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Chapter Eleven
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Adrina awoke slowly. She stretched her arms above her head, a sleepy smile settling on her lightly tanned skin. It felt so nice to be warm again – Adrina was quite thankful that she could control the climate in her chamber. She could make the room as warm or cold as she wanted it. Adrina currently had the temperature at 85 degrees and it felt so nice. After a few nights on a spaceship - even a luxurious one - nothing felt more welcome. Adrina squashed the bubbling longing for home. She knew it was an emotion that would do her no good.
The knowledge that she was to begin her training that day prompted Adrina to bolt out of her bed. It was only her first day there, after all, and Adrina wanted to make the best impression she possibly could under the circumstances. A protein bar was downed as she sat on her bed, tapping her foot impatiently.
Adrina took her standard four and a half-minute sonic shower and dressed in her new robes. Her robes were of those who worked in the Halls of Healing. A pale green shift dress with short sleeves covered her womanly figure from the base of her neck to the middle of her shins. She wore leggings of the same color and soft, supportive ankle boots of a darker green. A white sleeveless lab coat with pockets was worn over the dress. Adrina had to admit that it was all very comfortable and practical for a sterile environment, even if it was rather shapeless. She noticed absently that it flattered her coloring.
Adrina took a deep breath before she exited her room, her face an expressionless mask. An overwhelming weight had settled on Adrina's shoulders, and it grew with every step she took. Her heart pounded in her chest as she carefully made her way from her room to the Temple Infirmary in the Halls of Healing, carefully noting every minute detail around her. It was one of the first things her father taught her – to know every inch of her surroundings. The blank looks and cold stares interspersed between curious glances told Adrina that not all of the Jedi were as welcoming as Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. It did not bother Adrina much; years of slavery on Tatooine – particularly in Jabba's Palace – had given Adrina an almost impenetrable skin. Nevertheless, Adrina felt the need to prove herself, to prove that while she may be seventeen, she was no less capable than a child. She felt the need to prove that she belonged, even if she was not sure she did belong.
Adrina held her head high as she walked silently into the Halls of Healing, her shoulder's squared and her spine stiff. She refused to be cowed easily. Adrina stood in a reception area that was the junction of several large hallways. She knew that the Halls of Healing composed a very sizable wing of the Jedi Temple, but she had not anticipated the reality. It very much reminded Adrina of the inside of Queen Amidala's spaceship. It was all smooth arches, and smelled of lavender and cleaning solution. The ceilings were high and vaulted with glass skylights that let in plenty of natural light. There was a warmth and a comforting energy in the Halls of Healing that the spaceship lacked. A warm gold was the pervasive color. Adrina felt some of the weight on her heart lift and dissipate.
"May I help you?" The kind voice belonged to the male Togruta that stood behind the reception desk. His face was open and serene, though he appeared to be her age. Adrina swallowed hard and nodded as she stepped forward.
"My name is Adrina Skywalker." Adrina stated quietly, her voice even. His face lit with recognition and curiosity. Clearly, there are no secrets here. "I was told to report here for training." He nodded.
"Yes, of course! Chief Healer Che told me to expect you." He held out his hand. "Blef Kyd, at your service. Welcome to the MedCorps!" Adrina managed a small smile.
"Are you in the MedCorps, too?" Adrina inquired, truly curious. Kyd nodded.
"And proud of it! I don't want to be anywhere else." Kyd replied earnestly. "You'll like it, too, I can tell. You look like you were born to be here. Do you have any medical experience?" Adrina nodded.
"I can patch up minor injuries and keep them alive until the professionals show up. I have some experience with a few species other than humans, too." Adrina replied with a shrug. "I haven't received any formal training, though." Kyd nodded.
"Well, training lasts a few months, depending on the student." Kyd explained. "Most of the Initiates who join the Medical Corps only have basic medical training, like you do. Some choose not to undergo further training. Some are trained further."
"What did you do?" Adrina could not help but ask. Kyd smiled.
"I went through the training and became a healer." Kyd informed affably. Adrina digested the information.
"Was the training hard?" Adrina queried. Kyd shrugged.
"All depends on your perspective." Kyd responded pragmatically. Adrina laughed softly and glanced at the floor. "I'll get Chief Healer Che; she wanted to know when you arrived. She's really something – you'll like her, I'm sure."
"No need – I am here." Adrina's head snapped up when an aging Rutian Twi'lek suddenly materialized in one of the hallways. She bore herself well and exuded calmness and authority. She wore the same robes Adrina and Kyd did. However, she deviated slightly from tradition by wrapping dark green fabric around her forehead and criss-crossing dark green ribbon around her lekku. It was undeniably Vokara Che. Adrina blinked and swallowed hard. She dipped into an awkward curtsey, unsure of how to greet the great Jedi healer. Kyd gave her a deep nod and a respectful smile.
"So, you are Adrina Skywalker." Che continued, carefully studying Adrina. The younger woman nodded and fought the urge to squirm under Che's scrutiny. It was as if her eyes saw the darkest corners of her very soul. Che nodded after a moment, satisfied. "This is where you will work and train for many months." Che stated without preamble. "You will learn the art of healing. You may even become a healer – eventually." Che paused.
"What do you know of the Medical Corps?" Che asked. Adrina bit her inner cheek.
"Not very much." Adrina admitted. "But I am a hard worker and a fast learner." Che nodded.
"All Jedi Initiates are required to undergo the Trials. If they pass, they are able eligible to become a Padawan. However, not all succeed in passing the Trials. Some choose to leave the Order completely, and put their talents to use in the civilian world." Che explained. Adrina nodded slowly.
"I was told that those not selected as a Padawan joined the Service Corps." Adrina said.
"That is correct." Che confirmed. "There are always some who pass the Trials that are not selected by a Knight or Master. Some who do not pass the Trials also decide to stay. They all go before the Reassignment Council, as you did, where they are sent to the branch of the Service Corps best suited to their talents. The Medical Corps is the smallest of the branches, you know. The healing arts are taught widely outside the Corps. Some Jedi decide to become healers. Still, we are adequately staffed." Adrina gazed around her, her awe reflected in her eyes.
"When can I start?" Adrina asked, hoping she didn't sound over-eager. Che smiled approvingly.
"Yes, I was told that you had a mind for learning." Che reflected. "Your training has already begun." Adrina straightened. "I will give you a full tour of the Halls of Healing." Che immediately turned on her heel again and commenced the tour.
Adrina remained silent the majority of the tour, speaking up only to ask a question. Che explained the rooms and equipment in great detail, giving Adrina very little reason to speak. She absorbed every detail. Adrina quickly learned that Vokara Che was often brusque and blunt, but was extremely knowledgeable and dedicated. It was clear to Adrina that the other healers greatly admired Che. It was well into the afternoon when Che and Adrina returned to the reception area, and Adrina felt her stomach protest the hour.
"Now," Che had just begun to speak when a small human girl stumbled up the stairs leading to the Halls of Healing. Che frowned, her attention fully diverting to the young Initiate. "What happened, small one?" Che asked, kneeling by the girl, who sniffled. Adrina moved quietly forward. She could see the tears in the girl's large emerald eyes. The girl held out her left arm, letting Che gently take hold of it.
"It got burned." the girl explained after another sniffle. Adrina winced when she the burn. It did indeed look bad. It was mottled red and welting. Adrina estimated that it was almost a second degree burn.
"I see." Che murmured. Che glanced up and noticed Adrina. "Small one, this is Adrina. Would you allow her to look at your arm?" Che asked the girl gently. The girl nodded and held her arm higher. Adrina knelt beside Che and gently grasped the girl's arm. She was careful to not touch the charred flesh. Che quietly stood and stepped back. Adrina took this as indication that she was tend to the girl.
"What's your name?" Adrina asked softly, looking up kindly. A shy smile began to blossom on the girl's face, though it was tinged with pain.
"Maëlle."
"That's such a pretty name!" Adrina declared with a cheerful smile. "Why don't you come with me, and we'll get you all fixed up. Alright?" Maëlle nodded. Adrina stood and extended her hand to Maëlle, who took it in her right hand. Adrina did not fail to notice Che discreetly shadow them.
Adrina helped Maëlle onto an empty biobed in the Infirmary. Maëlle held her injured arm close to her chest, her chin quivering. Adrina mentally applauded the girl's strength – she couldn't have been more than seven. She began to thoroughly wash her hands in the sink nearby. "How did you get burned, Maëlle?" Adrina inquired over her shoulder.
"I was training," Maëlle sniffled. "with my lightsaber. A-and I fell." Adrina nodded.
"Did you fall on your lightsaber?" Adrina asked kindly. Maëlle nodded. Adrina remembered Anakin mentioning in passing that the lightsabers given to Initiates were low-powered so that they could not pierce flesh and accidentally cut off an appendage. Contact with the blade would result in a painful burn and bruises, rather than lasting damage.
"It really hurts." Maëlle whispered before she tears began to trickle down her pale cheeks. Adrina dried her hands and donned medical gloves.
"I know it does, sweetheart." Adrina murmured sympathetically. "I got burned once when I was your age. You'll be just fine." Adrina lightly touched her shoulder. "Can I see your arm again? Thank you." Adrina removed the charred cloth from her arm as gently as she could. Maëlle whimpered. "I'm sorry, Maëlle, but I have to take it off. There, all off." Adrina paused momentarily, trying to remember where the clean cloths and bacta were stored. Her eyes caught the labels on the cabinets just as her heart rate began to accelerate.
Adrina filled a small bowl with lukewarm water and found a clean cloth. She methodically cleaned Maëlle's burn while she murmured comforting words. It was soon clean and Adrina placed a bacta patch over the marred skin. Adrina removed her gloves and disposed of the discarded materials. "There." Adrina pronounced, offering Maëlle a large smile. "All fixed. Does it feel better?" Maëlle nodded slowly, her tears subsiding.
"A little." Maëlle whispered. Adrina smiled and patted her hand.
"Why don't you come back later tonight so we can change this bandage?" Adrina suggested. A strand of Maëlle's curly blond hair escaped the ponytail it was bound in when she nodded, wiping her nose with her right sleeve.
"Thank you, ma'am." Maëlle raised her eyes to shyly meet Adrina's gaze. Adrina's smile broadened.
"You are most welcome, little one." Adrina told her sincerely. "Be careful with that arm, now, you hear?"
"Oh, I know!" Maëlle responded earnestly, wide-eyed. "Deygin got burned once, too, and then he fell on it. I thought an Oskan blood eater had somehow gotten into the Temple! He carried on something awful." Adrina blinked but quickly recovered.
"You were very brave." Adrina assured. Maëlle blushed and lowered her eyes again. She bowed to Vokara Che before dashing out of the Infirmary. Adrina smiled as she watched her leave. She felt the healer's eyes on her and swallowed hard. Adrina turned to Che, her eyes questioning.
"You handled it perfectly." Che stated approvingly. Adrina lowered her eyes respectfully.
"Thank you, ma'am." Adrina murmured. Che cocked her head slightly.
"Tell me; where did you learn these things, if you did not receive formal training?" Che inquired curiously. Adrina shrugged.
"I had the best and cruelest teacher – experience." Adrina explained simply. "When you grow up as I did, you learn things out of necessity." Che nodded.
"The best teacher indeed." Che agreed. "Now, let us go to lunch." Adrina's shoulders nearly slumped in relief and her stomach growled its relief.
~e~e~e~e~e~e~e~
"Where are we going?" Adrina called, hastening to catch up with Vokara Che. They had just finished their brief lunch in the refectory when Che had ordered Adrina to follow her. Adrina was thankful she was accustomed to being on her feet for hours on end; lunch had been the first time she had sat down since she went to the Halls of Healing earlier that day for her first day of training.
Che did not answer, but continued as if she had not heard Adrina. Adrina knew she would not get an answer and suppressed a sigh. It was not long before they reached their destination. They stood in the middle of a small courtyard within the Temple walls. It was the heart of a cluster of rooms whose doorways were circular and made of ruddy metal.
"These are five of many meditation chambers in the Jedi Temple." Che began suddenly, turning to face her charge. "You shall be spending a good portion of your time here. Learn these halls well." Adrina nodded quickly. Che gazed at her briefly before stepping into the closest room. The room was small, but appeared even smaller because of the ordinary dark gray coloring of the walls. Two sets of six circles were etched into the floor, each inside the other, spaced half a foot apart. In the center of each set was a round cushion on a stool. Adrina moved to stand by the low seat on the right.
"Close your eyes. I will bind your eyes with this cloth. It will be easier for you to concentrate." Che commanded evenly from just inside the doorway, holding up a thick black cloth. Adrina swallowed hard, the familiar wave of paranoia. Che tilted her head slightly. "I see that lesson shall have to wait until another day." Adrina lowered her eyes, feeling as though she had disappointed Che. Che studied Adrina for several minutes. "Tell me, Adrina, what do you think of me?" Adrina eyed Che through her eyelashes.
"Ma'am?" Adrina murmured questioningly. Che arched an eyebrow.
"It is not a difficult task, and it was plainly stated. You cannot misunderstand the request, surely." Che responded without censure, but with some incredulity. Adrina wished to not answer, but knew it was not possible or advisable. Adrina took a deep breath.
"Your staff seem to like you, so you are not a harsh mistress. Your clothes speak of pride in your people, but your dedication to the Jedi and to your art. You place others before yourself, and are always in the Halls of Healing. Your boots are becoming haggard, though they are clearly made of sturdy material. Yours are the eyes of someone who has seen and endured much, but you have retained your empathy. You must have an endless amount of patience for those who need your care, though perhaps not with others. You have high standards for people, and you compel them to meet and exceed your expectations. You can be brusque and your words can be harsh, but you truly care about your patients and those who work under you." Adrina spoke quietly and hesitantly at first, but her voice grew stronger.
"You are an extremely perceptive young lady." Che remarked after a moment. "All that you say is true, but it hardly truly answers my question." Adrina blinked in confusion. "What do you think of me?"
"I can hardly make a very fair opinion; I have just met you." Adrina stated carefully.
"It takes but a moment to form an opinion. Tell me." Che pressed, taking a step forward. Adrina licked her lips.
"I think you are strict and kind, harsh and compassionate, unmovable and resilient. I think you are a fair and just teacher." Adrina paused. "I quite like you." Che nodded.
"Like, but do not trust." Che observed. Adrina did not deny it. She preferred to not lie, if she could help it.
"Trust is a thing to be earned. As I said, I have only just met you." Adrina replied honestly. Che nodded again.
"Do you think me trustworthy?"
"I think many find you worthy of trust." Adrina was quick to reply.
"A diplomatic answer, but you must learn to answer the question asked of you." Che chastened with a small frown. Adrina exhaled.
"I think you are trustworthy, but I cannot yet trust you." Adrina said softly, her eyes on the floor. Che slowly began to circle Adrina.
"You must learn to trust others, Adrina. Trust is essential in anyone's life, but particularly to the Jedi. You will never belong anywhere until you trust. If you cannot trust, you cannot find joy." Adrina was silent, digesting Che's words. "No doubt you have been abused and mistreated in the past – no one is born without trust. You must cease dwelling in the past. You cannot change it. Look to the future, but live here, and now." Adrina swallowed hard and mutely nodded.
"Let us sit." Che murmured, settling gracefully on the left cushion. Adrina folded herself onto the other seat, tucking her legs beneath her. "When did you learn you were Force sensitive?" Che inquired with a slight tilt of her head. Adrina stared at her hands in her lap.
"Only a few days ago, when I left Tatooine with Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi." Adrina explained. Che nodded.
"Did you ever suspect you were different from other beings?" Her voice was gentle and conversational. Adrina shrugged.
"On Tatooine, everyone is unique. We're all very much the same." Adrina replied dismissively. She paused and looked away. "No, I knew Ani and I were different. I would have never suspected we were Force sensitive, though. I thought Ani simply had a...gift. I thought my uniqueness was due to a rare genetic mutation, or a distant alien relation." She snorted softly and looked away. "Turns out I'm not so special after all." Che frowned severely.
"A person's true value does not lay in what they can do, but in their heart." Che laid a hand on her heart.
"A warrior is more than his armor." Adrina quoted softly to herself, nodding slowly. Che bobbed her head in agreement.
"Exactly so." Che said approvingly. Adrina looked down at her hands. "You have discovered the ability to heal yourself; is this correct?" Adrina nodded slowly, her eyes narrowing.
"Yes, but how did you know that?" Adrina asked warily. Che smirked.
"My, you do dislike not knowing things." Che remarked, amused. Adrina bit her cheeks, but said nothing. "Master Qui-Gon made a full report to the Council before he died. I was informed of all pertinent information related to yourself." Adrina was quiet for a moment. She was not terribly surprised by the news. "How did you discover this ability – healing yourself?" Adrina looked away, a faraway look in her eyes. She was silent. Che recognized the look of pained remembrance.
"I was six." Adrina began, her voice almost inaudible. "I was a slave of Jabba the Hutt's. I was taking one of his dancer's her meal; I could barely lift the platter, and it was a long walk from the kitchens to her quarters. One of Jabba's courtiers rounded the corner and bowled into me. The food went everywhere. It was such a mess. The courtier blamed me for his blindness, and shoved me down a nearby flight of stairs." Adrina winced and wrapped her arms around herself. "I wasn't as injured as I could have been, but my left arm was broken and my head was bleeding pretty badly."
"The midi-chlorians in our bodies strengthen our constitution; it takes more to injure us than a regular being." Che interjected softly. Adrina blinked.
"Oh. Well, for that, I am thankful." Adrina muttered, surprised, before she continued. "For a minute all I could do was sit slumped against the wall at the bottom of the stairs and try to fight the pain and the tears. I remember grasping my broken arm and just wishing that the pain would go away. I remember bending all my will towards that single thought. I felt a warm tingle spread through me, and my injuries healed." Adrina broke out of her reverie and turned back to Che. "I thought it was a fluke at first, but I did the same thing the next time I was injured – and that was a frequent occurrence in Jabba's Palace. My injuries were healed every time I tried."
"Remarkable." Che whispered, studying Adrina curiously. "Did you ever do the same to another person?"
"Once." Adrina replied. "Another slave girl, my friend. She cut her hand pretty badly. We had to be careful, though, because many injuries were meant to be 'lessons' to get us to 'behave'. One became accustomed to the pain."
"And yet you retained compassion." Che observed. Adrina did not reply. Both were quiet for a moment.
"May I ask a question?" Adrina spoke up hesitantly. Che nodded and waved her hand.
"Of course, Adrina." Adrina licked her lips.
"Are you training me?" Adrina inquired. Che simply nodded. "Why? I mean, why you? You are the Chief Healer."
"That is precisely why I will train you." Che informed. "You will be a challenging student, whether you intend to be or not. It is not always easy to learn to use the Force, though it is easier to learn when you are very young, simply because your mind is more open and unclouded. Your mind is cynical and jaded. The Jedi take no chances." Che studied her for a moment. "But you are stubborn – a fighter. You may yet prove to be a great healer. Time will tell." Adrina's pride reared it's head. "Now, we meditate." Che stated in a tone that brooked no dissent. Adrina hesitated, unsure of what she was to do.
"You must close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Clear your mind. Let all thoughts float away in the breeze. Let the Force flow through you, like water in a stream." Che spoke softly and soothingly. Adrina frowned in concentration. "Don't think, Adrina – do."
Adrina tried her hardest to erase all of her thoughts, to meditate as Che instructed. It was difficult for Adrina to quiet her active brain, particularly after any strong emotional stimulation. "Slow your breathing. Take deep breaths. Yes, just like that. No, do not get discouraged – yes, I can feel your emotions. I find your indignation amusing." Adrina sighed at Che's words. "Keep trying, Adrina. I didn't peg you as a quitter." Adrina flinched at the words.
"Picture it with me, Adrina." Che began, her words soothing. "You are standing on the edge of a vast ocean. The water is crystal blue and stretches for as far as you can see. The sun shines cheerfully and the light beams cause the water to sparkle and shimmer. A breeze teases the rippling waves. You can see a school of tiny fish swim without a care in the world."
Che continued to guide Adrina for one hour before she slipped into meditation. Che's voice became a pleasant hum in the distance as Adrina swam in the vastness in her mind. She was more calm than she had been since she had been kidnapped all those years ago. Adrina felt a curious warm presence envelop her, yet it did not alarm her. Rather, it felt comforting and familiar, as if she had always known it. The Force.
~e~e~e~e~e~e~e~
Adrina stared at the slim, silver metal object curiously, gently moving it from palm to palm. "It's so light." she murmured. Holding the lightsaber, she almost felt as if she were a part of the Jedi. She wore the robes she had been given to wear when she was not in the Infirmary. As was customary, they were the simple robes of one who belonged in the Service Corps. Her skirt was made of dark brown wool. Her top was made of the light brown wool. It had a scooped neck, showing no cleavage, with a decorative vertical drawstring an inch long running between her breasts, the standard utility belt was fastened around her thin waist.
"Turn it on." Che commanded quietly. Adrina nodded and complied. "It is elegant, is it not?" A slow smile grew on Adrina's face as she studied the green lightsaber in her hands. "How does it feel in your hands?"
"Strange." Adrina replied in wonder. She made two quick slashes through the air. "Much lighter than I imagined. I mean, I knew the blade was only a laser, but it never clicked that it would thus have no weight. It feels as if I'm slashing air with air." Adrina laughed quietly. "It will certainly be interesting to get used to." Adrina looked up. "This is a training lightsaber, isn't it?"
"Indeed it is." Che assured. "Come, put the helmet on." Adrina keyed the lightsaber off and slipped the helmet onto her head. Darkness enveloped her head as she flipped the visor down. She took a deep, steadying breath before she keyed the lightsaber on again. "You do not need your eyes to see any more than you need your hands to walk. Reach out with your mind; trust your instincts." Adrina nodded. She had learned long ago to trust her instincts. "These bolts are not meant to kill or injure, merely to inflict a painful sting. Believe me when I say that you will not what to be struck repeatedly by it."
"Duly noted." Adrina stated solemnly, steeling herself. "Well, I'm read – ow! Keepuna!" Adrina rubbed her throbbing thigh with one hand and held her lightsaber defensively in the other.
"Watch your language, young lady." Che chastened sternly. "Clearly you were not ready." Adrina scowled.
"I was." Adrina defended before muttering, "I just wasn't expecting it so quickly." She could practically feel Che's disapproving frown.
"Clear your mind." Che continued as if Adrina had not spoken. "Hold the lightsaber higher – that's it." Adrina smiled when she deflected a bolt. The second singed her shoulder, though she deflected the third and fourth. Che remained silent for the next hour, allowing Adrina to be fully focused on the task at hand. As the minutes passed, Che slowly began to increase the difficulty. Adrina struggled towards the latter half of the hour, deflecting the bolts almost as often as she was hit.
After an hour had passed, Che signaled that their session was over. Adrina switched the lightsaber off and clipped it onto her utility belt. Beads of sweat trickled down her forehead when she removed the helmet and she wiped them off with the back of her sleeve. Her eyes sought Che's for approval, breathing hard. Che nodded with a smile. "You did well, Adrina." Che stated simply. It was all Adrina needed to hear; she grinned broadly.
"I expect to see you here first thing tomorrow morning." Che instructed. Adrina nodded.
"I'll be here." Adrina promised, still smiling. She felt truly proud, though every part of her ached.
"You will also begin working in the Infirmary tomorrow. Be prepared." Che continued. Adrina licked her lips and nodded again, anxious anticipation swelling. Che paused, reflecting. "Dismissed." Adrina bowed.
"Thank you – Master Che." Adrina directed her statement with some hesitance, unsure if her address was proper. Che nodded briefly with a twinkle in her eye and Adrina relaxed. She blew out a deep breath and her shoulders slumped. Adrina wiped her tired face again before she exited the training room with a smile. She could not have hoped for a better ending to her first day of training.
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Huttese Translation:
"Keepuna!" ~ "Damn it!"
