This story is dedicated to Charlotte

For the help and support, without you I wouldn't have even started.

disclaimer: Okay, apart from the characters that I created (e.g. Lyn and Jannos and any others that don't appear anywhere else) I own nothing and am making no profit on this, please don't sue me. I would like to aknowladge my friend Darren for coming up with Andri. Also like to say thank you to Mr. Lucas for coming up with the whole thing and to the hardworking authors responsible for the EU. Hats off to those guys and girls.

This is set around the same time period as the Young Jedi knights series, Mr. Anderson and Ms. Moesta got to take their characters through, now it's my turn. Couple tips, stuff in italics is either the name of a ship, or thoughts the character is thinking to themselves, and for those who don't know lekku is the name of the Twi'lek head tails and also of the language involved with 'reading' the movements of the head tails.

The Academy
By Jake Wood
Chapter 1

BRIGHT SUNLIGHT POURED through the windows of the Jedi Academy and fell upon the sleeping figure of a young Twi'lek woman. Her face was a vision of peace as she lay undisturbed, the sun lighting upon her smooth skin. Her gold flecked eyes opened and blinked away the piercing light. After a few moments simply enjoying the softness of her bed and the feeling of the sun warming her body, she finally sat up and looked around. Her name was Lyn Eera, and like all Twi'leks had a pair of head tails that draped down her back called lekku. Her blue skin was soft and smooth, her eyes intelligent and sharp. The sixteen year old was not only a potential Jedi knight, here to train in the force with Luke Skywalker but she was also the heir to the Eeranian merchant fleet. Though not nearly as big as many of the other prominent trading fleets it was beginning to gain support and was expanding quickly. Her parents had moved off Ryloth, the Twi'lek home world when she was very young to escape the tyranny and corruption that plagued it. Now instead of a planet to call her home, Lyn called the many ships of her parent's fleet home, and she had never been away from them for any real length of time, and never without her parents. She stood basking in the sun, a rare feeling indeed when you have spent your life in the void of space, allowing its golden rays to energize her body. Her ears savored the sounds of the lush jungle around her awakening with the new day; this world was alive in a way she had never imagined. Moving over to the refresher, she turned on the water, scrubbing her face clean, fully awake now. She had been discovered to be Force sensitive when her family had stopped on a small world for a trade agreement. A Jedi named Tionne and her husband Kam, who were both teachers at the academy, had been called in to act as a neutral third party and had noticed immediately that the young Twi'lek was possessed of Force talent. After long deliberation with her parents she had decided that learning to unlock her Force potential would be getting to know herself a lot better and help her decide what course she wanted to take in her life. Stretching her body and reveling in the well rested response of her muscles Lyn considered what might happen today. Though the Eeranian fleet was made up of all races, Lyn had very little contact with peers outside her species and was a bit apprehensive about how things would play out, whether or not she would be able to make friends with the other trainees. Today I start a new life, I am going to be a Jedi, she thought as she pulled one of her Jedi robes out of a chest at the foot of her bed. She donned the robe reverently, taking special care that everything was just right, she wanted to make a good impression after all. When she was finished she turned and looked at herself in the mirror. I really do look like a Jedi she thought, and the corners of her mouth turned upwards in a smile. Moving over to her desk she looked at the schedule for the day. It said that on the first day all new trainees would have orientation at 8:00 which was in 15 minutes. She could hear the other trainees milling around outside her door, slowly making their way to the Grand Audience chamber. I don't want to be late, better get going thought Lyn as she grabbed the few items she needed for classes, all of which fit into the utility belt she wore around her waist. Brushing herself down one last time she took a deep breath and stepped out into the hallway. The first thing she noticed was that she was at the end of the crowd, with most of the trainees already in front of her. She noted many different species but predominantly the trainees were human. Humans varied so much; Lyn had to wonder if perhaps they had subspecies like the Twi'lek. She had met a few humans and like many non humans could converse with them freely in Basic. Maybe this wont be so bad Lyn thought as she started off after the group of new students, head-tails twitching ever so slightly with excitement. She noticed the line for the turbo lift was a long one, so instead of waiting she took the stairs instead. I have time, and I'd rather not be stuck in a lift with so many strangers. She started up the stairs, a smile on her face as she considered all the wonderful things this place would teach her. When she emerged from the stairwell into the throng of students she took a minute to look around the Grand Audience chamber. This was the same chamber where Luke Skywalker and Han Solo had received their medals after the destruction of the death star. She noticed students of all shapes, sizes, and species. But despite their differences everyone in that hall shared a common interest; they all wanted to be Jedi Knights, to defend the New Republic if the need arose. Only then did Lyn realize that she would inevitably have to find a seat, beside a stranger. Scanning the crowd, she took note that most of the first rows were already full, so she headed towards the back of the room and found a bench that was relatively unoccupied. Sitting down she once again surveyed the audience, her gold-flecked eyes wide with excitement.
"May I sit here?" a voice asked from behind her right ear.
She turned to regard the speaker. The human was tall, not incredibly but above average. A mass of seemingly unkept brown hair dangled around his shoulders and a slight shadow of a beard was apparent on his face. He was dressed strangely for a Jedi, not garbed in the traditional robes and tunic of the order but instead in a tunic seemingly made of a heavy fabric and embroidered with a strange insignia. Over his tunic he wore a heavy cloak of the darkest green and high boots, both of which were caked with dry mud. However the most startling thing about him was his eyes. Green eyes betraying a deep intelligence but with a hard edge to them. In those eyes Lynn saw a deep potential for understanding and tolerance, but also a great potential for anger, and revenge.
"Is there a problem?" He asked, his eyebrow arching in a questioning glance. Aware that she had been staring she quickly responded,
"No, of course not, sorry."
He shot another curious look at her again as he stepped past and made his way to the end of the bench, drawing his cloak around him as he sat. Her head tails curling in embarrassment Lynn was glad that no one near her could read lekku. Gold flecked eyes drifted to the front, to see if a speaker had arrived, but her attention soon wandered back to the mysterious human. He was sitting with a calm expression on his face, watching the crowd intently as though analyzing each and every student. This was a bit unnerving Lyn thought and she glanced once more at his attire. "You can always tell a person by the shoes they wear." An old friend of the family had once told her. Lyn's own boots were new, still holding the luster they had when first purchased, the high backs supportive and comfortable but not yet broke in. The human's shoes were a different story all together. They looked old, and well worn, with a thousand scuffs and marks, no doubt from previous journeys and mud caked from countless hours in the wilderness. Yes, she decided, this human traveled often, and tended to keep to himself, very similar to Lyn. But one thing they did not share was experience; Lyn had yet to experience true pain or loss, while the human obviously carried the weight of both upon his proud shoulders. Though she had very little formal instruction in the ways of the force, the grief that radiated off this man was almost tangible. He had suffered great loss and Lyn wondered if that was what put the edge in his eyes. She was jerked from her contemplations by a lone figure walking slowly but purposely out onto the stage. The students quickly stopped talking and resumed their seats, all eyes focused upon the lone figure at the center of the stage. As the sun finally rose to the height of the audience chamber brilliant rays of sunlight shone through the windows and washed over the students. On the now illuminated the stage, the students came to realize the figure was none other that Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, hero of the Rebel Alliance and founder of the New Jedi order.
"Welcome my friends" began the sandy-haired Jedi master, though he spoke softly his voice carried to every corner of the massive room.
"We are here today because we share a dream. We wish to restore the galaxy to what it once was, a place of tolerance and safety and to repair the damages of years at war. As you all know, for over a thousand generations the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice, and so it will be once more. Every day our numbers grow, each and every Jedi bringing something new to the Force and our understanding of it. Each one of you is gifted in some area of the force, and I urge you to spend you time amongst the other students expanding your knowledge of the force, and of yourselves. Learn from each other, share your strengths and together overcome your weaknesses. Though the Imperial Remnant is still at large, our emissaries are bringing new worlds into the Republic every day. Together I know we can build a new Jedi order as strong and wise as that of old. This academy is not structured towards classes and strict timetables, rather it is a place of independent study, learn at your own pace. While our numbers are still few, several other Jedi Knights will be available to help you at any time. At this time I would like to ask all of you to join us in the courtyard at 8 o'clock tonight for a proper welcoming. If you have not already done so, please find quarters for yourselves and then join us for the evening meal."
He paused for effect, and then continued,
"Every year, every day we grow stronger and nearer to our goal of a safe Republic. Good luck to all and may the force be with you." Finished Master Skywalker, and all the students broke out in excited conversations. As Lyn stood, she turned to see the mysterious human had already gone. She frowned ever so slightly as she wondered how he had slipped away so quickly. Making her way towards the stairs she caught little bits of conversation such as, "I cant wait to start", or "this is the most important job in the galaxy…" Lyn too was feeling the exhilaration after Master Skywalker's speech and wondering what sort of wonderful things she would learn on this lush planet, so far from everything she had ever known. I had better get to the mess hall she thought as she stepped out onto the main level where most of the student's quarters were. Recalling the layout of the academy she took a few turns and followed the line of students making their way to the mess hall. As she entered the large communal room she immediately realized that she was going to have to sit with strangers. Her head-tails twitched ever so slightly at this prospect, but she quickly squelched her fears. Your going to be a Jedi, and one day be responsible for the whole fleet, your going to have to get used to strangers, she told herself as she waited in line. After grabbing a plateful of food that at least looked good she began searching for a place to sit.
"You can sit here if you want." said a young human male sitting with a few other students at a small table along one of the think walls. He was average height, clean shaven with clear blue eyes and short blond hair. His face was fair and his expression passive though friendly, putting Lyn at ease. There were several other students at the table, including a tall chocolate furred wookie and a human female as well as a bothan and a rodian.
"Oh, thank you" said Lyn sitting down in front of the human with the wookie on her right and empty bench on the left.
"I'm Andri" he said, extending his hand
"Lyn Eera" she told him, nervously clasping his hand. Through her very meager abilities in the force she sensed only calm strength and understanding coming off the human.
"I am Raabaera" said a deep and thick voice with a strange accent. Lyn turned quickly, realizing that it was the wookie who had just spoken. The surprise must have been clear on her face because the wookie started chuffing with laughter.
"Never mind him Lyn, he likes to do that to throw people off." Said the other human, a female who looked about Lyn's age though slightly taller and built more like a warrior.
"I'm Anadra" she said but she did not extend her hand. She was athletic, with her long brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. She held herself proud and straight, in a manner clearly showing her pride and independence.
"Baer here was just playing around with you, since most people aren't used to a wookie that can speak basic." Said Anadra, her face breaking out into a grin.
"May I ask how you can speak basic?" the Twi'lek asked her bight face full of interest. The wookie chuckled for a few more seconds then proceeded to say "I happen to have a rare speech impediment that while making conversing in my species native tongue impossible strangely enough allows me to speak basic quite well." He said as he selected a large piece of raw meat from his heaping plate and began chewing on it. Apart from a few slurs on the major consonants and his 'r's being a bit stretched out, Raabaera was quite understandable and remarkably well spoken.
"So where'd they find you?" asked Anadra between bites of a strange arrangement of plants. Lyn paused before answering, "Master Solusar and Mistress Tionne were called to our merchant fleet to settle a dispute with a planetary government, and I guess they could 'sense' my force talent. I decided it would be good to see what the Academy had to offer." Anadra nodded, chewing her meal thoughtfully.
"What about you?"
"I was found on Coruscant by Master Katarn." said Andri.
"But that's not the whole story is it?" said Anadra as she nudged him. Though his face remained the same a very slight bit of colour crept into his cheeks. "Why dont you tell her the whole story Andri?"
"You're the only one who seems to care, so why don't you tell it?" he said. Anadra just laughed.
"You see, Andri here is a bit of a stiff, takes things to seriously and is modest to a fault,it's true enough they found him onCoruscant, but when he was two!" Lyn looked at Andri in surprise and confusion.
"Is that so unusual?" she asked.
Anadra rolled her eyes and then said, "Well it's just that people here have been waiting for Andri to show up for a long time, they think hecould be one of the most talented new students, apart from the Solo twins that is."
Lyn followed her gaze and saw two students, obviously twins, one boy and one girl talking casually with Master Skywalker. Another wookie passed by the table and roared a greeting to Raabaera. The wookie was tall and lanky, with a dark black streak running from above his left eye down to the middle of his back in stark contrast to his ginger coloured hair.
"Greetings Lowbacca" replied Raabaera as he and the other wookie quickly clasped hands. As the other wookie walked away Raabaera turned back to the group and explained, "That is Lowbacca, he is nephew to Chewbacca of the Millennium Falcon. He was once a member of my village, before my family moved to another part of Kashyyk."
He went back to his meal, grabbing another slab of meat in his hairy hands. Andri turned to Lyn and asked, "You said your family owns a merchant fleet?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"Does that mean you've been all over the place? How many worlds have you visited?" asked Anadra, suddenly very interested. Finally a subject that she was confident about Lyn wasted no time in replying,
"Not that many, perhaps a dozen or more. My family is still building the business and our fleet is not very large."
"A dozen worlds? Which ones?" Anadra asked, forgetting her food and staring at Lyn intently. Even Raabaera had stopped chewing, looking expectantly at the young Twi'lek. Her head-tails moving slightly out of nervousness at being put on the spot like this, Lyn started to rhyme off the various worlds she had visited.
"Well, I have been to Coruscant, Ryloth, I was on Kashyyk once but we didn't stay long, and we traveled a bit in the Corporate sector, Tatooine…" before she could finish Anadra cut in.
"What's Tatooine like? Master Skywalker is from Tatooine isn't he?" Lyn was puzzled as to why the human had suddenly become so interested and it must have shown on her face because Andri choose that moment to step in.
"Take it easy on her Anadra. There will be plenty of time to get to know her and I'm sure she'll tell you about all the worlds you haven't seen."
Anadra considered this for a moment then leaned back in her chair. "I suppose your right, as usual. You can save your stories for another time." She picked up her fork and resumed eating.
"Anadra comes from a very sheltered world, and knows very little about the rest of the galaxy." Explained Andri.
"Hey! That's not true!" objected Anadra. Andri turned to her, a slight mocking grin on his face.
"It's not?"
"No it's not, and well done ruining the whole story. I do know about the rest of the galaxy, I'm just curious that's all. And I'll have you know Mr. Quinn that my 'sheltered world' as you call it happens to have…"
"One of the finest military traditions in the known galaxy." Finished Raabaera dramatically, raising both his hairy arms, droplets of juice from his meal flying into the air.
"You have told us on several occasions."
Anadra looked as though she were about to say something then changed her mind and punched Raabaera from across the table. Feigning pain the wookie grabbed at his arm and started rocking back and forth. Anadra gave an exasperated sigh and resumed her meal, methodically cutting the various leaves and herbs into small bite-sized portions. Lyn was struggling to contain a laugh and when she turned to Andri she saw he was fighting a similar battle. Raabaera chuckled softly to himself as bent over his plate to finish the last of his meal. A little gruffly Anadra turned to Andri and asked, "Aren't you going to ask Lyn if she wants to come to the dance with us?" Lyn turned to Andri with a questioning look on her face.
"That's what the meeting in the courtyard is all about, it's a dance to welcome the new students and get them acquainted with some of the more experienced ones." He explained, his face still retaining it's calm expression.
"Would you like to come with us?" Lyn looked at each one of the others before responding, "Sure, it would be my pleasure."
Anadra nodded and Andri's expression changed slightly into a grin while the wookie draped a heavy arm over Lyn's shoulders, welcoming her to the group. A smile spread across her face as she came to the realization that these friends did not consider her odd in any way due to the colour of her skin or the fact that they were so different. Maybe it was partly my fault, for considering humans to be so different she thought. We are more alike than we are different. Many of the other students were making their way out of the mess hall, no doubt to prepare for the nights festivities. As she stood to go, she picked out the tall human who had sat near her at the assembly. He was leaning against the wall arms folded across his chest, he seemed to be studying her. The crowd began moving and Lyn lost sight of him. When the students had made their way past her, he was no where to be seen. Lyn didn't know whether to be worried or curious. Obviously noticing her expression Anadra asked, "What's the matter Lyn?"
"Its nothing. I'm fine, just wondering what to wear tonight."
The human nodded, as though this very thing was crossing her mind as well. Who are you? Thought Lyn to herself, as she walked away from the mess hall and towards her quarters. Who ever this human was, he was certainly intriguing and Lyn began to wonder why he had taken such an interest in her.

Okay the next chapter may take a day or so, or a week, depends.