The Parting

Contemplations and Considerations

Jace knew what the words meant before he would even say them later in the evening. How this one evening would change the course of his life on ways he could barely begin to imagine. He paced around his small room for what seemed like hours, contemplating every moment, situation, and endeavor from here on out. "I'm going to become a guardian", he said, his body betraying him as he could barely believe what he had just said. He was going to become a guardian, a true member of the 

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They were often sent on tasks called extraordinary assignments. Exploring space, keeping the peace, charting stars, visiting planets and battling threats to the security of mankind as they appeared. Like a star, a brief, strong, flicker of light in a otherwise all-encompassing darkness. A glorious task many thought; this was not always the case. In all truthfulness during the two and a half years he was a initiate; he experienced more pain, sorrow, betrayal, and loss than some go through their entire lives. But what he gained was so much greater. Insight, self-control, and mastery over his new found powers; many remarked that he would have a bright future as a guardian. But would be giving up friends, family, and her. She was by now a faint memory to others, but Jace could recall her last words---their last conversation on the Arkangel to him clearly...

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* "don't come looking for me, Jace; it's too risky".
"We can make it out of here together, just believe me, please!", Jace said I'm desperation while battling and besting the robots around him, explosions raging all over the place as the space station tore itself apart.
She shook her head, and then spoke "Its too late for that, and you they will never take me back. Now go!" Her words indicating that this was no time for debate....
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The noises outside broke Jace's dreary trance and his mind returned to the present matter before him. The hustle and bustle of Arcadia's citizens drove most people insane, but he found solace in it reminding him of his greater purpose and to live in the present. Full of resolve, he said the words again, "Im going to become a guardian" he said the phrase more confident, as the late afternoon sun was reflecting off of his eyes. He seemed more sure of himself, as this was his destiny ever since he was a young boy. He was going to become a guardian. He would find Shania. He would bring her back.

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