886, Dreamscape, Illusion (II)
A Lightsaber represented a Jedi Knight's beliefs. When a Jedi Knight gave up their Lightsaber, it meant they had given up their identity as a Jedi Knight.
Mace Windu picked up the Lightsaber and pressed the switch. With a snap-hiss, a green blade shot out, adding a touch of brilliance to the multicolored jungle.
"You shouldn't have come here." A hoarse voice suddenly rang out.
Master Windu reacted with extraordinary speed, instantly dashing toward the source of the voice. He saw only a figure flash past!
"Master Barris!" Master Windu shouted.
The figure stopped and turned around.
It was indeed Depa Barris, one of the members of the Jedi Order High Council, one of its finest lightsaber masters, and also his most admired apprentice.
But Mace Windu could recognize her only because they had known each other for decades. The current Depa Barris had almost become a different person.
Her body had wasted away, her cheeks sunken, her eyes dull and lifeless. Her long hair had been brutally cut off, leaving only short, weed-like strands. The robe she wore was filthy and tattered, making her look like a beggar. A dirty strip of cloth was wrapped around her forehead, covering the gemstone there.
Master Windu knew that Depa Barris was a Chalactan. This race, steeped in religion and mysticism, had a ritual of embedding gemstones into a person's forehead to signify that person's achievements.
These gemstones were also called Chalactans, just like the name of their species.
Upon completing the first trial, the first gemstone would be embedded in the bridge of one's nose. When someone became an exceptionally accomplished individual, a second, larger gemstone would be embedded between their brows.
Depa Barris possessed two gemstones. The one on the bridge of her nose was called