Sorry for the loooooooong wait. This chapter was actually completed a while ago…

3.

…which never landed. Instead, he flew backwards, hitting a tree and collapsing. He didn't go unconscious but he was hurt. Paige knew it wasn't her and the voice she heard next wasn't whom she expected. She had expected a Skywalker or Jaden.

"You son of a sith! What makes you think you can strike a Jedi? I don't believe you have an adequate excuse; other then she turned your propsal down. Take it like a man, and do not hit her!" The voice boomed. She recognized the voice as the Chiss Sorth. Trieste got up and sneered.

"You Jedi Scum. How dare you speak to me in that way? Do you even know the power I wield?" He growled. The Chiss laughed.

"The Power you wield? I want to see you try it. Your whole fleet that your people own can't even take on Coruscant's fleet. Trieste the Almighty. How about Trieste the Awful? Why don't you just go home to the vaunted Lord King Veridian. He seems to be about the only person who likes you," Sorth hissed back. "But, I could have fun wiping out your force in war. Your choice."

Trieste scowled. He seemed like he was about to retort and then decided to be silent. Like he was about to reveal a secret.

"Fine, but you will regret it, Paige Storrs. You will regret that you turned me down, Jedi. And You…There is more to you then meets the eye…ahh, I know who you are now, Sorth'raw'nerudo. Yess, then this makes too much sense. Well, then, Sorth, someday, I will have the pleasure of making you regret ever crossing me. So long, children," Trieste walked back towards the main temple, stumbling and making a fool of himself. Paige laughed and Sorth smiled.

Paige looked to the young Chiss beside her.

"I thought you had to do a little show-and-tell…?" Paige asked. Sorth smiled.

"I finished it before I came this way. Well, at least the obstical course. Master Skywalker was impressed. Said I have a future in mind affecting force powers. It seemed Master Horn was pleased at that assessment," Sorth said.

"Well, that makes sense. Master Horn is strong in mind tricks and force asorption. As you will notice, Sorth, Jedi have specialized strengths. Take what we know about Obi-wan – he was good at reading others emotions and using them to change ones disposition from unfriendly to friendly or whatever. His nickname was 'the Negotiator'. Others, like Anakin and Luke Skywalker, had strengths with combat and telekenisis. My main strengths in the force are healing, like our resident Mon Calimari, and energy asorption, like Anakin Skywalkers ability to do that. And of course, I am a good lightsaber artist. But I work with a more defensive ground then an offensive one," Paige told the youth. "And it makes sense that your mind is more powerful, in retrospect of who your father was. Did he name another power you can use well?"

Sorth seemed a little taken aback at her analysis of the situation. He laughed.

"Investigation. I know it sounds a little strange – that I have a power to easily investigate and analyze problems – but it seems like in the old days that even the Jedi had there own investigative force, and I don't mean like a whole obvious situations, but tiny details that may solve a murder. Basically, I am a tracker and an analist. Like Kyle Katarn," Sorth replied. Paige nodded, and peered at the sun as it was starting to set. They would soon be in the orange glow of Yavin.

"Yes…it makes a lot of sense. From what we know of the Grand Admiral through Mara Jade and other sources, it was your fathers investigative and analytical mind that set him above the rest. Mara told us that of all the Grand Admiral's, Thrawn was the most efficient and deadly, because of his strength of analyzing a situation and employing it to the best possible use," Paige said. Sorth chuckled.

"Well, it looks like you are good in that regard also, ha ha." Sorth told her. Paige smiled.

"Yes, it seems like I do. I am sorry for the surprise earlier. I probably could have prevented the situation, myself. Not that I don't appreciate it. I also expected someone else, like Barro Narr, my Nikto friend. He seems to be extremly protective of me. How did you know where to find me anyways?" Paige asked. Sorth smiled at the lovely raven-haired girl. An orange tint was starting to permeate the atmosphere.

"Tracking. Luke and Mara felt turmoil with in you, a long time before the close-attack came. I did, too, as a matter of fact. When I finished the obstical course, they asked that I come and investigate. I didn't know exactly where to find you, but the force told me which path in the Jungle to come down. And I found you. Oh, and I did meet your Nikto friend. He was trying to find you, felt the turmoil also. He was failing miserably. I would have told him, but then I heard more urgency in the force. I don't know if he followed me, but since he is not here, probably not."

They looked at eachother and both cracked up. Man, both were talking a mile a minute. It seemed like they were going to be quick friends. Suddenly, they heard a sharp roar of the engines and a shuttle blasted over the forest. By the tell tale looks, it was Trieste. They had wondered what took them so long to leave, until they registered a Z-95 taking off afterwards a few minutes later.

"Something must have happened," Paige observed. "I think though, we should stay away. We may be a fifth wheel at this point. Plus I want to continue walking along the path. The oldest temple we have discovered is out this way. I sometimes like to go to the top and just relax. You are welcome to join me."

"I thank you for the invitation. I agree that we should stay out of it, unless we are called back. The temple does seem relaxing. I will join you," Sorth replied. The walked together, the foliage whisping back into his face. In silence they reached the temple and walked up the stairs to the summit of the temple. Paige sat down cross-legged. Sorth approached the edge and stared out into space. Paige heard him make a sigh. Then:

"I think our Jedi friend failed in whatever she was trying to do. It's coming in," Sorth said. Paige, without opening her eyes, could feel the presence of Jaden Corr and a slight acknowledment of their presence on the Temple.

"It's my old master, Jaden. She wishes us hi." Paige replied. Sorth chuckled lightly then was quiet for a while.

"Sorth, where are you from?" Paige asked. Sorth jumped slightly at the voice.

"Csilla…at least that is where I was born and lived for ten years until my mother and I were banished for the crimes of my father. Chiss do not forgive easily," Sorth replied. "But, after a few years of searching for my father, we settled on Carasfer."
Paige glanced at him at the mention of the planet's name.

"Carasfer? That is where Trieste is from! He said he knew you…did you meet him?" Paige asked him. Sorth shook his head.

"No. I think he came after my encasment in Carbonite. He probably came after me after Hexor freed me from it," Sorth replied distantly. She could tell his mind was elsewhere.

"I am sorry for all of these questions, but why were you encased in carbonite?" Paige asked, hoping for more. Sorth sighed.

"I don't mind the question, Paige. But, forgive me if I do not answer this question yet. I do not feel comfortable," Sorth replied. Paige quickly apologized and it seemed to Sorth that she felt bad that she made him feel uncomforatble. He could feel the sadness and the pain. He sat down next to her and put his arms around her.

"It's ok. I didn't mean I was uncomfortable with you. I meant talking about why I was placed in carbonite. It was a tough situation for my people and me and the situation is still not good. But with the current Carasfer Goverment applying for representation in the Republic Senate, I don't know if helping them would be a good idea. It makes me feel uncomfortable when I think of the problems of the native Carasferians," Sorth gently explained. She leaned into his arms, seeming to take comfort in his presence.

"I am sorry, Sorth. For you, and your people. I was just feeling a little uncomfortable with this whole day. I mean, Trieste asks me to marry him. He should have realized that I couldn't stand him. And then, when I finally find comfort with you, someone I barely know, which for me, is kinda weird all in itself, I felt like I was pushing you away with my questions," Paige replied. "There is something about you that is relaxing. Maybe it is because you 'rescued' me today, but I don't know. But I see us becoming great friends."

"I am sorry, myself, if that is how I made you feel – that you were pushing me away. I think one of the reasons why I do not want to talk about the problems of my world is because I have been a fugitive from Carasfer for many years. I miss my home, but I know if I go back, I will be arrested, and imprisoned. Maybe even re-encased in carbonite. And I do not want that." Sorth told her. Paige looked at him sadly, but also with a look that told him that she was worried about whom he was.

"Don't worry, Paige. I am not some sort of criminal of Carasfer, at least, not with any crime that would punish me in the Republic. I was a target of fear and prejudice. Not for anything I had done, so I will not bring you any harm," Sorth comforted her. She smiled sadly, but the worry in her eyes disappeard. "Hey, it is a beautiful night, and a beautiful area up here. Why don't we do a little sparring? I think that it would be good for us right now."

"You know what, Sorth, the night is young. I think I would love to spar with you," Paige replied. Sorth got up, as did Paige. Sorth lifted his hand up.

"Farkain," He called. Paige was a little startled when down in the foliage, a Noghri stepped out of the bushes. It stared at Sorth with glassy, bulbous eyes.

"Yess, Son of Thrawn?" The creature spoke up in a gravelly voice, almost sounding like a purring cat.

"Paige and I are going to spar. I just didn't want to alarm you," Sorth called down. The creature bowed and slinked back into the woods. "Alright, It is all set."

Paige smiled as she pulled her saber off of her belt. Sorth pulled his two identical lightsabers.

"Training setting. Minor burn only," Sorth told her. Paige nodded and adjusted a button on her lightsaber. At the same time, they ignited their lightsabers. Paige's double blade glowed orange while Sorth's blades glowed green. They circled around eachother, neither wanting to attack first. Sorth knew that Paige had said that she had been a defensive fighter. Sorth'raw'nerudo leaped into the air towards Paige who barely caught the two sabers on her blades. She reposted with the other blade and a green blade quickly parried it. Paige noticed something was odd about his blades, but it was not the time to enquire it. In fact, her noticing took so much time, that she was barely able to block the overhand strike. She squared a light kick into him and pushed herself away, landing on the otherside of the temple. Sorth smirked. He again leaped like he had before, and she set herself for the block, but at the last second, he twisted around and landed in a squatting position. He went for a leg shot, and barely grazed her as she attempted to get out of the way. She twisted her doublebladed lightsaber around in her hands and brought the blade down, to find him not where he had been. Quicker then she had apparently seen, he was across the otherside of the temple.

"Jeez, Sorth. I –" She was cut off by the sound of cheering from below. She looked down to see students cheering her on. Or were they cheering for Sorth? She didn't know, but a sudden gasp told her to look towards Sorth. She did, and noticed his sabers coming for a pincer strike. She blocked the right quickly, but was struck in the side by the blade in his left. He quickly disengaged the lightsabers. She gasped at the pain as she shut of hers. As the pain grew, she noticed the cheering people disappear. She then realized what happened.

"You are such a cheater, Sorth!" Paige was angry. The mind trick had worked on her. At least, Sorth was nice enough to make them gasp in warning.

"Really? Mind explaing how? I have been a Jedi for a shorter time then you but I even know that distractions happen. I could have other images form in your mind, but I decided on a lightly distracting one. In fact, if you had just thrown a stab at my chest, you would have won this bout. Remember, Paige, you musn't be distracted. If this was a real fight, you would have lost." Sorth told her. Though the words were different, the meaning mimiked that of Mara's. She sighed and let the force calm her down. Sorth was right. It wasn't cheating; it was using his resources. "And the trick only works if you let it in. I think you were too relaxed in this fight. You didn't expect a distraction in that manner. If it was a real student walking through the woods, you would probably have ignored it, even if Luke and Mara were talking about naughty things at the base of the temple, you would have blocked it. But you were not prepared for a whole group of oogling students."

Out of the corner of Paige's eyes, she noticed Corran Horn walk out of the woods.

"Is this a trick as well, Sorth'raw'nerudo?" Paige asked, using his full name in mock-anger.

"No. He's really Corran Horn. My next test may be ready. I don't know," Sorth responded in mock-defence. They both laughed until Corran made it to the top of the temple. They straightened up when he arrived.

"Well, Sorth that was an impressive display," Corran said, matter-of-factly.

"You saw that?" Sorth asked. Corran grinned, obviously estatic at what he saw.

"I did, well, I did after I allowed myself to. You see, I could see duel from my post at the temple, as did other students. Luke and Mara were dealing with another crisis, so I calmed the alarmed students and came out here. I knew Sorth came this way, but I didn't know if you two would be dueling for fun. It's something not many people do when they first meet. Anyways, just incase, it was possible that you were hostile; I blocked my mind so I wouldn't be discovered. I could then sense power eminating from you, power I recognized that eminated from myself when I used a mind affecting power. I also didn't sense hostility in it, so I allowed myself to observe what image you were showing her. Through the trees, I noticed effect and the distraction you created. I was impressed. Good Job. Paige, Sorth was right – I heard his conversation with you. Distraction is the bane of a duel. Even if these were true students, you can't be distracted. But still, it was a good recovery," Corran told her.

"I understand, Master." Paige said while Sorth muttered thanks. Sorth straigtened up and looked to the elder Jedi.

"The Crisis you mentioned – what is it?" Sorth asked solemly.

"Jedi Knight Barro Narr was found injured on the path towards the temple an hour or so ago. We suspect Trieste injured him in his anger, but he has no physical wounds, so Jaden Corr had tried to immobilize his vessel in space in order to be able to question the man. Unfortunately, the deranged prince escaped before she got into targeting range. Barro Narr is still unconscious from the attack." Corran replied, instantly getting a spike of worry flowing from Paige's emotions.

"Can I see Barro?" Paige asked Master Horn. Horn looked at her with sympathy.

"Unfortunatly, Cilgal has issued a full lockdown for students while she runs diagnosis's. If she is unsuccessful, she may send him to Coruscant for treatment of injuries. Master Skywalker is on the long-range communicator now with President Organa-Solo. We won't know Carasfer's response for a little while," Corran replied. "But, in light of your friendship with Knight Barro, I think we can make a possible exception. Oh, and by the way, tell the Noghri that killing the Harkare was brilliant."

"Thanks, Master Horn. We will be along in a few minutes," Paige said, bowing to Corran. Corran saluted back and left the temple summit, heading back towards the main temple. Paige and Sorth looked at eachother and sighed. They followed shortly after the Corellian Jedi and collected Farkain in the process. Sorth looked over at Farkain.

"Corran said good Job hunting the Harkare," The Noghri stared, seemingly analyzing mistakes. Sorth smiled. "Don't worry, Farkain. He's a jedi. He probably sensed the Harkare first and then saw you pounce on it. You may have even surprised him."

That seemed to get the Noghri out its drooping. It walked beside Sorth, eyeing Paige every once in a while.

"Doesn't talk much does he?" Paige asked. Sorth laughed.

"Not many Noghri do. Its part of their hunting tradition – silence. When he is on our ship, the Black Storm, he talks a little more. He knows that there are no threats in the ship – at least after he fully inspects it. I appreciate him being around." Sorth said. Paige nodded somberly. She was obviously in deep thought about her Nikkto friend and they walked the rest of the way in silence.