Aira Cadan

"Yes," I replied, "I am also concerned about the ecosystem here. We'll wait and see what the scientists recommend. Maybe there is a simple solution that technology can fix. Alternately or additionally, we can try to contact a Jedi Naturalist. It's possible that the Force could 'heal' the young. That might not fix the damage done to the ecosystem, though." "Aelyn's right though," Wayson chimed in. "Keeping that monster alive isn't worth it if it messes other things up." "I agree," I clarified, "but it's not my first choice." Silence fell between the three of us. I could tell Aelyn was really disturbed by what had happened, and while I wanted to give her time to recover, I also knew that sometimes talking things out, while painful, was more helpful in the long run. Besides, I needed to understand what she faced. "Aelyn," I said gently. "We need to talk about what happened. I know you don't want to, but talking will help. Maybe start with what actually occurred, why you made the decisions you made, and we can go from there. What did the Force teach you about being a Jedi Knight through this experience?" I paused. "I can give you until tomorrow if you want, but not much longer than that. It's best to deal with it while it's fresh."

I nodded. "Don't apologize. You've just been through something the likes of you've never been through before. It's alright to not be okay yet." My voice echoed the depths of compassion I was feeling for her. "I've been in your place before. Don't worry. You'll be okay." I sat back as Aelyn asked for information. "Well, clean up will continue, recovery from the attacks. A team of scientists has been assigned to go and study the leviathan. Some here just want to destroy it and be done with it, but others see the value in learning as much as they can about it. When you feel up to it, I'm sure a recommendation from you in either direction will carry a lot of weight." I wondered if she thought the creature should be destroyed. The young woman had a vast deal of compassion, but this was the first time she had been in a place where she had suffered as a result. Just then, a curtain was drawn back from the bed next to Aelyn's, revealing a man that she would recognize. Wayson was clearly injured, but recovering well, no longer hooked up to any machines, his wounds wrapped in clean white bandages. "I thought I heard your voice," he said, his tone relieved. "Looks like you made it through alright."

As my hug aggravated Aelyn's injuries, I let go of her immediately. "Oh, sorry," I apologized. But a moment later, I realized that she was far from feeling the satisfaction of a job well done. And as she spoke, I mentally berated myself. I had seen this before in my time with the fleet. New soldiers would constantly face a sense of letdown, that the cost was too much, that even if they had won it might not have been worth it, and even survivor's guilt. A moment before she swooned, I caught her and lowered her down onto a seat. "Hey, take it easy," I said. "Just relax." Two of the medics took over, carefully doing some first aid on her that would last until we returned to Theed. As the driver gunned the engine and we began the journey back, skimming across the top of the waves, a salty breeze blowing in our faces and the bright Nubian sunshine beating down, I wondered what I was going to say to my padawan. Words rarely came easily to me; I always had to be in just the right place and the right time. And how would I prepare her for the guilt? For the knowledge that people you killed, no matter how just their deaths were, never really left you? I sighed, then released my feelings into the Force. It was impossible to talk to Aelyn over the noise of the speeder, so I simply sat down next to her and tried to soak in the peace of the sun and the waves. As soon as we arrived back in the city, the medics carried Aelyn to the med bay for treatment. There was a little bit of discussion regarding the Gungan scientist, but I insisted he also be treated for his wounds, and they respected my authority. I was just getting ready to head to the med bay myself when one of the human guard commanders approached me. "Master Jedi, we've gathered together a team of marine biologists and other scientists to be put in charge of studying the creature. They will make a preliminary recommendation to the queen in a week." "Thank you," I replied sincerely. "Jedi Talis will be available to give testimony as well, and the Jedi Order will provide resources in case you wish to try to move it offworld." I made sure the man would pass on Aelyn's comm information, and then he left. The hospital wasn't far, and I made it there before Aelyn's treatment was complete. Grabbing a grain bar from a vending machine, I sat munching on it as I waited in the reception area. Finally, the doctors informed me that she was out of treatment and in a recovery room. Thanking them, I headed up directly. Aelyn was in a room lined with multiple beds. Privacy curtains could be closed around each bed, but most of them were open for now. The other patients were a mix of Gungans and humans, survivors from the leviathan's attacks. The overall atmosphere in the room was of quiet hope and relief that the nightmare was over. I took a seat next to Aelyn's bed. Her eyes fluttered open, and I gave her a small but warm smile. "How are you feeling?"

It had been a crazy hour. Once the Leviathan's trajectory and target had become clear, we had scrambled to defensive positions. But the planet's forces were ready now, and using careful timing and Aelyn's strategic thinking, the populated areas were protected. I could feel the darkness waxing and waning, and knew Aelyn was finally facing it directly. I whispered a prayer to the Force to aid her, then immediately felt a little foolish. That wasn't how the Force worked. But I didn't take it back. Finally, I felt the darkness receding, and a few minutes later, Aelyn's voice came over the comm. "--I have disabled all of them--" Cheers erupted in the control room, and I smiled. As a retrieval craft was sent out to pick them up, I made sure that I was in it. Before we left, however, I turned back to the commanders. "Better gather up some scientists to study that creature," I said, musing. "It won't be dangerous anymore, but it might wreak your ecosystem." "Wouldn't it be better just to kill it?" one of the Gungans said. "It only acted that way because the darkness had corrupted it," I frowned. "Maybe there is another solution," another commander said. "We'll look into it, Master Jedi." Then we were skimming quickly under the waves. We grabbed the missile pod and surfaced. Popping our canopy, I reached down and punched in the sequence to open the missile, revealing a cramped, smelly human and a Gungan. While the Nubians grabbed Maloba, cuffed him, and started to treat his wound, I reached down and helped Aelyn into the larger craft, then immediately pulled her into a hug. "You did a great job," I said as I squeezed her. "I'm so proud of you."

The situation on the Nubian moon had been resolved much more quickly than I had expected. It turned out that merely my presence was enough to settle the dispute, and it ended with both sides happily compromising. I was extremely pleased; situations where Jedi were involved somehow rarely worked out as well as this one had, although that was always the goal. It was good, I reflected as I headed back to my hotel, that I hadn’t sent Aelyn on this mission; she wouldn’t have been sufficiently challenged for her knighthood. I had just made it back to my room when I felt my comlink buzzing in my pocket. I fiddled with the passcard to get into my room, opened the door, keyed it shut behind me, and set down my purchase of some local fruits before fishing it out of my pocket and answering. It was my padawan, and she seemed upset but spoke clearly, filling me in on all the details. My heart sank. While my mission had been simpler than expected, it appeared that Aelyn’s was much more complicated than I had intended for her to be dealing with. Nevertheless, I was confident in her abilities, and told her as much. “I’ll be at Theed in…” I checked my chrono, “maybe two standard hours. Too late to help you directly, but you’ll be okay. Trust your instincts, and trust the Force. It will be with you, padawan.” With a click, I shut down the connection and pocketed the device. If I was going to get down to the planet in two hours, I needed to move. -- I made it in two and half. If General Slaughter had been here, I would have gotten a blunt reprimand. My thoughts flew to my former CO as I headed out of my ship towards the main defense base in the city. I’m sure he would be uncomfortable with the new E’lann-Zinthos treaty that had been announced on the holonet. It’d be amusing to see him attempting to play nice with the Remnant. I shook my head, smiling. He was a good man, and a good officer. The galaxy needed more people like him. As I presented my ID, I was shown inside the base and an aide came up to me. “Jedi Talis left an hour ago,” she informed me. “She said to expect you.” I nodded. “I’ll help protect your people in any way I can. Take me to your commanders, and let’s see what the plan is.” ((OOC: From my understanding, I’m just here as narrative backup, so no need to actually integrate me into your storyline aside from acknowledging that I’m helping coordinate the defense of Theed/Otah Gunga if needed.))

I came out of hyperspace in a small E-wing fighter. True to my word, I was going to be nearby in case Aelyn needed me, but I wasn't planning on getting involved. I was excited for her. She was going to make a great Jedi, if only she believed in herself and trusted the Force. My first stop was the planet's surface. I was here to visit a small town on one of the smaller continents. They had requested Jedi assistance with a mining dispute, and I was happy to help. ((super short, just to get me there))

"That's the trick, isn't it?" I said slowly. "And honestly, I think that's why Grandmaster Trevelian is trying to keep the Jedi neutral and not under the GA's authority. If we are under their authority, we become subject to their decisions and laws. If they say we have to lie and deceive, we pretty much have to. When a good soldier hears a bad order, he follows it, even if he knows it's a bad order. But you hit the nail on the head--we're Jedi. And we believe in truth and in peace. This is one of those situations where we have to rely heavily on the Force to guide us. We can tell when people lie to us. Hopefully if the GA does want war, they'll say it outright, or we can at least recognize that they have ulterior motives." I put a hand on her shoulder. "To be honest, I get the feeling we're only going to be delaying the inevitable. War is coming. I just hope that it's against the Sith and not a three way mess. That would plunge the galaxy into levels of chaos it hasn't seen in a long time. But I'm getting off topic. You asked how we balance truth against war." I paused. "For me, I think the way forward lies in believing that there is a way. So often people look at a situation and they see two evils. And those evils appear to be the only two ways out of a situation, so they feel the burden to decide which is the lesser of the two evils and choose that one. And yes, maybe occasionally, that's the truth. But I find it's rarely so. There is almost always a third way, or a fourth way. Sometimes you don't see those until the last minute; but you always have to look to find them." There was a chime from the cockpit, and I rose. "I don't know what is going to happen. Let's go talk to them, see what they say, and go from there." I gave Aelyn a small half smile. "Just remember, the Force is with us."

Aelyn and I spent the voyage studying the files Raven had sent. The situation on Carida was a giant mess, almost unbelievable. It was as if the droid had snapped. Clearly, both of the CoreSec agents didn't trust the Imperials as far as they could throw them, but either the droid had had some malicious programming, or this had been a secret GA plot all along. I seriously hoped it wasn't the latter. I sighed and leaned back. "What do you think, Aelyn? There still seems a chance for the GA to salvage this. But the whole situation is really strange. Why would the GA send people undercover with such a flimsy cover story? Why did the cover story keep changing? Why did the droid target the Imperials? Why didn't they try to surrender in the time the Imps gave them?" I rubbed my face. "I can't help but feel that if the GA wanted an excuse to start a war--which is seriously stupid, considering they'd be better off as allies against the Sith--there would be much better ways to do it."

I was just heading back to the main area, noting that most of the Jedi had left the planet now, when my comm chirped. I got a sense of foreboding in the Force, and grimacing, I checked it. The message that followed caused my jaw to drop. CoreSec officers, assassinating Remnant Moffs' sons? What the kriff was the Galactic Alliance thinking? Had things really gone so far that they would have ordered their people to start a war like this? Especially in light of the threat from the Sith, it made absolutely no sense. Unless that senator was stirring things up again. I sent a quick response back to Raven, letting her know that I'd investigate immediately. I was really glad she was still willing to try to work this out, although...I sighed. Unless the GA proved unequivocally that this had been the actions of rogue agents, it seemed war was almost inevitable. Changing channels, I commed Aelyn, asking her to meet me at the Open Road. We needed to head back to Coruscant. The higher-ups had some explaining to do. Making my way to the ship took little time, and I was onboard before Aelyn arrived. Not wanting to mess up her ship, I merely started the warm-up process, then sat down at the comm unit to make a few more calls.

The memorial for Kirlocca had been moving, allowing each of us to remember the old Wookiee and say our farewells. For my part, I had remembered Kirlocca teaching me my first steps in the ways of the Force, and the mission he had sent me on with those other hopefuls, and then his leadership during the last years of the war. You'll be missed, I thought. After the ceremony, some of the Jedi began to mingle. I didn't know most of them, although I did wave at Xae-Lin and Jaina. The Masters hurried off to Council, however, and I felt the Force prompting me to take a walk down the beach. After glancing over to make sure Aelyn wasn't needing me, I headed away from the gathering. I walked for a long time, thinking and processing. Aelyn was ready for her trials. There were a few things left she needed to face, but those could be taught through the testing that her trials would bring. Force knew there wasn't anything left that I could teach her. She was ready to be a full Jedi. I know she doubted that, but I didn't. She'd be a better Jedi than me. I always felt like an outsider among the Order. I hoped that it would be different for my padawan. I was in the middle of planning her trials when my comm chimed. As I listened to the message, my heart sank into my stomach. So...the Galactic Alliance has indeed failed. Sorrow crashed over me. I had held out hope that democracy and sound minds would prevail. But the GA was militarizing, and Devanus was pushed out of office. This new leader--I noted his title with some unease--I had never met, but it would be interesting to have him as not a military man, but rather an investigator. I'd have to meet him and get a sense for him. Godfrey had been the Senator who had been highly suspicious of my account of Raven's plans; he was a hard case, and I was sure that his hotheadedness would only serve to push the GA further to war. My heart was heavy, but I thought I could nevertheless hear the Force speaking to me. A memory stirred of speaking with that vet back on Chandrila, and the same sense of rightness crept back over me. There was good I could do in the tattered remains of the GA. And if I was right, they'd need that now more than ever.

Another ship arrived, this one without any pomp or circumstance. I rose and my apprentice and I descended the ramp of her ship. "Almost late," I commented. "I knew we should have taken that left turn at Manaan." Noting the presence of the Imperials, I waved at Raven as we headed towards where the funeral was going to take place.

I returned Raven's bright smile as she informed us about how she had consolidated power over the moffs. "Hopefully directing their efforts at a very visible threat like the Sith will indeed keep their attention," I agreed. "Thank you for your time, Head of State. I look forward to bringing your report back to the Galactic Alliance. I am sure that our favorable report to them will be well-received." I rose and shook the offered hand. "And thank you for your personal assurances as well. I will remember them," I promised. "And..." I dropped my voice. "I'm sorry for your loss," I added. I wasn't sure what the connection was, but I could tell Raven was hurting, and I hurt for her. Our negotiations seemed to be wrapped up, and they seemed to have gone well. Everyone shook Raven's hand. Junior Ambassador P'lwek lingered for a moment, and I overheard him tell Raven that he was glad to have been able to visit Carida, and how pleased he had been at the treatment he had received since being on-world. I smiled again. Raven's Empire certainly seemed a different place than the one I had known, and it was showing. Our farewells said, we made our way back to our shuttle.

Raven's words were what I had been hoping to hear, overall. She was committed to maintaining the Remnant's sovereignty, but she was equally committed to giving planets the right to choose. "I'd also like to hear your analysis of your moffs," I added quietly. "While I am heartened to hear that you yourself are dedicated to these ideals, I know you mentioned last time I was here that you were afraid they would give you difficulty. Has controlling them been successful? The last thing I'm sure any of us want is for one of them to go rogue and draw on the imperial sympathizers in your government to form their own faction." I knew that was one of the Senate's major concerns. Raven was young for a galactic leader, and being a woman, it was possible she would be overruled or undermined by her Moff Council. I didn't think she would put up with it--she had the backbone necessary for her role--but I knew the senators would ask. I tried to think if there was anything else we needed to discuss with her while we were face to face. It was difficult predicting what the Senate would ask, and what it would take for them to be persuaded. Prejudice still existed within both of our factions, but I had hope that clear heads would prevail. There was no need for us to fight each other.

We all took our seats, and I thought I was prepared for these negotiations. But then Raven started speaking, and I realized I certainly was not. As she spoke, I broke down her points. She didn't intend on expanding her empire. I was glad to hear that was still the case. I had told the GA Senate that, and it was good to hear it directly from her again. Secondly, her stated goal was to build up her fleets to take on the Sith. She had the evidence of the destruction of Carida all around us to give her ample justification for attacking them, as if she needed more beyond what the Sith had already proved. Her alliance with the Jedi Order was proof that the Jedi believed her motives to be what she said they were. But my thought train was derailed once she brought up Kirlocca. "Master Kirlocca was killed here?" I groaned. That was a huge wrinkle in our negotiations. I bit my lip. "I hate to say it, but that will cause major problems. Unfortunately, we only have your word that that was why the Grandmaster was here, and only your word that you were not involved. Many of our Senators may well think that your government saw the chance to take him out and did so." I sighed. "Of course, I'm sure the Jedi Council will be launching a full investigation. But until the results come up, the prejudice the GA feels against you will only be amplified if this gets out."

We were escorted directly to the Head of State with pure, efficient Imperial pomp and circumstance. I had dressed in my new pantsuit, and tamed my normally wild hair into a more professional style. The Imperials made no demands about surrendering weapons, which was to their credit, but my team had already decided to set the tone of the negotiations off right with a show of good faith; none of my retinue was armed. Even Aelyn and I had left our lightsabers aboard the shuttle, although I was sure Raven wouldn't have objected to their presence. As we were brought before her, I was immediately struck by how tired she looked. In the Force she radiated weariness and sorrow. I immediately took her outstretched hand, giving it an extra squeeze before I let go. "If now is not a good time, just say so, Head of State," I said gracefully. It was more a formality; the fact that Raven had let us in and not turned us away showed that she was ready to meet with our delegation. The sorrow she was feeling was strong, though, and I was extremely tempted to ask about it. Not now, I told myself firmly. Right now you're an ambassador, not just her friend. There will hopefully be time later to ask her what's wrong. And if it affects the negotiations, she'll bring it up. I introduced the rest of my delegation. "Head of State Zinthos, you've met my padawan Aelyn Talis. This is Ambassador Rasil Talis of Coruscant, Chief Aide Zek Ral'dis of Iridonia, Junior Ambassador P'lwek of Mon Calamari, and our GA Legal Analyst Eleain Antilles of Corellia." The Senate had hoped that sending a diverse group that represented a variety of the species in the GA would send a message of unity, and while I knew Raven wasn't speciest, I hadn't been convinced it was the best idea. I knew Raven was still fighting the old Empire mindset. But what was done was done, and during the journey here, I had gotten to know each member of the retinue, and knew they were level-headed and wanted these negotiations to succeed as much as I did. I wasn't sure if Raven had any opening remarks, or if she wanted to dive right in, so instead of continuing on, I took a honey cake that I recognized as being from Ryloth.

A diplomatic envoy, composed of several ambassadors and their support staff--and one Jedi Knight and her padawan that were kind of both--slipped through hyperspace. ___ The atmosphere of our expedition had certainly been tainted. Everyone on the voyage knew at least of Kirlocca--indeed, there would be few in the galaxy who wouldn't have heard the old Wookiee's name. Several of the team had met Kirlocca personally, if briefly. The Holonet was void of news, which seemed telling to me. It meant that he had indeed died recently, and that the Sith weren't immediately claiming responsibility. Of course, I believed it was them, and told Aelyn as much. Few others could kill a Jedi Master such as him. But still, there was a chance he had died in an accident, or there had been another cause of his death besides murder. After talking about it for a while with Aelyn and her father, I sighed. "We'll have to let the Jedi Council deal with this, although perhaps after we're done on Carida, we can be involved in the investigation." I shook my head sadly. "Try not to dwell on it, padawan. It's sad, indeed, but in the end, we all die. And Jedi believe that we become one with the Force after death. Death ceases to lose much of its sting when you know that when you die, you'll be one with that which you serve. In a way, it's a cause to rejoice for them. It's why we say in the code: There is no death, there is only the Force." ___ After an uneventful trip, the envoy dropped out of hyperspace in the Carida System.

By the time Aelyn picked up the basics of not only parries and ripostes, but attacks, the sun was up. I shut down my lightsaber and grabbed two pieces of fruit out of my pack. Tossing one to my apprentice, I gathered up my pack and climbed into the landspeeder, munching on my own fruit. "I'm sure we're quite late for our meeting with the senate," I commented. "But their schedule is always shifting, and I wanted to make sure you looked like a Jedi before we went before them. I'm not sure what they want, but while we're there, I want to reactivate my commission, and I want it to be very clear that I'm not abandoning the Jedi to serve in the fleets. Master Onderin was able to do both, and I'm sure I can do it too." We headed off, making our way back to Aelyn's ship. The Open Road was ready to go shortly after that, and soon we were in the blackness of space once more. I punched in the coordinates for Triple Zero, and Aelyn sent us shooting into hyperspace.

Aelyn's words were solemn, and as she stood there, lightsaber in hand, I knew I was witnessing the birth of a Jedi. I couldn't help but feel proud, but also a little sad. It was a hard life being a Jedi. We always had to stand on the front lines, to challenge evil, to put ourselves in harm's way to protect others. It was worth it, absolutely, but still, it was hard. And part of me wished I could spare Aelyn from those realities. But I knew she understood now. She understood that it was her duty, that she had a choice but that the only right choice sometimes was to fight--however that looked, be it with her mind, her tongue, or her lightsaber. So when she glanced at me, I simply nodded, my expression solemn. "We might as well start right now then." Aelyn didn't seem tired--on the contrary, she seemed alert, awake, and alive in a way I'd never seen her before--and I knew I could always take a nap on the way to Coruscant later. "Okay, you're first lesson is: you're holding it wrong." I paused, then laughed. "Just kidding. Okay, every Jedi starts with learning the basics. This is the first form of lightsaber combat, known as Shii-Cho, or more simply Form 1. It emphasizes victory without injury, and in it's basic form, provides a foundation for all seven forms of lightsaber combat." I motioned to myself. "Imagine that my body consists of six zones. My head is zone 1, zone 2 is my right arm and side, zone 3 is my left arm and side, 4 is my back, 5 is my right leg, and 6 is my left leg. Hold your blade vertically." I took out my own saber and ignited it, adding its vibrant green light to the scene. "Let's start with the four main parries. The first is zone 2 to zone 3." I demonstrated it, keeping my blade vertical the entire time. "Next is the opposite--zone 3 to zone 2." I demonstrated that one as well, always returning my blade to the center or neutral position after each. "For the third and fourth parries, turn your blade horizontal. One is a high block, and the other is low, about the level of your knees." I showed her the two, then reviewed all four with her. "Let's start there. I want you to practice those over and over. They'll eventually become ingrained in your muscle memory." I stood across from her and mirrored her actions as she performed them.

As Aelyn slipped into meditation, her presence in the Force diminished. I had faith that she would do well. I knew she was ready--the question was, did she believe it? I spent the day staying fairly near to her tree, in case any kath hounds or other dangers approached. Most of the time I spent dredging up old memories--the things I had learned as a soldier in the great war, the procedures and protocols I would be finding myself back in. But I also spent time cleaning and charging my own lightsaber. I hadn't used it much in the past years, and I had noticed it needed reattunment. So I spent some time taking it apart, cleaning it, and putting it back together. The Force whispered to me as I did so. I felt a great sense of peace about this path I had decided to walk. Maybe it wouldn't make me a better Jedi, but maybe I had spent enough time trying to be a better Jedi, when in reality, I was missing the role the Force wanted me to play. Not that I thought that meant that the treaty and peace had been against the will of the Force; rather that perhaps I hadn't been very good at listening to the prompting of the Force the past few years. Once darkness fell, I built a fire. The temperature dropped, making me glad for the warmth it provided. Aelyn's presence was troubled, but nothing that seemed too worrying. I settled into a light trance, not letting myself completely sleep, but at least I'd be alert and awake in the morning. A light rain began to fall, but it didn't disturb me. Waking dreams flittered through my consciousness. Apollo's face kept coming up with surprising frequency. I hoped I would see him again. He was a fascinating person, and I would be glad to get to know him better. Suddenly, I was jolted out of my trance. Aelyn rose to her feet, her lit lightsaber casting a bright blue glow around the scene. I started to smile, but then sensed the fear and sorrow radiating off of her. I rose, grabbing a cloak as I did so. Crossing to her, I placed it around her shoulders. I didn't say anything though, leaving the breaking of the silence to her, if she chose.

"Excellent work, Padawan!" I praised as she came up to me. The blue crystal she carried was beautiful, and the perfect size for her first lightsaber. I chuckled as she asked her question. "To be honest, it's somewhat of a mystery. Some Jedi scholars do believe that the crystals are alive, and grow. Others say it has to do with the guiding of the Force. Others yet say that somehow the crystal chooses the Jedi, which is why not every crystal is fit for every Jedi." I motioned for her to follow as I walked around the area, heading towards a large tree not far away. "You have just completed what is referred to as the Gathering. Now it's time to combine it with the other pieces and create your lightsaber. The crystal is not, by itself, the power source of the weapon. Like the Force user, the crystal is attuned to the Force. Without that attunement, the crystal is just a rock. And while a non-Force user could probably ignite and wield a lightsaber, provided the crystal was properly attuned to the Force, all that lightsaber would be for him is a shaft of superheated plasma. But for a Jedi, the lightsaber becomes more: it is a manifestation of a Jedi's connection to the Force." We arrived at the large tree. I took a seat on the dirt under it's shade and motioned for Aelyn to do the same. "This attunement can take up to several days. You'll enter meditation. The Force will guide you in the making of the saber." I paused, wondering if I should warn her about the rest of it. "While you're ostensibly tuning the crystal, the Force will also make some attunement in you. I cannot say what it will ask of you, or how it will change you, but it will not do so without your submission to it's will. If you are successful, you will know when the blade is complete. I will keep an eye on you, and make sure you're safe while you perform this task." I rose to my feet and smiled down at her. "May the Force be with you."

As we drew near the cave, I became certain that it was Aelyn's crystal that was calling out to her, especially as I felt nothing. However, the cave was unsurprisingly filled with kinrath. I looked over at Aelyn, appraising her, and then made a quick decision. "There is a method of Force use that will be helpful here. I think you'll be a natural. It involves entering the mind of a creature and calming it, presenting yourself as a non-threat. It allows you to calm beasts and pass through without harm. It can also be used to tame an attacking beast, or temporarily domesticate one to use as a mount." I quickly ran through the basics with her. It wasn't that much of a stretch from what she had already been doing, and it would be an easier jump later when I showed her how to apply it to sentients. Once I felt like she had grasped it, I nodded towards the cave. "Nothing for it except to practice as you go," I said. "Don't worry; if you need help, I'll be monitoring your progress."

Dantooine was always a mixed bag. It was the site of some horrific events in the past, but had always nevertheless regained its quiet peace. It always gave me hope. And I loved the landscape--the softly waving grasses were soothing, and the open spaces always made my spirit soar. As we slipped into orbit, Aelyn commented on a beacon of Force energy. I stretched out my senses and felt nothing out of the ordinary. "What bea--" I started to ask. Then I checked myself. We were here for Aelyn, and if she was being led by the Force, I was not going to stop her. "Yes, of course. Take us down." I smiled. "Your senses are improving." Once Aelyn indicated we were close, I had her land in the nearest town. It was a small one, but it would serve our purposes. As we exited the Open Road, I handed Aelyn a credit chit. "Alright, your first step is to get the mechanical parts you need."

I smiled. "Don't worry. You'll get there. I think you'll make a great Jedi Knight someday." I was pleased with her decision. It meant that she was taking things seriously, and that a new world was opening up in her mind. We made our way back to the hotel to check out, and then to Aelyn's ship. Once there, I let my padawan take us up, while I accessed the Jedi Order archives on my datapad. Once I had the information I wanted, I headed up to the cockpit, stopping only to use the 'fresher--I was paying the price for eating that roast gornt. I slipped into the copilot's chair. "We're heading for Dantooine," I told her. "Every lightsaber is powered by a special crystal, which you can only find in a few places in the galaxy. Dantooine is one of them. And it's much nicer than the other alternative, Ilum." Once we were in hyperspace, I handed her my datapad. "You'll find a diagram on there with instructions about how to build the casing for your lightsaber. It's mostly spare parts," I chuckled. "I'm sure you can find pretty much everything you need here onboard your ship. Anything you're missing we can pick up on Dantooine."

I nodded. “One of the most famous Jedi Masters of old is famous for having said many things, but one of them was that to become a Jedi, one must unlearn what you have learned. It requires a paradigm shift, a new way of thinking. I think it's one of the most difficult things about becoming a Jedi. And you're right; it wasn't really us who did anything. We were simply the bridge, the guide, the hands and feet of the work that the Force wanted to do in her life. That's our job. It always will be.” We were hungry, so we stopped for a quick bite to eat at a Twi’lek restaurant. I ordered the special, which turned out to be roast gornt. “Did you ever hear the joke about the Bothan who goes into a cantina with a gornt under his arm?” I remarked jovially. After our meals had been served, I broached a new topic. “Aelyn, I've been meaning to talk to you about the next phase in your training. I think it's time you made your first lightsaber. It's important for you to learn to defend yourself and others. Not only that, but often, the mere sight of even a deactivated lightsaber will stop a dispute before it starts. It is the symbol of the Jedi, and by bearing one, you accept the rights and responsibilities of a Jedi. I think you're ready for that step.” I wasn't sure how she would feel about it. She was very pacifistic, which I wanted to honor, but even the most pacifistic Jedi carried a lightsaber. “Besides, when we go before the Senate, I hate to say it, but you will be treated better if people know immediately you're a Jedi Padawan, and not just a regular young woman.” On top of that, I knew how making a lightsaber changed a person. It was formative for both Jedi and Sith for a reason.

Between the three of us, Liv suddenly turned a metaphysical corner. I caught a brief glimpse of a band on a stage, each of us at an instrument. But then the image faded. Once I realized that she was going to be alright, I drew back from her mind gently, and then withdrew from Aelyn as well. The Force ghost faded, and I shook my head, dropping my hands. I breathed in deeply and let it out slowly. "She'll be alright now," I told the officer. "She'll heal normally, and her psyche is on the mend. That's about all we can do for her." I turned to Aelyn. "Sometimes all someone needs is to know that someone else believes in them. I'm sure you have a bunch of questions about this," I grinned. "I promise I'll do my best to answer all of them. But for now, I think what Liv needs most is peace and quiet to heal." I turned to Officer Samuels. "Feel free to give Liv my comm number when she wakes. I'd be happy to talk to her if she wants to." Liv was going to have to stand trial for her crime, although I was unsure how the court would plead. Insanity, perhaps? And then she'd have to go through drug rehab...it was a long road ahead, but I felt she was ready now to tackle that challenge. "Oh," I added, slipping the ring off my finger, "I'm sure she'll want this when she wakes." I headed out of the CoreSec headquarters and back into the sunshine, Aelyn tailing me. I smiled at her once we were out. "Well, that was interesting."