Facing the Past

Chapter 1-- Pre Exile

Lyn sat in the main hold of the Black Jade, trying to meditate. Two years have past since the end of the Second War, and Lyn had decided to return home. After an hour, she gave up trying to meditate.

Lyn was human, born anyway. Ever since the Yuuzhan Vong war, Lyn was classified as a cross-breed between human and Vong; having gone through the same process Tahiri had. Lyn still had a command of the Force; but it seemed like it had diminished. Ever since her "transformation" at the hands of her Vong captors, Lyn suffered mentally. She still struggled with trying to fit into everyday life looking like she did. Now Lyn felt like she could handle being a Jedi again.

The signal beeped and Lyn headed for the cockpit. She brought the Black Jade out of hyperspace and into Coruscanti space. She managed her way into traffic, making her way to a platform near the Jedi Temple. She landed a few minutes later and flagged down an air cab, instructing to the Temple.

Ben was going about his usual routine in the Temple when he saw someone he has not seen for a few years. The tattoos were visible, as they will be for life, then the eyes. Ben could never forget those two things about his sister; adopted though she maybe. With a smile on his face, Ben went to greet the lost Jedi

"Welcome home, Lyn," he said.

The look on her face told Ben that Lyn may have forgotten him. Ben grew worried at this, not sure what to say or do. Glancing around, he saw the younger students and Jedi looking at Lyn. He shooed them off before guiding his sister away.

Ben knew better than to push Lyn into talking. The chamber they were in was considered to be the family/sitting room for the Skywalker family; so neither were not wholly surprised to see Luke walk in. The look on Lyn's face seemed to have told Luke some of the story. The door closed and Lyn nearly threw herself at her father, crying. Luke embraced her, sending her calming feelings through the Force. After a few minutes, Lyn calmed down and stopped crying.

"We can talk when you feel like it," Luke said. "There's no rush. Ben, care to get some of your sister's things from her room?"

Ben nodded and left, knowing where Lyn's room was. Under the watchful gaze of Luke, the eighteen year old stripped her boots and robe off. She had not showered for some time now, and could wait a few minutes until Ben returned.

"I...I learned something," Lyn said, breaking the silence. "How to communicate with color auras."

Luke looked at his daughter, trying to figure out how she gained that skill. In the two years since her disappearance, Luke had tried sensing her through the Force only to find she was not there. He could not explain it, yet he could sense her now. And her Force aura has changed. Her Vong shaping had gone beyond what Tahiri's had been.

"Where did you learn that?"

"I swore not to tell, Father. The word of a Jedi."

Luke understood. The word of a Jedi was one of the few things Lyn still held strong to. His daughter suffered at the hands of the Vong; her personality merged with that of a Yuuzhan Vong's at the age of five. And despite efforts to gain her back, the Skywalkers had gained her back at the end of the Vong war. That was a few years ago. It had taken all those years since to help Lyn with her new life. Ben walked in with clean clothes for Lyn. She took the clothes and headed for the refresher her adopted father and brother shared. Of the Jedi that knew Lyn's story, it was Luke and Ben that was the most easy with her. Granted they were the only family she knew, Lyn accepted few people into her most inner circle. Leia and her family counted about those few.

Lyn took a good look at herself in the reflective glass. Ever since she was reunited with her adopted family after the war, Lyn had never truly looked at herself. The tattoos were mired by all the scars that had been inflicted upon her. Lyn knew the scars were not done on her side of the dual personality, but they still bothered her. She ran her hand through her shoulder blade length hair, wondering if she should cut it. Finally, Lyn stepped into the refresher and began to wash away all the dirt and grim.

The morning found Lyn sleeping on a couch in the sitting stayed there to keep her company in case she woke up during the night. He had never seen her in such a low state before. Even when she was there after the Vong war, for the short time she was there, Lyn was never this low.

Lyn shifted, blinking from the light, and saw Ben sleeping in a chair. She stretched, got up, and left, leaving Ben and her boots there. A few Jedi were up and about, but most were still sleeping. It did not matter who saw her, Lyn was set on leaving. Just because Lyn decided to return did not mean she could stand being around so many people. She can feel all those in the Temple; and if asked, Lyn was sure shecould locate a person.

"And where do you think you're going," Lyn heard from behind her.

She turned and saw Kyle standing there. "Some planet a little more quiet."

"You know, Luke was actually excited to have you all know that you went through what no one should. Stay here for a while; Force knows you need the rest." Lyn appeared distant, but she was merely thinking. Of those on the Council, Kyle was one of the few Lyn trusted. "Lyn?"

She nodded and allowed Kyle to walk her back to the sitting room. There, Lyn used the Force to nudge her brother awake. Ben woke with a start, saber in hand. Lyn sent a blue aura, along with calming sensations, to him. He turned and saw Lyn and Kyle there.

"Morning, Master Katarn," he said.

"Morning, Ben. Lyn, a mindful suggestion, remain with Ben for a while."

"I'll remember that, Master Katarn."

Kyle smiled and nodded before leaving. Lyn waited for Ben while he used the refresher. Minutes later, they emerged from the sitting room and joined the growing number of Jedi in the corridors; many staring at Lyn. She did her best to show confidence; but Ben knew better.

"Relax, Lyn," he whispered. "Nothing's going to happen."

Lyn tried to show a smile for Ben's sake. Some of the older Jedi recognized the two siblings and gave greetings. Some of them Lyn counted among those she trusted.

Two Months Later--Exile

Lyn had relaxed in the two months she had returned to the point where she could walk the corridors with little worry. She still closed herself off to some; having them work for her trust and respect. Some of the Council members held Lyn's most treasured virtues; but not all.

"Honestly, Father," she said, walking with him. "Hamner's more likely to ruin the Order than protect it."

"Is that so? Then who to name acting Grand Master?"

Lyn thought over all those on the Council. Her personal feelings and thoughts should have little or no play in what she says.

"Kyle or Corran perhaps," Lyn said. "Not because they earned my trust and respect, but because I feel like they will not give in easily to outside pressure."

"I see. What if I was pressured into naming Hamner as acting Grand Master?"

Lyn stopped, half shocked Luke would say something like that. Luke stopped and faced his daughter. He knew Lyn had a dislike for Hamner, ever since her return before the Dark Nest incident. He did not know Lyn's reasons behind her dislike of the Jedi Master, but would not fully question her about it.

"I would seriously suggest a compromise from the others on the Council."

"Suggestion taken."

Lyn nodded and offered one of her rare smiles; which was returned. Luke knew this was one of those rare father/daughter moments. Together, they reached Luke's study, closing the door behind them.

"Lyn, listen to what I'm going to tell you," Luke said, sitting down in his chair. "Things are going to happen pretty quick, and considering how you may react, I feel I should tell you."

"Tell me what?" Lyn had taken a parade rest in front of the desk. She did not like this.

"I"m going to negotiate with Daala tonight about what your cousin did. I promise I will do what I can, if it comes down to it, to make any exile time as short as I can."

If Lyn was affected by this, she did not show it right away. Then the facade caved, and Lyn lost the stance. In the few years Lyn had reunited, and lived with, her adopted family, she had created a bond with Luke. Now that bond was being threaten by a possible exile.

"But...But... Daala can't...The Order's..." Lyn stammered.

"Lyn, I know this is hard to hear. I will explain to Daala the need for communication between us if exile is agreed."

Lyn, for the first time in who knew how many years (not counting the night she returned), was on the verge of tears. Luke stood, going from Jedi Grand Master to father, and walked over to Lyn.

"Lyn, you're my daughter, and I love you as much as I love Ben. No matter what happens, you are part of my family," Luke said. He smiled at her, seeing if he could get one from her. Nothing. "You behave. I'm going to speak with Daala."

He kissed Lyn's forehead and left the study. Lyn stood there in silence for several minutes before leaving as well.

The next morning, Lyn was found sparring in the gym by Jaina. It was still a few hours before the court hearing, so Jaina thought her cousain would be sleeping, if not resting, in her room. Jaina waited until Lyn finished before stepping forward.

"I thought you would be in your room," she said.

"Couldn't sleep. Too restless." Lyn powered down her orange saber and faced her sole surviving cousin.

"Because of the court hearing?"

"A bit. I hope Father's not exiled."

"Many of us do as well."