Author's note: I was going for a "teenage romance" thing between these two at this point; neither is sure of what she is supposed to say or how she is supposed to react, which makes their feelings more "real", if awkward. Let me know if that came across in what I wrote.

The Ark was nearly ready. The Jedi Strike team had retrieved the fuel rods they needed to power it from Toborro the Hutt, and they were all just waiting for it them to be installed on the ship. And that gave Vedere and Lemda some time to talk.

"So…" Lemda said, not knowing what to say. "Your friends said you were a member of the Jedi Council?"

"Yes," Vedere said, glad an easy topic. "I'm actually the youngest member of the Council."

"Really?" Lemda asked. "How old are you?"

"19," Vedere said, a soft grin on her face. "Like you, I worked my entire life to get where I am. At the expense of all else; I never even thought about a boyfriend or girlfriend growing up."

"I know the feeling," Lemda said, grinning slightly. "My supposed peers look down on me because of my youth until I start correcting their facts."

"Some Jedi looked at me strangely as well," Vedere said. "It's not often that someone who is barely out of their training is allowed to join the Council."

"Wait, I thought you were blind?" Lemda said.

Vedere grinned softly. "The Miraluka do not see with our eyes, that is true," she said. "We perceive our environment through the Force. I'm able to function in galactic society with no problem, but I also have a higher 'sight' than sighted people. I see a hint of who people are inside, for good and for ill."

Vedere slowly moved her hand over to Lemda's, allowing her fingers to lightly touch Lemda's. "And that's why you're beautiful to me. We share the desire to be respected for who we are, and not just for our education and positions."

Lemda blushed at Vedere's statement, but did not shy away from her touch. "I've never had anyone say that I'm beautiful," Lemda blurted out.

"That surprises me," Vedere said, smiling. "Or maybe you've been too focused on gaining the respect of others that you didn't really catch it?"

Lemda blushed even redder this time, but instead of shying away like her instinct told her, she grabbed ahold of Vedere's hand. "Even if that were true, it's different with you," she said. "I feel like I'm connecting with you like no one else."

Vedere felt her skin tingle from Lemda's touch, her own cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Unfortunately, she could sense her companions coming to inform them that they were ready to leave. "I just wish we had more time to talk," Vedere said, as Nadia entered the room.

"Master, the Ark is ready to launch, and Shalim Avesta is waiting for us at the shuttle," Nadia said.

"We'll meet him there shortly," Vedere said, standing and doing her best to regain her composure.

"Okay, I'll head there now," Nadia said, and then turned around to head back.

"Uncle always did have the best timing," Lemda said, grinning sadly as she stood.

"Agreed," Vedere said. "Come on, we need to get off this planet."

However, Vedere was surprised when Lemda grabbed Vedere's hand when she moved to leave. "At least we can continue talking on the way," Lemda said, as she started off toward the shuttle.