Read Online Dark Tide 1: Onslaught by Michael A. Stackpole - Free Book Online Page A

the dirt and around the base of the stone. “I don’t get it. You set the rock on the entrance to one of their colonies?”
    â€œNo. I have been studying the garnants. They communicate through vibration and scent. I used the Force. I reached down and made them think there was a trail up. I made them think the rock was food. The first one marked it with food scent.” Valin shrugged sheepishly and pulled a small morsel of food from a pocket. “I have a reward for them, so it’s not like I’m forcing them to do anything.”
    Corran frowned for a moment. Compelling the behavior of a sapient individual, especially if it was against the individual’s will and for the selfish benefit of the Jedi, undoubtedly would be of the dark side. Luring nonsapients into doing something natural didn’t fall into that class at all, especially when the task was harmless and they were paid back for their actions by something that would replace the energy they’d expended.
    â€œIt’s probably closer to the borderline with the dark side than you want to be playing with, but I’m very impressed.” Corran reached out and stroked his son’s head. “Communicating with another species isn’t easy.”
    â€œNot really communicating, Dad.” Valin rolled his eyes. “They’re just bugs. I make them think a rock is food.”
    â€œMore than I could do at your age.”
    â€œBut you weren’t trained.”
    â€œTrue enough.” Corran stood. “That notwithstanding, I’m very proud of you.”
    â€œI’d like to make you prouder.” Valin stood and sighed heavily. “I’d been trying to move the rock with my mind for a while first. Then I decided to try that other way. I guess I’ll never be a powerful Jedi.”
    Corran rested his hands on his son’s shoulders and touched his forehead to Valin’s. “There are those among the Jedi that view strength as how far you can move something, or how easily you can break something. The real strength of a Jedi comes from within, from his heart and mind. Some Jedi move rocks just to prove they can move them, but the strongest Jedi don’t see any reason to move rocks when that isn’t going to solve the immediate problem.”
    His son sighed again and smiled. “So, what are you telling me, Dad?”
    â€œHe’s telling you, boy, that being weak is something you’ll learn to get used to, perhaps a handicap you’ll even get over.”
    Corran’s head came up as he turned toward the voice. “Ganner!”
    The other Jedi nodded solemnly. The man stood a full head taller than Corran. His broad shoulders tapered down to a narrow waist and hips, but the man’s body fairly rippled with muscle. Jet-black hair had been combed back to emphasize a widow’s peak. The mustache and goatee he wore combined with his handsome features and piercing blue eyes to give him the sort of rakish good looks that easily made the man the object of admiring glances. The midnight blue and black Jedi robes he wore set him apart from the jungle and gave him the bearing of a government official.
    Corran could feel the Force gathering in his son. He gave Valin’s shoulder a squeeze. “Don’t do it.”
    The taller man opened his arms easily and let the hint of a smile twist his lips. “Please, Valin, show me what you can do. Project whatever vision you wish. I promise to be afraid.”
    The boy lifted his chin as the Force drained out of him. “Scariest thing I can think of is you standing there.”
    Ganner clapped slowly. “He has a lot of spirit, this is good.” He looked at Corran. “Our ship is ready to go.”
    â€œI was just going to say good-bye to my son.”
    â€œWe have some time. Not much, but a little yet.”
    Corran turned to Valin. “Go back to the Great Temple. Your mother and sister are there. Tell them