Belong – part 2

Master Healer Terran Va'lor's blue eyes sparkled in joy when he saw the change in the pair approaching him. He'd been surprised to receive a call from Kresson that morning. And even more surprised to hear that the Jedi would not be giving up Jaythen's training. The healer had worried about the boy's future, ready at any time to counsel him about what would be his departure from the Jedi and entry into the agricorps. But to hear this news that T'narr would remain his teacher - the day had just become a beautiful one. He could see it in the way they walked together. He could feel it in the force surrounding them. They'd found a way to bond - accepting the difficulties that were present.

Greeting T'narr with an extended hand, Terran said, "Well now, this is something I'd not expected to see, but am very happy about. You two finally look like master and apprentice."

The two Jedi smiled at the gray-haired healer, whose cheerfulness was contagious. "I just had to open my eyes and my heart a bit more and decide not to run from what one day will be my legacy." Looking down at his apprentice, T'narr gave a quick wink. "We had a little help though with clearing the path. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were most gracious in their time yesterday. And I do believe that I've found a valuable friend in Qui-Gon. And Jaythen in Obi-Wan and his friend, Taj."

Jaythen nodded. "I sparred with them and somersaulted too!"

"Better watch those two, Jaythen," Terran said drolly. "They'll suck you into their competitions without you even knowing. They're sneaky and always enjoy a good - and many times silly game, ah…I mean competition." A quick second to speak with another healer and to sign off on a procedure and Terran looked back to the boy. "So then, I understand you might want to meet a couple of our trauma team. Perhaps talk with them sometime soon?"

"I think so." The response was less enthusiastic than the previous evening, nerves again frightening him as the idea of talking to a stranger about haunting issues of his past became reality. "I mean, I think I should. But I don't know if I can. Can Master T'narr be with me?"

"Certainly. I would require it. Don't worry too much about it today though. All I want to do is introduce you. I've already spoken with Yoda. You won't be rushed into anything. A first mission is in the distance. When your master feels you are ready, only then will any mission be given. You'll have time to bond with each other, practice your sparring skills and everything else needed before you head out. It's all about time."

Nerves settled, the pair followed Terran out of the temple hospital and down the corridor. "The trauma team has set up their office quarters down here. They used to be squeezed into the hospital, but since they've grown in numbers the last couple of years, they expanded into a larger space. Very homey and relaxing. You'll like it."

They entered and were immediately comforted by the feel of the office. Soft colors and music surrounded them. Sterile white walls and steel gray chairs were replaced by pleasant blue and generously padded lounge chairs. The walls were spotted with antique, imported framed paintings with simple patterns surrounded with an aura of peacefulness. The front desk was more suited to a family dining table than work space. Even the computer had a friendly feel to it.

Terran was impressed. "Wow. This has changed since last week. And it's making my hospital look bad," he smirked then greeted Padawan Raun at the desk. Raun was there in an internship of sorts. He was training to be a medical healer, but Terran had suggested he spend some time with the trauma team in order to get a feel of the many different areas of the healing arts.

Raun greeted the visitors. "Healer Terran. It's good to see you again, sir."

"You as well, Raun. Going well here?"

"Yes, sir. I never realized there were so many Jedi who had such intensely difficult issues. This has opened my eyes a great deal."

"Glad to hear it. From all reports, you seem to be doing a fine job. Is Risha in?"

"She's in the beige room, sir. You're all welcome to go back."

"The beige room?"

"Oh, Risha decided to redo the rooms. Instead of numbering them, she's had them all painted different soothing colors. And now we refer to them by color. It's been quite a conversation starter with her patients."

"I see. She's trying to make me look bad again, isn't she?" Terran's tone was light and Padawan Raun laughed and pointed them to the beige room where they were welcomed immediately by Risha Yarr, her silver hair enjoying the easy light of the room, and blending nicely with her well tanned skin. Matching silver eyes smiled at the visitors.

"Terran! You're becoming a regular here. Jealous of my new digs?"

"If only I had so much leisure time to spare painting rooms and renaming them." The healer sparred back in good-natured humor. He and Risha had become good friends in the last few years and often met for dinner to swap stories and share ideas. "Risha Yarr, this is Master T'narr Kresson and his apprentice, Jaythen Talari."

Long straight hair fell over her eyes as she turned towards the smallest of the group. She pushed it behind her ears. "Jaythen. I remember you. You came to the hospital after the crèche fire last year. Treated for burns. And now you're a padawan. Congratulations! It's a big step, isn't it?"

"Yes, ma'am," Jaythen said shyly, trying very hard not to remember that time of the fire. He didn't know that Risha brought it up intentionally to see his reaction. She knew his issues from her talks with Terran. This was her way of subtly learning about a new client without them really knowing she was doing it. It didn't go unnoticed, as there was a slight glaze over of the boy's green eyes, though he successfully contained any tears that might have fallen.

"Ma'am? Nah, that's for old women. I'm still young and spry. At least I think I am. Others may not think so. But that's their problem. Call me Risha. None of that Master stuff either. How do you like my place here? Comfy, isn't it?"

"Yes, Risha. It's relaxing. More relaxing than my own bedroom."

She leaned down to the young Jedi and whispered in his ear. "Might be a good time to hit your master up for an upgrade of your bedroom then, huh? How about some painted walls and…oh, never mind. If Yoda ever found out, he'd start spouting off backwards about when he was a padawan, there were no walls or colors, or whatever. He's an odd sort. Ignore that. Okay then. You need to meet Arun. He's my roomie. He's not really a padawan, since I'm not a master. But I guess you could say I'm his teacher. One of his teachers. He's been with me and the trauma team for a little over two years. He joined us after overcoming trauma of his own which included losing his master. But I'll let him share that with you if he so chooses. He does still deal with his trauma though. Every so often he has a bad day, remembering the past. But it's all part of the healing experience. Healing takes time. I wish it would happen overnight. It doesn't. Most with our team have suffered a severe trauma in their lives. Not one of them ever completely forgets the pain and emotion that those events came with. They just learn to come to terms with it. As you will."

Watching her, Jaythen became almost mesmerized by her gentle eyes and her kind face. He fell into her words, wanting desperately to believe in every one of them. "You know about me?"

"I do. And I know that with our help, and your master's help, you'll be out there defending the galaxy with the best of them. But you have to want to be helped."

The young Jedi, small and lean, was determined, though filled with anxiety. "I do want to be helped. I just don't know what to do."

"You, my spiky-haired friend, don't have to worry about that. We will lead you and sometimes push you. You'll get angry sometimes. You'll cry sometimes. And hopefully you'll laugh too. All normal. Arun will tell you. Come on, let's meet him." Reaching out her hand, the silvery Risha took Jaythen's and led him out of the beige room, down a short hall, and into a larger room where the walls were a hue of muted green. "And this would be…"

"The green room?" Jaythen guessed.

"Got it on one guess! You're good, kid."

Giggling, the boy felt at ease again and took a seat between T'narr and Terran on an overstuffed plush couch. When he sat, his feet couldn't touch the floor, so he swung them playfully back and forth, trying to not think about the bad memories that might come with future visits to this place. T'narr patted his knee while they waited. With each passing moment, he felt himself becoming more at ease with this whole master-role thing.

The young Jedi that came through the door was not what Jaythen had expected. His sandy-blonde hair wasn't cut in the familiar padawan style, but was grown longer so it hung just past his neck and he could tuck it behind his ears. His skin was a very light shade of green, slightly paler than the surrounding walls. The deeply dark green eyes were serious, though there was a bit of humor dancing just below that depth. His face and hands held physical scars. Jaythen silently wondered if those scars had to do with his past traumas, but he could not find the courage to ask. And he was young, being only fifteen. Slight in build - average in all other ways. Much like Jaythen himself.

"Hi, I'm Arun Na'dav. You must be Jaythen. And Master T'narr," a small bow, "it's good to meet you."

T'narr allowed his apprentice to move the conversation forward, knowing it would be a positive step for him.

"Hi Arun. You don't have a padawan hair cut."

Absently Arun put a hand through his sandy hair. He'd forgotten how long it was. Risha had given him the okay to do so, feeling it would help him separate his old life of abuse from his new life of healing. He smiled playfully. "Risha's idea. She's a rebel." Risha nodded in agreement. "This is my office. I got my own a few months ago. I have a thing for green," he shrugged. "So, anytime you want to visit, feel free. The door is always open. Even if I'm not here. Maybe it can be a place you escape to. I picked the most comfortable couch I could find. So, you are welcome here anytime."

"Thank you. Sometimes I…I sometimes talk to people from my past when I'm alone. It feels strange, but it makes me feel better. I'd be nervous coming here by myself and talking to myself."

The room laughed. Arun included. "I talk to myself all the time in this room. It's used to it."

After they spoke a while longer, Risha called an end to the meeting. "All right, boys. I'd love to stay and chat the day away, but Arun and I have places to go, things to do, people to see…something like that. We've got stuff. So, T'narr I'll talk this over with Terran and then figure out when a good time would be for you and Jaythen to come for a first session."

~*~

"Master, did you ever lose someone you loved?" Jaythen said later as they shared lunch in their quarters.

"Friends I've lost yes. I also lost a brother, though he was ill for a very long time. His passing was not unexpected. And when I found out, it was more a relief than anything, his suffering was that intense. My parents are still living, as I've told you. My master, though retired from the field, works with some of the research teams. We had lunch recently. He's healthy and active. You'll get to meet him soon enough. Are you nervous about talking to Risha and Arun? They seem very compassionate."

Jaythen shrugged. "I think I'm more nervous than I think I am."

"Okay, that makes sense in an odd way," T'narr titled his head to the side pondering the statement. "There's no rush. If you're not ready and would rather wait before talking to them, I won't push you." The hidden message behind the words being that the master was just as anxious as the apprentice. They were finally connecting, though the covered ground was minor. He didn't want to do anything to would harm that connection. T'narr had lowered his shields to let their bond begin. Jaythen had little control over his mental shields, what there was of them. His emotions were displayed freely on his face, even though he tried to hide them.

Conflicting emotions fought for attention in Jaythen's mind. He wanted to talk to someone, because he knew he needed to. Even so young, he knew he needed help. At the same time, the idea of reliving those painful traumatic times was scary. He didn't want to disappoint his master and show weakness in not being able to confront his fears. There was also the problem of being thought of as weak when reduced to tears by talking about the death of his parents and crèche master. Naturally the war inside him right now was on clear display and T'narr took note.

"How about we think about something else for a while?"

"Like what, Master?"

"Like…" T'narr struggled for a thought. Their relationship was too knew, and the boy too young, for them to have much in common. After all, the older Jedi bested him by over forty years. "Well, what types of things did you do with your free time as an initiate?"

"I um…I read a lot."

"About what? What do you youngsters read about these days?"

"I like learning about animal and plant life on all the different planets."

"That's a good thing to study. It might come in useful on certain missions. What else?"

"Mostly just animals."

"Did you play sparring games with your age-mates?"

"I didn't have any friends after Kele died. He was my best friend since he came into my class a year before he died. Some of age-mates teased me because I cried for him and for my parents. When sparring teams were picked, I was picked last. I didn't let that stop me from working hard though, Master. I always work hard. But I was better when I could practice alone."

T'narr nodded, beginning to see the loneliness in Jaythen's childhood. He felt a connection there, perhaps because part of him felt the same way. He too was a loner of sorts. Could be that loneliness was part of why Yoda brought them together. The feelings began welling up on Jaythen's face and T'narr asked pointedly, "You don't want to be alone anymore, do you?"

"No, Master," he returned sadly. A single tear escaped. "I don't. Everyone I loved was taken away from me. After Kele and then especially after Master Valree died, those few in my class who I thought might become friends, they pushed me away. I guess they weren't my friends after all. It still hurts me." Another tear trailed his cheek. He wiped it away.

It was now that T'narr began to see how deep Jaythen's emotional issues ran. A twinge of doubt entered his mind again. Could he really train such a fragile child to become a Jedi Knight? The doubt showed briefly in his face and Jaythen caught it.

"Master, please don't give up on me. I…I need you."

The deep breath T'narr took about shook the room, it was so intense. There was a desperate determination to not give in to the emotions pressing down. This boy was bringing out a side of him that he wasn't completely comfortable with on a public level. In the past, he'd dealt with his feelings on the side, giving in only when he was alone and out of view. He wasn't frightened of those emotions as much as he was wary of how others might view him upon seeing how truly emotional he really was. Now he was realizing that he needed Jaythen as much as Jaythen needed him.

There was no possible way he could give up on this one.

"There will be no giving up on anyone around here, Jaythen. For you or for me. We need each other. I suspect we're both a little messed up when it comes to our emotions. Or are we? Maybe it's everyone else that's messed up."

A smile crossed Jaythen's face and he nodded. "I think so, Master."

"And I have an idea. Follow me." T'narr was up and moving out the door of their quarters quickly. Jaythen's much shorter legs had to work to keep pace.

"Where are we going?"

"To see Master Yoda. I'm not so sure that talking with trauma healers is what you need right now."

"You don't?"

"Eventually, yes. But you and I are more important." Stopping outside the main office before the Council chambers, T'narr asked the Council assistant if he could meet with Yoda, only to find out that Yoda was currently out and about. "Come, Jaythen. Let's see if we can find him."

"But…"

"I'll explain. I just need permission first."

They eventually found the small green master hobbling down a long corridor. To his right walked Qui-Gon, patient as always as he ambled slowly next to the ancient Jedi. To Yoda's left, Obi-Wan did his best to equal his master's patience - with little success. His steps were antsy and his eyes wandered here and there, waiting, hoping for any excuse to get back to something more exciting. Qui-Gon smiled as he recognized the pair up ahead. Always close to the Force, he could immediately feel the comfort that had found with each other, despite the difficult road still ahead. Happier to see them was Obi-Wan, as it gave him an excuse to get away from the dreadfully excruciating pain of walking with Yoda.

Jaythen saw Obi-Wan and ran towards him. T'narr wasn't fast enough to stop him. He'd have to remind him of etiquette around a Council member. Yoda though didn't seem to mind. Actually he almost looked pleased to see the newly paired master-apprentice team. "Bonding you are. Took a month it did. Right I was again." Several punches to the floor with his gimmer stick cemented the statement.

T'narr bowed to Yoda nodded to Qui-Gon as he watched the padawan from the corner of his eye talking with Obi-Wan. "Master Yoda, if I might interrupt for a moment. I have a small request."

"Interrupt you may. Tired of Obi-Wan's impatience I am. Walk slowly, he cannot." Another thump of the gimmer stick as Qui-Gon grinned behind him.

"I have decided that I will remain Jaythen's teacher. Over the last couple of days, we…we have found each other, and realize that we need each other. I have spoken with Terran and Risha and they both would like him to spend some time in therapy, to which both Jaythen and I agree is needed. However I think he needs something more before being buried in painful memories again. I would like to request a leave of absence to take my padawan to my home planet. I will continue his training and lessons while there, of course. But it would expose him to many things that he's missed out on because of his difficult childhood." T'narr need not explain further. Yoda knew all there was to know about Jaythen and his pains. "He tells me he enjoys studying animal and plant life. This will give him real life exposure to that. He's never been off planet. He's never been out of the temple since he was brought here. We - our bond is new. It's fragile. I will need to be there for him when his therapy begins. Until we are stronger as a pair, I can't do that to my full ability. A trip like this will make us stronger. I know it will."

Yoda pondered for several moments. In fact he was quiet for so long that T'narr was certain that his request was about to be denied. Even Qui-Gon looked worried. Then the troll closed his large eyes and sought the force. More time passed and just when T'narr was certain he was about to be disappointed, Yoda looked up towards him. Immediately T'narr kneeled to be level with the tiny creature. "Please, Master Yoda."

"Hmm…need you he does. Need him, you do."

T'narr nodded.

"How long wish you to be gone?"

An exact time, the new master hadn't considered. So he took a gamble and said, "A month?"

"Long time that is. Sufficient it will be? Hmm?"

"I really don't know, Master Yoda. I have an idea of how thick his emotional scars are. And if I'm being honest with myself, I may not be much better off than he is. If you wish us to be gone less time, of course we will abide by your wishes."

"Honesty I feel in you. Determination. Hope - yet uncertainty. Granted your leave of absence is. One thing required however. Consult with the healers you will. If recommend otherwise they do, delayed your leave will be."

A feeling of disappointment flashed over T'narr's face, but he agreed. He'd speak with Terran and Risha the next morning. Perhaps he could impose on Obi-Wan to practice with Jaythen in the gym while he was speaking with them. "Thank you, Master Yoda. If they agree, I'd like to leave soon."

"If agree they do, you may. Now, enough time wasted. Needed elsewhere I am. Qui-Gon, instruct your padawan on patience you will!"

Qui-Gon tried not to roll his eyes. "Yes, Master Yoda," he said obediently as Yoda hobbled off. Then Jinn turned to his fellow teacher. "I think you're better at this master thing than you think, T'narr. It should be a good experience for him to get away from the temple. It's been a place of much pain for him. I'm sure new surroundings will benefit greatly."

"I think so too. He's said some things that are very telling. How alone he's been with his pain. This will provide us with every opportunity to form our bond stronger. Then we'll be ready for anything."

"Good. You're doing things the right way, unlike how Obi-Wan and I started."

"Might I ask a favor of Obi-Wan? I'll need to speak with Terran tomorrow about this. It would be easier to do so alone. Could I impose on Obi-Wan to entertain him for an hour or so in the morning?"

Qui-Gon glanced at the mismatched pair several yards away. Despite the age difference, dramatic in those so young, they seemed to get along easily. Perhaps being padawans, they automatically shared a connection. "I don't think Obi-Wan would mind at all. We've finally been assigned a mission, but don't leave for another two days. If you want to send him to our quarters on your way tomorrow?"

"Is eight too early?"

"For me, no. For Obi-Wan, well…he's still working on his ability to wake in the morning before noon," Qui-Gon grinned. "Eight is fine."

"Thank you, Qui-Gon. You don't know how much I've appreciated your help these past couple of days. You helped spur me to this and I think it's just what I needed. I'm grateful we've become friends. Very grateful." T'narr paused before he said anymore more, such as admitting how much he craved such a friendship. Something he hadn't realized until both Jaythen and Qui-Gon became a part of his life.

"As am I. Hopefully Jaythen and Obi-Wan, no matter their ages, can become good friends as well. Seems they're heading in that direction." Qui-Gon turned towards the apprentices and gave a small smile. "Obi-Wan, we have an appointment with the sparring gym, remember?"

"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan said goodbye to Jaythen, found his step next to Qui-Gon and they walked away.

"I wish Obi-Wan was my age, Master."

"There's no written rule that says younger and older padawans cannot be friends, Jaythen. I'm sure you'll see each other around the temple. For now though, I need to tell you something. And let me show you the meditation room while we talk. This way."

~*~

The large meditation chamber was softly lit. Flickering candles were placed sporadically to provide a sense of relaxation. The walls were coated much like those in the trauma team office. Designed in a way that would ease a troubled mind. T'narr found an unoccupied corner and motioned for his apprentice sit with his legs crossed and back straight.

"There is no wrong way to sit while you meditate, Jaythen. But this is how my time is spent most effectively. Others, like Master Suyra over there, prefer to put all their weight on their knees. I tried – can't do it. Too painful for my old knees."

Jaythen snorted a small laugh, though his attention never wavered from his master.

"But if that ends up being the best way for you, by all means, go with it. You've got young, healthy knees. How are you meditation skills?"

"Very good, Master. Meditation has always helped me calm myself, especially when I got too emotional. Master Valree…" he paused, as was his habit whenever remembering something that his beloved crèche master taught him. He still missed her every single day of his life. "Master Valree used to tell me how important it was. And when something happened that I couldn't talk about, or when I felt bad or lonely, I always meditated. It made me feel better. It helped me deal with Kele's death."

"You are a wise young man, Jaythen," T'narr said. "Now, close your eyes and lead us towards the force. I'll follow."

~*~

Eyes closed. Shoulders relaxed. Breathing slowed. Jaythen sought the deepest regions of the force. His master was impressed by the effortlessness. The boy might have his issues, but this was not one of them. He found himself a bit in awe of the profound depth they were experiencing. The older Jedi discovered he couldn't hold that intensity as long his student, and he opened his eyes an hour later. Sitting quietly, he marveled at the peacefulness in Jaythen's bronze--skinned face. Worry lines had vanished, which in this case was substantial. For an eight year old, the small Jedi held far too many worry lines when awake. Within the force, there was no anxiousness and his face showed the evidence

When Jaythen finally woke, he found his master watching him. Smiling. Feeling slightly embarrassed to be the subject of the man's intense grey eyes, he bowed his head shyly. "Sorry, Master. I lose track of time when I meditate."

"No worries, my Padawan. That was…impressive. One of the most impressive skills I've seen in a young Jedi in a very long time."

Jaythen felt his cheeks flush at the compliment. A Jedi of such maturity and experience, daunted by the meditation skills of a child. He didn't know what to say, so he replied with a simple, "thank you, Master."

T'narr scooted himself around so that he now sat directly in front of the other. "Now, for the reason we actually came here. I want to ask you something. And if you'd rather not go, that's fine. Just say so."

"Go?"

"Yes. I've spoken with Master Yoda and haven gotten permission – as long as Terran agrees – for us to take a leave of absence from the temple. I think that before you start battling your emotional demons, you and I need time away from all of this. I want to be able to help you through your issues. But I don't think I'm capable of that just yet. We're only finding each other, Jaythen. Our bond needs to grow and mature before it gets tested so severely." A momentary pause as the Jedi quelled his anticipation. "That it why I would like to take you to my home planet of Kembar Lune for the next month. You'll get away from the temple. Something that is a necessity for all of us. And you'll get your first taste of another planet and its people. Another culture. You've studied animals and Kembar Lune holds some of the most beautiful species in the galaxy. I want you to meet my parents – my family. So few Jedi know their families. Fewer are able to have lasting relationships with them. I've been privileged to have both. I want to share that with you. What do you think?"

Rarely had a smile so big ever crossed the face of a Jedi apprentice. Naturally, he'd be anxious. Leaving the temple, meeting people he didn't know, being in an entirely different world…but that was his nature. The other part of him was about to jump for joy. "Yes, Master! I want to do that. I do!"

"All of you?"

"Well, part of me is nervous. But that part of me is always nervous. I do want to go, Master."

"Very well then. I speak to Terran tomorrow. You'll be spending part of the morning with Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon while I'm gone. If Terran gives the okay, we'll leave tomorrow evening."

The boy's smile eventually relaxed and was replaced by a yawn. The day had been a wearing one. "And on that note, since we might have a very big day tomorrow, let's go back to quarters and get you to bed."

There was no argument, and thirty minutes later Jaythen was snuggled deep into his warm blankets and was out like a light.

~*~

While his master was speaking with Terran, the young learner spent the morning with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. Arriving just in time for breakfast, he was hungry and quickly downed several eggs. Obi-Wan was interested in hearing all about the trip to Kembar Lune. He even admitted to being a little jealous at being able to get away from the temple for such a long time without being surrounded by political squabbling or violent feuds. It had been a long time since he and Qui-Gon had gotten an actual vacation. He envied Jaythen, though he knew there would be plenty of lessons that T'narr would find for him, even away from the temple. His own master, Qui-Gon, was famous for finding a lesson in anything and everything.

Breakfast finished and they arrived at the sparring gym. Qui-Gon gave his student some basic instructions, asking him to work Jaythen into the lesson. Obi-Wan's skills as a teacher came naturally with the young ones and Jaythen enjoyed the session. After an hour, Jinn called a halt to the practice.

During cool down, Jaythen asked, "Obi-Wan, the first time you left the temple - left Coruscant - were you scared?"

"Well, my first time away was much different than what most experience. It was a life and death mission and I made some bad choices. Master Qui-Gon and I were having a lot of problems. Your experience will be better. It's a chance for you and Master T'narr to bond and learn about each other. It's natural to be frightened of what you don't know. I think you're good to be nervous. Anytime you venture into something new, it can make you excited and nervous at the same time."

The younger boy looked relieved to hear that his feelings weren't unique or wrong. "I'll tell you all about it when I get back."

Obi-Wan smiled. "I expect a full report. Look, there's your master now."

T'narr's expression told the story. "Jaythen! The healers have agreed that our trip to Kembar Lune is a good step. They've approved. We leave this evening. We'll be gone for some time, so we need to pack."

"Yes, Master." Turning to Obi-Wan, the dark haired apprentice clinched his hands into fists and jumped up and down on the balls of his feet. The excitement overwhelming him. "I'm going, Obi-Wan. I'm leaving the temple!"

"It's going to be a great thing, Jaythen. You'll have to write me and let me know how things are going. Don't forget your data pad."

"I won't. And I will write you. I promise." He bounced up and down a few more times, chewing on his bottom lip at the same time. "Okay, I should go now. I need to pack. Yes. I need to pack a lot of stuff. What should I pack? I don't have much, but I should pack it, right? I mean…"

Obi-Wan did his best not to laugh, but the boy was bouncing out of his skin. Finally his master tapped him on the shoulder.

"Ah, Jaythen?"

"Yes, Master?"

"How about we go to our quarters and decide this before you make Obi-Wan dizzy."

"Okay, Master. Bye, Obi-Wan! Bye, Master Qui-Gon!"

Both Jedi waved and grinned as Jaythen ran from the gym and down the halls. T'narr said his goodbye to Obi-Wan and then to Qui-Gon. "Qui-Gon, thank you again for everything. This wouldn't be possible if not for you caring enough to step in when you did. I'm excited for Jaythen. Nervous for us. But I can't wait to show him my home world and what it means to me. The best to you and Obi-Wan on your upcoming mission. We shall see you in a month or so."

Qui-Gon bowed his head and held out a hand. "May the Force be with you and Jaythen on your journey."

END PART 2…tbc…