It was starting to annoy Spriht Holstum. He had been working with these alloys and crystals for over a year trying to make the adjustments work properly. If not for the advice of his mentor, Kam Solusar, Spriht would never have discovered the Kaiburr Crystal. It had been entrusted to Kam from Halla when Kam suggested using it in the creation of a defensive jedi tool. No one had ever thought to make a force-powered shield before and the thought appealed to Kam. Since his padawan was not very skilled with a lightsaber, yet was a skilled and inventive engineer, Kam agreed to help Spriht work on his proposed project. Spriht was beginning to wish that he had never made this suggestion.

Working with other crystals before he attempted to toy with the powerful Kaiburr Crystal, Spriht had discovered that using larger versions of the components required to construct a lightsaber, he would be able to create his lightshield. The beta testing of his first product was disastrous, having only the strength to withstand weak blaster fire and only a glancing blow from a lightsaber. All that was left of the original product was a charred heap that left the crystal unsalvageable. After several more failed attempts, he had finally constructed a product that could withstand nearly any blaster fire and would deflect a lightsaber and remain functional. The other students were amazed at the latest version, but as most pointed out, what was the point of such a weapon when a good old lightsaber was far more effective.

Well I don’t like hurting people when there is another option, Spriht said in response, and when people see that attacking is pointless, they will get the idea and learn to compromise. Personally, I think you are just trying to rationalize you weak dueling skills. Rorq Tyrn said bitterly. Rorq Tyrn had been opposed to the construction of the lightshield saying that there was no point in its construction. The criticism that he received only fueled Spriht to work harder at finishing the final product. It was getting late and the compensators on the two-foot disc had failed again. Spriht made a few more adjustments when he sensed Kam coming down the hall. How is it coming along, Spriht? Kam asked with sincere interest. I can’t seem to get these compensators to put out the proper amount of power” It might be different if you would finally attempt to use the Kaiburr Crystal. Kam reminded him.

I doubt the latest version of my shield would be good enough. Spiht replied dejectedly. Hmnn, able to withstand sustained blaster fire, and deflect direct lightsaber blows, but you still have doubts? Kam asked. I just can’t get the power levels where I want them, and I don’t want anything to happen to the Kaiburr Crystal like my first attempt. You need to be more confident my young padawan. Here, lets give it a try.” Kam reached into the pouch on the side of his robe and pulled out the crystal. When the crystal was attached to the socket in the center of the disc both men stared at the shield.

Lets do this. Spriht said sheepishly. Kam took the shield to the training arena where many young jedi were practicing their skills. Once ignited, a deep red glow was emitted from the shield that extended further than any of the previous attempts. Well it looks good, Rorq’s voice oozed from the opposite corner of the arena, Lets see how well it works. The students began to slow their exercises and the practice drills all came to a halt, as this new shield held up to everything that was thrown at it, quite literally as Kam invited more and more of the spectators to attack. Even Rorq, who force-pushed a remote into the shield, began to stare in wonder at the new device. The interesting thing was that the edges of the shield still cut like a lightsaber. This made it effectively a discoid shaped lightsaber. Congratulations, Spriht, I think you have developed something that could be of great use to the jedi! rejoiced Kam.