[ WP ] `` I need you to understand something before I kill you . ''

The first sensation was a burning in my hip that ran up by back and to my spine. I opened my eyes and one was still dark, burning with the iron of my own blood, already swollen shut. 
 
 Breathing in, my left side twitched, halting the breath. Ribs were broken. 
 
 I exhaled and pointed my chin to the sky. A calm settled. 
 
 There was a hand on my shoulder, pressing me down -- - I felt the gravel cut into my knees. A metallic voice filled my ears. 
 
 `` I need you to understand something before I kill you.'' 
 
 I sucked in a sharp breath, remembering the firefight. They had secreted themselves in the floor of a hold filled with refugees, keeping us from detecting them till the attack started. After the initial forces rose up outside the walls, those in the refugee transport emerged, slaughtering all before them. I was assigned to the infirmary and stood as long as I could. I fought off dozens before a blinding light filled my vision and I awoke on my knees with a voice in my ear. 
 
 `` I need you to understand something,'' the voice said again. A white helmet was set on the ground beside me. `` I have studied your kind for as long as I can remember,'' the voice was soft and warm without the metallic tint of the helmet. `` I have spoken to some of your most revered shamen. I have seen copies of the tome of your greatest wisdom and handled artifacts of your ancients.'' 
 
 I tensed my legs and instantly a cold circle touched my neck. `` Do not move, monk.'' The voice was hard, devoid of the emotion that was there moments before. I relaxed my legs. The cold circle disappeared and the warm voice returned. 
 
 `` I understand and, given a chance, I think I would join you.'' He took a deep breath. 
 
 `` But they are evil, and strong, young monk. And I am among them.'' The cold circle returned. 
 
 I heard blaster fire and my vision went red, then black. 
 
 My sight returned in a flash. I saw an armored figure reach across my body and pick up his helmet. He looked over his shoulder and met my eyes. Then he placed the helmet on his head. The metallic voice returned. 
 
 `` I am sorry, young Jedi. I have no choice. May the Force be with you.'' 
 
 The Stormtrooper stood and walked away. 
 
 /minor edits 
 
 

