echoing the same sense of melancholy that enveloped him. He folded his arms, letting them rest on the railing, and continued to peer downward. The rain had transformed into a gentle mist by now, and the ocean appeared like a polished mirror, reflecting the slowly clearing sky. Within this surreal sight, Jovian found himself gazing at his reflection in the boundless expanse. As he leaned against the railing, he allowed his arm to hang by his side as though gesturing towards himself. From where Jovian stood, it seemed as if he could reach out and touch his own reflection. He gently moved his arm and gazed down at the sombre image staring back at him.

He raised and gripped the railing as he looked at the Infinite Ocean ‘What do I do?’ He thought he had met someone who made him feel okay. She was strong but terrifying at the same time, but Jovian saw a hunger in her that he had as well. Jovian knew that when he obtained his freedom, he would be faced with two questions:

What do you want?
How will you get it?

He vowed never to emulate his cruel predecessor by buying someone and subjecting them to horrors. He desired something greater for himself. He reflected on the moment when he first imagined himself free from the man's influence and the exhilarating feeling of independence that ensued. Above all else, he longed for a life of his own. Being his own person was the ultimate aspiration. In the presence of the merchant, he was merely an appendage, but now he was simply Jovian. He was able to wield something that was still relatively new to him, and it was through finding this power that he was going to get more. This Force that pulsed through his was like the rain for him, a remaining constant when consistency was rare.

He started his slow walk back to the habitation, and a series of trills and beeps came over his comms again. “Yes, I’m on my way back” The ocean below him started to stir, and the mist seemed to reappear. He pulled his hood back up and put his arms back in his cloak “I want more of whatever this is” He clenched his fists tightly together, and the Force ebbed between them. He sensed that to achieve that, he needed to calm the tumultuous emotions stirring inside him and open himself up to new possibilities. Jovian's imposing security droid loomed outside, patiently awaiting Jovian's return, visible in the distance. Despite its clingy nature, Jovian had grown fond of this developing aspect. As he approached, the droid met him halfway with warm beeps. “Yes, it was fine. I like human music, don't be rude.”