CHAPTER 4

Corran stood outside of the Council chamber with his hand folded behind his back. He stood as tall as he could, for he wanted to have a somewhat powerful presence when he met the newly anointed Apprentice.

He had on his standard Jedi Robes, without the main cloak on (on Dantooine, the summer sun required the Jedi to forgo their regular apparel.)

His lightsaber was clipped on his Jedi utility belt, and he fiddled with it for a moment, but once he heard footsteps, he resumed his 'power' stance.

A human male in large stature came walking out of the Training Room wearing settler clothing and he had a lightsaber hilt in his right hand. The man had strong and distinct features; long brown hair, no facial hair, with a long slender nose, and a thin jaw. He stood tall at about two standard meters, and had extreme muscle tone from his years with the Republic military. But Corran was surprised with the age of the man; he had to be at least ten years older than he himself was.

The newcomer grinned at Corran as he walked forward. "Hello there," he said. For such a big man, he had a moderate voice. "I was told you wanted to speak with me. What was your name?"

Corran was taken aback at first and said, "Curron Antileez."

"Curron Antileez? Unique name."

Corran, embarrassed by which he first addressed himself, cleared his throat and said, "Forgive me, I meant to say Corran Antilles."

"Ah," the man said. "So it is."

There was an awkward silence then, "Well Corran, pleased to meet you. I'm Raltharan Vintrek." at this Raltharan extended his left hand toward Corran.

Corran took it and shook it hard, trying to overcome his nervousness.

"Quite a handshake." Raltharan said, relinquishing his hand and twitching his fingers a little bit. "So how long have you been a Jedi?" he said, starting to walk.

Corran walked slowly by him and they rounded about into the center courtyard, just outside of the Council chambers. "My whole life, actually. It is all I've known."

Raltharan nodded and said, "Well it is a little bit to get used to. I'm no expert, I tend to get a little aggressive when training with this." He indicated his newly constructed lightsaber in his right hand. "I'm actually going to take on my third trial for Padawanship, later this week."

"Well, you are almost as far as I am in training though!" Corran said. "It won't be long before your Knighted. I tend to think you will be a far greater Jedi than I could ever be." At this Corran felt a little depressed and somewhat anxious to admit that Raltharan wasindeed a better Jedi than he.

Raltharan shook his head and smiled. "Corran," he began in a sympathetic tone, "I can perfectly understand you feelings towards me, but speed means nothing in becoming a Jedi, or so the Masters have told me. I've got a long way to go, trust me on that. You shouldn't feel inferior to me, because trust me when I tell you, I am not nearly as good of a Jedi as you are."

They stopped in front of the center tree. "Smile, kid," Raltharan said punching Corran in the left shoulder. "It's good for ya."

Corran felt no sensation of pain and he started to chuckle slightly.

"You know," Raltharan said. "You sure look pretty ugly when you smile. Best not do that anymore."

Corran laughed again. He liked the newcomer more and more; he was humble, handsome, and indeed humorous. Corran smiled and said, "You shouldn't be so laid back, man. Master Vrook wouldn't approve."

Raltharan leaned in and whispered, "Between you and me, Master Vrook is just a stern slug sometimes; like a Hutt with a hernia."

Corran laughed once more. He didn't feel so uncomfortable around Bastila's new companion anymore.