Nexus

by B L Lindley Anderson

Vita comes to the temple to study with Mi'al. What problems does this cause for the Jedi...and the clone? The search for Yalla and his plans continues also.

Nexus

by B.L. Lindley-Anderson

Jareel paused to listen and to reach out with his senses. He was certain he had not been spotted. The big man gently parted the branches just in front of him and peeked through the green mass. There they were! He must be very quiet to keep from losing his cover. Ever so slowly and gingerly he walked through the grass, trying to avoid stepping on the dried twigs on the ground. Then he stopped at the edge of the brush. Again he peeked out. One of them was close enough that the blonde Jedi could reach him from his position. He drew in a deep breath and readied himself. Before anyone knew what had happened, Jareel had reached out and grabbed him! A shriek pierced the air and the others turned to see the cause. At once the other children saw the big man and charged his direction, laughing and yelling.

"You space pirate," Jareel laughed with the little boy he had scooped up off the ground. "Thought I wouldn't find you out here in the garden, eh? You were wrong! No dirty space dog gets away from a Jedi!" He hefted the little one above his head. The small tot laughed and yelled in enjoyment…and a little fright at being up so far. The other children gathered around the big blonde man.

"Me next!"

"Pick me up Master Jareel!"

"Sneak up on me. I won't look!"

The Jedi laughed and set the boy down. As soon as he leaned over, there were hands grabbing at him, wanting to be picked up…or just acknowledged. Jareel let the children pull him down on the ground. He'd rather talk to them on their level anyway instead of looking down at them. But as soon as he sat down, he was inundated with children climbing on him or trying to sit in his already crowded lap.

"Tell us a story Master Jareel!"

"Yeah…about the space pirates!"

"Ah…but have you been good enough for a story? Have you been behaving like little Jedi? Or have you been acting like space pirates?"

"Jedi!" they all shouted out.

The big man looked over to where the children's guardians sat on a bench, talking while they kept an eye on their charges. "They have been good Master Jareel."

"All right then," he acquiesced. "Everyone find a place to sit and I'll tell you about a really mean, evil creature who was defeated by the Jedi."

"What was his name?" another boy said with wide eyes.

"Ruka!"

The little ones drew in a breath. They had heard that name before. Ruka was well known in all corners of the temple.

Meanwhile, just inside a door to the garden, someone who had been listening dropped his head and looked at the floor.

The chief healer put an arm around Vita and pulled him away from the door. He could sense the hurt and confusion in the Klastarian.

"I'm sorry Vita. I know you like watching the children. I didn't know that Jareel was going to talk about Ruka."

"It's all right Mi'al. I understand. I just wish…" his voice trailed off.

"You wish that you didn't look so much like someone who was a strong enemy of the Jedi?"

Vita said nothing but nodded his head. "I look like Ruka…but I'm not like him. No one here at the temple likes me."

"You're wrong. I like you." The clone smiled a little but it faded fast. "I know it's hard. You're so new at the temple. The council likes you or they wouldn't have agreed to let you come and study under me. You have to remember the things Ruka has done. I'm sure they don't want to be intentionally ugly toward you. But just think…if you work hard and do a good job, people will begin to see what you do instead of whom you look like. I'll bet that will begin to change their minds."

"Do you really think so?"

"Yes I do. It's true that Ruka has…quite a reputation around here, but I know these people. Once they can see past your outer appearance, I feel certain things will change. It may take time though. Can you be that patient?"

Vita looked uncertain. His brow creased as he thought about it. "I guess it will be hard…but you're my friend. As long as I know I have a friend here…I'll try."

"Good. One more thing…you must understand that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan suffered the most at Ruka's hands. It will be the hardest for them to overcome." He glanced back toward the garden. "Jareel is Qui-Gon's best friend. So it will probably take time for him also. Don't be too upset if they avoid you."

"I understand Mi'al."

The healer nodded his head. "Come on. We have work to do." The tall slim man and the green blobby creature walked away toward the temple hospital.

Kura sat back in his chair to think for a moment. His thoughts were mixed. He had wanted to use the close relationship between Mi'al and Vita to his advantage. Vita had already learned much from the healer during their work for Intergalactic Relief. That could also be useful to Kura…if the right opportunity presented itself. If the bionic creature were able to recover any of his creations from the temple labs, he could use the help of his clones to further his work and create more. That is where the type of training Vita was receiving from Mi'al would be useful. Kura hoped that the healer's fondness for the naïve clone might lead him to reveal information about where Ruka's creations were stored and what kind of security had to be overcome. Vita himself might even be able to smuggle them out…once he became accepted and trusted at the temple. And…the relationship would also allow the Klastarian clone to increase his medical knowledge.

Accepted and trusted…. A clone that looked exactly like Ruka. Kura admitted it was a very long shot for that to happen. Yet, Mi'al had taken to Vita easily. Sending the clone with the chief healer to Orino and Lamorah was a stroke of genius…of course. The Jedi had become even closer to Vita and their bond deepened. And after all, it would be the healers, the chief healer in particular, that the clone would have to win the trust of.

The bionic being couldn't help but smile. This is where the opposite side of his feelings betrayed him. The thought of "Ruka" walking the hallways of the Jedi temple and interacting easily with Jedi was laughable. Mi'al would probably work to get the others to accept one he had become so fond of…but the Jedi would be wary of Vita because of the resemblance to one who had become so hated among them. A new way to torment those blasted Jedi.

So, even if his plan did not work and Vita learned nothing, at least Kura would have the satisfaction of knowing he had once again frolicked in the psyches of the Jedi by bringing "Ruka" into the temple. Especially that damnable Jinn. Always he managed to elude Ruka. Now "Ruka" was invading the temple and Jinn would not be able to just walk away. He would have to face his memories, his scars. Kura chuckled to himself. He remembered from his short time of having the ability to use the Force what he had been able to find out by invading Jinn's mind. In spite of his outer calm and control of his feelings…Kura knew there was still something inside the Jedi that was touched by the memory of what he had endured at Ruka's hands. All that would be brought to the forefront as Jinn had to see Vita at the temple.

It was an awkward situation, to say the least, when Mi'al had approached Master Yoda to ask about the possibility of Vita coming to the temple to observe and learn from him.

"I realize that it's an odd circumstance Master," Mi'al had said. "But…Vita himself is an odd circumstance. He is a fully grown Klastarian but he doesn't have the benefit of a formal education. He can't go to school with children to learn. We…Kura and I…have talked about it. The only way is for Vita to be tutored until he has learned enough to be able to pass a test that would be the equivalent of getting a diploma. Then he would be free to pursue whatever studies he wants. Kura tutored him from the time he arrived on Coruscant until Vita went on sabbatical with me. He's very intelligent Master Yoda…and shows an aptitude for medical type work. I have my free time to work with him. It would be better than Kura trying to find time to squeeze in every day. Kura agrees with this. Will you please try to consider it objectively? If this were a clone of…say, a human, would you have the same objection? Is it only that he looks like Ruka that you are slow to agree to this?"

The diminutive Jedi had listened intently. He agreed that the circumstances were more than just odd. It was true that Vita needed someone to help him become educated. But why should it be a Jedi? Kura had been given custody. If he couldn't manage the clones, then it was his responsibility to find help. But…maybe that's what he was doing now. And…there was Mi'al's question. If this were a human…or any other species…would he have this hesitancy?

Yoda had asked to speak with Vita. The councilor was impressed with the creature's intelligence. He was touched by the compassion of the clone when he spoke of his experiences during the relief work. And…Yoda had to admit he was charmed by Vita's innocence. Intellectually the Jedi master knew this was not Ruka, still he couldn't help but wonder just what the chances were of some of the nefarious creature's personality being transferred genetically. But Vita was so very, very different from the evil green blob. Yoda was pleasantly surprised. He could feel from the Force that the naivete was not an act. This was who Vita really was. And that interview and what he sensed led the councilor to agree to Mi'al's strange request. He warned the healer and the clone that Vita would probably not be easily accepted. They both said that they understood but wanted to try this anyway. So…in the end Yoda had approved for Vita to study under Mi'al.

Reaction to Vita was mixed. There were those who had only heard of Ruka, but had not had a personal conflict with the creature. Having not seen him, these beings were more open to Vita…cautious, but at least willing to speak with him. Then there were those who had had direct encounters when Ruka had invaded the Jedi temple. These were very hesitant, a couple openly hostile. Mi'al tried to act as a buffer between his charge and the temple residents. He insisted that anyone who had a problem with Vita being there take it to the council rather than confronting the clone. The first few days had been the most upsetting, but as the green blobby creature began to be seen more and more about the building, feelings seem to settle as the Jedi and workers either found their peace in the Force or just avoided the being.

Master Yoda himself had called in Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan to talk with them personally before the Klastarian showed up at the temple.

"I am familiar with Mi'al's feelings about Vita, my Master. I realize he wants to help him. I will endeavor to handle this as a Jedi properly should. However, do you know the extent of Mi'al's true feelings?"

"Fond of Vita he seems. A problem is there?"

"No Master Yoda. However, because this is such a…delicate situation, I think you should know that Vita thinks of Mi'al as a father figure. And I believe that Mi'al reciprocates that feeling."

"Know this I did not. Mention it the healer did not." He put a finger to his lips, "Hmm…a difficulty do you think this is?"

"Not if the chief healer is able to keep things in perspective. If Vita is not accepted…or treated badly because of…who he is, then it may be a personal problem for Mi'al."

"Think you I should change my judgement?"

"That would be the easy way Master Yoda. However, that is not what the Jedi should seek, is it? We should endeavor to learn and grow. It will be a test for us, but perhaps it is something we should face rather than shrink from. As Mi'al keeps reminding me…this is not Ruka. I have trouble remembering that. However, I really should not, especially as a Jedi, allow that to cloud my judgement. I should be able to accept Vita for the individual that he is instead of comparing him to who he looks like…and expecting him to act that way. It will not be easy, but it is what I should do. And…perhaps it will allow me to finally be able to put the past away completely."

"Completely away you will never put it," Yoda's big eyes seem to stare into the Jedi. "Affected you it has. A part of you it will always be. But…your peace with the past you should make. Proud I am of you that you do not seek the easy way out of this."

"Thank you my Master," Qui-Gon bowed.

"And you apprentice," he said to Obi-Wan. "How feel you?"

"The same as Master Qui-Gon. I know it will be hard…but it is what I must do. What a Jedi should do. I will accept this and try to learn from it."

"Proud I am of you as well."

The Jedi master walked out of Yoda's office not only with mixed feelings, but a strange disoriented feeling as well. He had to keep reminding himself…this is not Ruka. Qui-Gon felt as if he had just defended Ruka to Master Yoda. That was an odd feeling indeed. Yes, this was going to be quite a challenge. The Jedi was determined to meet it however. He had grown and learned much about himself in his struggles. Qui-Gon knew he could handle this. It was in him to. The burden would be on him to keep his objectivity…and focus on the Force. A chance to grow…a test he had said to Master Yoda. And that was stating it lightly. The master's head spun a little at the implications…and he had to stop and remind himself once more. This is not Ruka.

"Obi-Wan go along to the training area and begin. I will be along shortly. I…think I should probably go to the meditation chamber for a while."

The apprentice studied his master's chiseled face for a moment. He looked away for only a second or two. Then meeting the intense blue eyes again he said, "Master, may I come along. I think I need it also."

The tall man smiled a small smile. Then he draped his arm over Obi-Wan's shoulders. "Let's go see what the Force has to teach us."

"This is just a minor cut," Mi'al was saying to Vita. "It will heal quickly even on its own. I usually just clean and treat such an injury." He looked at the six-year-old boy and smiled. "I don't use healing power on such a small cut. I'll let him practice on it. I have much to occupy me." It was a nicer way than saying he was too busy to be bothered with such a small injury. To Mi'al, nothing was too small…especially if it involved a child. They were apt to be quite upset even with the smallest hurt. The combination of pain and a little blood distressed the youngest ones easily. "You've treated worse wounds. I know you can treat this one. But…it's good practice for you."

Vita drew in a breath and slowly stepped up. One thing he had learned while he had accompanied the chief healer on the relief trips, upset children were easily upset further. So, he always approached them slowly. The clone's big form could intimidate even a well child.

"Hi. My name is Vita. What's yours?"

Very uncertainly, the boy said, "Tula."

"Well Tula, I'm going to fix you right up. This might sting a little…but you can put up with it for a very short time, can't you?" The clone began to gently clean the cut.

That question fired the boy up enough to overcome his hesitation. "Yeah, 'cos I'm a Jedi!"

The Klastarian smiled as he applied some bacta. "You must be very brave then."

"Yes," Tula agreed. "All Jedi are." But he did wince a little.

"All right Jedi Tula. Here's a bandage for your cut. Now, you can go and practice healing yourself. How's that?" Vita applied the bandage, lifted the boy and set him on the floor. "And," he added in a slightly strict tone, "You be more careful in the future…right?"

"Yes Vita," Tula said penitently.

"Thank you," the adult who had brought the lad to the temple hospital said as Tula ran toward the door, anxious to be away from here…and back to his play. He stopped suddenly. "Thank you Vita."

"You're welcome," he smiled.

When they were alone, Mi'al said, "You handle children well. You have a knack for knowing how to keep them calm. There are some things you can teach…and others you can't. I wish you could teach me your way with the little ones, but I have a feeling it's one of those things that can't be taught."

Vita shrugged. "I just remember what it's like to be a child. I know how I'd like to be treated."

"Hmm…I knew it was one of those things that can't be taught."

Ariel Satay sat staring at the monitor screen. Yalla could not have dropped out of the galaxy. He had to be somewhere. Yet, it seemed as if when he left Charon that's exactly what he did. No amount of research could turn up even a hint of where he may have gone. The petite woman cursed as she pounded the desktop. If only she could go to Charon. The person on the other end of her long distance communications could too easily dismiss her. They could tell her anything just to get her to leave them alone. If she were there to more strongly insist on cooperation. Yet, Chief Harlo wouldn't allow it. He said that there were already investigators on Charon…many. He couldn't spare anyone else. The security chief suggested to Satay that she ask some of those investigators to do some of the footwork for her. It was a major inquiry however. Everyone was tied up with something. Her priority seemed low on the list. There must be something else she could do….

Satay also remembered Obi-Wan's final words to her on the subject…to drop her examination of the evidence. It would be unsafe for her because Yalla was a Force user. She had not taken this job because she wanted to be safe. And besides that, she had seen that the Force wasn't all powerful. If Yalla had even less power than the Jedi, then what was the problem? She huffed when she remembered how the apprentice said he would do what he thought was necessary to protect her. Satay laughed. Protect her? She had brought in several high profile criminals on her own…and without benefit of the Force. Start protecting her now? Not only was Jedi boy sexist, he was arrogant because he was a Jedi.

No…she would not give up what she was doing. She just needed a new angle on it. Something that might put this a little closer to home for her. But what? All Yalla's activities had taken place on Charon. She snapped her fingers. Of course! She and Kenobi had found one thing right here on Coruscant. Lohran Maase, one of Yalla's flunkies. He had so easily escaped. And Satay never did find out who inside the senate building had helped him escape. She had been ready to launch a search of the building and question everyone…if Chief Harlo had not stopped her. He did not doubt that she would not be above accusing senators of being involved in that. That was one headache he didn't need.

The small woman pulled her attention away from that distraction…after one more mental assault on the chief for being afraid of doing the politically wrong thing instead of doing his job. It wasn't entirely true…but right now, it made her feel better to see it that way. Now, after laying the blame at someone's feet, she could let it go and get back to her original idea.

She and Kenobi had found Maase through the Association for Artistic Metachronism. The Jedi apprentice had said that Yalla had trained all the people in his chapter on Charon. That's where Maase had come to Coruscant from. Perhaps there were others sent out by Yalla. Satay had not been able to question Maase further or bring him in for his illegal activities. If she could find another of Yalla's plants, she might be able to glean some more information. As many people as there were on Coruscant, the woman would not be surprised to find another AAM chapter. It might be worth checking membership rosters of AAM chapters since Yalla had become involved. Yes…that was her new angle. It might lead nowhere…but most of her leads had become dead ends. It was worth at least looking into. She pulled her chair up to the computer and began tapping quickly on the keys.

"It's been a little…hectic at the temple since I finished the assignment that Chancellor Valorum had for me," Qui-Gon began. "Between this new information about Yalla, my debriefings…and Vita, we haven't had much chance to talk with each other about all that happened. What else did you and Satay come up with?"

"Not much Master," the apprentice replied. "I think that revelation that Gera and Yalla are the same was probably our finest moment. We chased many dead ends. Except for one thing," he suddenly remembered. "We found out that a former government official on Charon was also on Yalla's payroll. You'll find this interesting. He was on the committee that awards government grants."

The Jedi master was taken aback. "You mean Yalla was apparently paying him to funnel grants his way?"

"That's the way it looked. And…he had been a member of AAM on Charon…one of the doctor's disciples. We found him at the AAM chapter here on Coruscant."

"On Coruscant? Did you talk with him?"

"Yes, we did. He denied that Yalla was paying him anything. However, Satay was able to confirm his government position…and we had from Yalla's own records that he was paying this man and we were ready to have him picked up. But someone helped him escape."

"He got away?" the Jedi said disappointedly.

"Yes. He was in the senate building…and policemen outside watching. Someone in there helped Masse escape and…"

"Maase?" the master interrupted in dismay. "Lohran Maase?"

"Yes," the padawan answered in surprise. "Did you know about him?"

Qui-Gon buried his face in his hands. He had to think. Focusing his attention, he tried to remember what he had sensed about the senator's aide. He could recall nothing upsetting or uneasy about him.

"What's wrong Master?"

The elder Jedi sighed and sat up straight. "I'm the one who helped him escape."

"What!"

"I didn't know anything about him Obi-Wan. I had no idea."

"What? How?"

"He merely told me he had to get to the spaceport. I drove him there myself."

"But…but…" the apprentice sputtered…not sure what to say.

"If he had anything to hide, he hid it well. I never sensed anything odd or ill at ease about him." Then he thought back over his own words…he hid it well. Could it be? "Do you know anything more about Maase?"

"Little more than I've already told you. What is it?"

Qui-Gon stood and walked over to the window to look out. His thoughts were running amok, but the never-ending traffic outside his window almost hypnotized him.

"Master?"

The Jedi master forced himself from the window. He turned to face his apprentice. "I was wondering…if Maase might be…a Force user also."

"Do you really think that's true?"

"As I said he hid himself well. I didn't sense a strong block. He wasn't trying to keep me out…but merely hid what he felt. That's why I didn't pick up on the fact that he was Force sensitive at the time."

Obi-Wan was silent for a moment. "I wondered when I found out about Yalla being a Force user if that's what he was using the AAM for…to attract other Force sensitive people. It would give them a place to sort of be Jedi since they can't truly be. Here's another Force user…known by Yalla and a member of AAM."

"I believe there's more to that organization than what is obvious."

Mi'al and Vita were having lunch in the dining hall. It was always awkward for Vita. So many staring eyes. Yet, he faced it anyway. The fact that there were people who would speak to him made it more tolerable. The healer thought that maybe if Vita met some people who were the same emotional age as the clone, it might be easier for him to make friends. With this thought, he had sought out a couple of the nicest teenaged padawans that he knew. It was awkward at first. However, the padawans kept asking Vita questions. To them, it was amazing that the clone had done the things he had on Lamorah and Orino. The two Jedi were padawans and had accompanied their masters on missions. However, Vita was no Jedi. He had no formal education or training, yet he was helping save lives. Their sincere interest and seeming acceptance of the Klastarian soon made him relax and he began to open up more. The healer was grateful. He had been careful in his choice of padawans. Now…the real test. Since Vita seemed more comfortable, he would allow them to finish their meal without his overseeing eye.

"If you three will excuse me, I must be getting back to the hospital. Go ahead and stay as long as you like Vita and just come to my office when you finish." He stood and picked up his tray. The clone seemed upset…almost afraid. His golden eyes were not gleaming. They were dark. The healer wanted to say something reassuring…but not in front of the others. He merely gave a short nod to Vita and slowly turned to leave.

"You're really working with Master Mi'al?" one of the padawans said.

"Yes. He is tutoring me. Kura Sivru tutored me also. They want me to take the test to get my diploma and go to a university." He looked at the two teenagers uncertainly.

"You must be really smart or something," the second padawan said. "The council usually doesn't do things like this, do they Alta?"

Alta shook his head. Then he quietly said, "Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?"

Vita was at once on guard…but he wanted to fit in too. "No, I guess not…"

"Do you think it's because, you know…you're a clone, and they want to study you?"

The Klastarian shrugged. "I don't know." He wasn't sure whether to be offended or not. "You don't think it could be because they think I'm smart enough to do this?"

"It's not that," Alta quickly said. "Going to a planet with an epidemic…and to help quake victims…that takes somebody smart…and gutsy. You're just…different."

"I think you talk too much Alta," Gren-ha, the second padawan said. "We don't want to hurt your feelings. But…this is…a different situation for us. I'm sure it is for you too. We really do want to be friends. You can ask us questions too. If we are comfortable answering questions for each other…even if they are difficult, maybe we can be friends."

That made Vita feel better. "It's all right. I guess…I've just been on planets were no one stared or thought I didn't belong. This is…different…and uncomfortable for me."

"That's why we want to be friends. I know, a group of us get together after evening meal and…do different things. You want to come along tonight? You can meet some other padawans."

"Do you think it would be all right?" Vita said hesitantly.

"Sure. They are nice kids. You'll like them."

"Okay," Vita smiled. "I guess I'd better get going. See you tonight…where?"

"Don't worry. We'll look for you in the dining hall."

"Hi Vita! You ready?" Alta asked.

The clone looked to Mi'al who smiled. "Go along and have fun."

The Klastarian stood and then stopped. He was looking forward to this…but dreading it also. He knew all Jedi didn't accept him and he didn't know what he was getting into.

"It'll be fine," the tall grey haired man assured him.

Vita forced a smile and joined Gren-ha and Alta who began talking and laughing with the clone at once.

Mi'al watched them disappear through the doors. He had mixed feelings about this as well…but he knew he couldn't accompany Vita everywhere and stand up for him each time someone didn't like him. Those would be hard lessons for the clone, but he had to learn to do those things for himself it he expected to function in the world.

"Like a nervous father, sending his child out into the world," a familiar voice said quietly.

Mi'al looked up to see Qui-Gon standing next to the table. "Oh, hi. You're right, I suppose."

Qui-Gon sat down and began eating. "You feel you did the right thing by brining Vita here, didn't you?"

"Yes…I suppose."

"Then you are doing the right thing by letting him go also. But you sound uncertain."

"I am. It seemed like a good idea at the time. I know that Ruka has a bad reputation here at the temple…but someone has to look after Vita. He's a being with rights and feelings too. But…now that I see that even Jedi can't control themselves well enough to accept him…" his voice trailed off, and Qui-Gon couldn't miss the slightly sharp edge his voice had taken on. "Have I done the right thing?"

"It's true that Jedi should be able to reconcile their feelings enough to put the past behind them…but it also requires maturity in the Force and a strong connection to it. This may be hard for Vita, but if he wants a life outside of Kura's lab…he has much to learn. I applaud you for taking this on."

The healer grinned. "I have to honest with you Qui-Gon. I never thought I'd hear those words from you of all people."

The Jedi stopped eating and stared straight into Mi'al's green eyes. "This is just as challenging for me as it is for Vita and for you. I'm trying hard to be mature in the Force with this. You have no idea how very…confused I feel right now."

"You want to tell me about it?"

"Later…maybe tomorrow. Right now I want to enjoy my meal before I start getting unsettled."

The group of eight teenaged padawans looked up at the entrance of Alta, Gren-ha and Vita. There was immediate silence…even though most in the group had been notified in advance.

"Hi," Alta said. "This is Vita. We invited him to join us."

Several called out hello to the clone.

"Come on," Gren-ha pulled him toward a chair. "We were going to play Hreia tonight."

"What's that?"

"A card game. We'll teach you. Sit here."

Vita sat and the boy on the other side pulled his chair away. Alta shot him a dirty glare.

"It's easy and a lot of fun. We bet on the games."

"Really? What do you bet?"

Gren-ha smiled. "We bet chores and dares on it."

"I don't understand."

"Are you dense?" the boy who had scooted away from Vita asked. "I thought you blobs were supposed to be smart."

"Shut up Donthan," Alta snapped. "His toe is probably smarter than you."

Some of the padawans laughed. Some did not.

"If we have been assigned extra chores, we try to win so someone else has to do them," Gren-ha explained. "Or…if you lose you have to do a dare that the winner comes up with," he grinned.

Vita was suddenly uncomfortable. Being the new one, he was certain he would lose. What could he do then? He didn't want to get in trouble for doing something wrong, but he wanted to fit in too. The clone desperately wished he could talk to Mi'al.

"What's wrong?" Donthan prodded. "Are you afraid? Want to go home to Ruka."

Gren-ha shoved the padawan. "I told you not to bring up that name. Now shut up…or leave. We want to have fun. If you want to cause trouble get out."

"You mean you're going to take the side of him…instead of a fellow Jedi?"

"If you are a Jedi, act like one. Control yourself or leave."

"I'll control myself," Donthan grinned maliciously. "I wouldn't miss this for anything."

"Don't worry about him," Alta whispered to Vita. "He likes to talk a lot."

The group gathered at the table and several began trying to explain the rules to Vita all at once. Finally, it was decided to play an introductory game with no bets and allowing someone to help the clone until he could catch on.

"See," a furry female padawan named Bellau said at the end of the game. "You came close to winning. It's not so hard, is it?"

The encouragement and the fact that most of the padawans seemed friendly made Vita feel more confident. "That was fun," he smiled.

"Do you understand?" Alta asked.

"I think so."

"Are we ready to play a real game now?" Donthan asked sarcastically.

"Just put your cards up Don," Gren-ha replied. "What's your bet?"

"It's a dare," he sneered. "To visit Master Qui-Gon's quarters and stay inside talking for at least ten minutes…without telling him the real reason you're there." He stared openly at Vita.

"He doesn't play well," Gren-ha whispered. "Don't worry. He'll probably lose."

All the other players named their bets. When it came to Vita, he had no idea what to bet. He had no extra chores…and he was very hesitant to make a dare. He was still new enough to the temple that he wasn't even sure what would be innocuous enough to dare without causing trouble.

"I've got an idea," Bellau suggested. "How about if Vita wins, the first person out has to serve him breakfast in the morning?"

"Yeah!" two or three of the teenagers agreed. The clone wasn't sure how he felt about it…but he was afraid something worse might be in the making if he declined. He said nothing.

"All right then," Donthan grumbled, "Let's play."

Vita was tense. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. But he didn't know how to get out of it. Then play began. It started with the padawan across the table from him. And it all began to make sense. Vita understood the reasoning behind the cards that were being played. One thing he had inherited from his genetic "father" was his great intellect. It almost seemed like a child's game to him now that he comprehended the rules. It was fun. And laughing at the jabs padawans visited upon their fellows for dumb plays was fun also. The clone was beginning to relax and really enjoy himself.

The first player out of the game was Donthan. And Vita had been able to see it coming. Gren-ha was right. Donthan was not a very good player. And he wasn't a good loser either. The immature padawan shoved his chair back with a push to the game table. Drinks were overturned. Some people who had been leaning their elbows on the table dropped cards.

Apparently, this was typical behavior for Donthan. No one seemed surprised or chastised him for it. They simply sighed and cleaned up. The teenager went to sit in the corner of the room to brood over what he would be forced to do by the winner. His absence from the table only seemed to lift a veil that had weighed heavily over the group.

More and more padawans began dropping out. Soon it was down to Bellau and Vita. At first, he was excited to be doing so well. Then he remembered the bet. The clone stole a glance at Donthan and suddenly decided that winning this particular game might not be a good thing after all. Deliberately Vita began playing badly, hoping to lose. It was apparent to Bellau…and to a couple others watching…what was going on. She began to play badly as well. And having a little more experience, she was able to maneuver Vita into winning anyway. She really did like Vita. He was fun in his innocence…and she thought it would be encouraging to him. There was another side to it also. To see Donthan serve breakfast to the clone would be great she thought. The arrogant padawan could use the humility lesson.

When it came down to two players, Donthan had rejoined the table. The closer Vita came to winning, the more tense he seemed to become. Then when the last cards were put down, he leaped to his feet.

"No! I refuse to serve that…thing. That Ruka. I won't do it."

"Come on Donthan!"

"You always try to bully everyone into making good on their bets."

"Yeah, that's right. Sore loser."

"We'll remember that next time you want to play."

The padawan stood there, his face becoming more red. His fists clenched and unclenched. The breaths were shallow and quick. It was obvious he was fighting to keep his control. The other padawans were watching in great interest to see if he would be able to contain himself.

Without a word, Donthan stomped out of the room. Three of the other padawans hurried out after him. The remaining ones broke into laughter. Vita just sat quietly.

"Hey, that was a great game! You picked it up fast," Bellau said.

"Yeah," Alta agreed. "You are pretty smart. Maybe you should be teaching me."

They finally noticed Vita's reaction…or lack of it.

"Don't worry about him. He's always been a problem. His master thinks so too. Donthan's always in trouble. Most of the padawans don't think he'll make knight. He's got too much anger. He'll sulk for awhile and then he'll be over it."

"Yeah," Gren-ha chimed in. "The trouble maker is gone. Let's have some real fun now."

The group did have more fun in their games with Donthan and his friends gone, but a cloud hung over Vita as he worried about having made an enemy.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan sat eating breakfast. It was still a little early yet and they were having a leisurely meal. Not often did they have the chance to sit and chat while they ate, so they wanted to make the most of the opportunity.

"We haven't been given another assignment yet Master?"

"Not yet Padawan. There are still some decisions being made. And…I think the chancellor still wants to debrief me…again."

Obi-Wan smiled. "Is he really going to debrief you or is this one of his excuses to have lunch with you?"

Qui-Gon grinned. "I'm not sure. I've told him every thing that I can about what I learned during my…undercover episode. I'm beginning to think it is one of his excuses." Then he became serious. "I suppose I need to tell him about Maase…and my role in that."

"Have you told the council yet?"

"No. I am supposed to meet with them this afternoon. I needed to mention that to you anyway. It will be just me appearing before them. So…if you have something you would like to do this afternoon, feel free to take the time. I thought I would let you have a little break."

"Thank you Master," Obi-Wan replied in sincerity. He seemed thoughtful. "I think I know just what I will do."

Qui-Gon was trying to decide whether to inquire further when a disturbance drew their attention. A teenaged padawan was surrounded by a small group of other padawans who were talking loudly.

"Come on Donthan."

"You lost. Pay up."

"You wouldn't let anybody else get away with welching."

The two Jedi recognized the harassed padawan. Donthan's reputation preceded him. Many at the temple knew of his problems. Qui-Gon knew that this persecution would only lead to trouble. He looked around for Donthan's master. He was not immediately visible. The Jedi didn't stop to check on which other masters were around. This would escalate quickly if the padawan did lose his temper. Qui-Gon knew he should act now instead of seeing if the other apprentices' masters were around.

The tall Jedi stood and walked to the group. "What's going on?" he said in a neutral tone. The apprentice's were suddenly silent.

Donthan looked around the padawans. "Yeah…too afraid to admit that you are harassing me so much over such a little matter. I thought so." He seemed satisfied with himself.

"Then tell me what the little matter is," Qui-Gon said to the apprentice. But he didn't want to admit it either. He considered lying, but knew his peers would give him away even if they were reluctant to speak up about was going on. "Well?"

"It's silly. We were playing some game last night and I lost. So they are trying to make me pay up on my bet."

Qui-Gon tried not to smile. With teenagers, he should have suspected something like this. "I think you've all caused enough disturbance. We can either break this up now…or have your masters break it up."

"Break up what Qui-Gon?" a middle aged green scaly creature approached.

"Oh, Neron. I think it's over with."

"I'd still like to know since my apprentice seems to be in the middle." Qui-Gon recapped the story for Donthan's master. Neron folded his arms over his chest. "I think you should live up to your obligations Donthan."

"What? Over a stupid game?"

"But if you aren't willing to live up to small obligations, that indicates an unwillingness to live up to any obligations. You and I have talked about this before. I think you should do this." The young padawan started to object. "Wait. You shouldn't answer when you are this angry. It will only get you into trouble." He asked the group of waiting apprentices, "Where is Vita?"

"He hasn't come in yet," Alta said.

"Very well. We will wait. Have a seat Donthan."

Qui-Gon pulled Neron to the side and lowered his voice. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Yes. He needs to learn some humility. Donthan should learn to willingly and readily serve other people. That's what the Jedi are about Qui-Gon."

"Yes, I agree…but I don't know about this. Isn't there another way to discipline him? This seems as if it will only sour things between Vita and Donthan further."

"That is exactly what he needs to learn to deal with. Donthan is very willful and he has to learn things don't always happen the way he wants…the way he tries to force them to. He has to learn to deal with his anger and the other strong emotions that come forward in situations like this. I know that Donthan has some problems, but I am confident with the right guidance…and learning some self-discipline that he can overcome them. And I know it will be hard for him. But we face harder things as Jedi, do we not?"

A shudder passed over the Jedi as an image of a dark haired young man flashed into his mind. He pushed it away. Slowly he said, "Very well. I hope it works as you want it to." Qui-Gon inclined his head and returned to his table. He was trying to explain quickly and innocuously as possible to Obi-Wan when he saw Mi'al and Vita enter the dining hall. At once, he became silent to see what would happen.

"Good morning Mi'al, Vita," Master Neron said with a bow. "I understand you are in for special service this morning," he said to Vita.

The clone's face flushed a deeper green and he was instantly uncomfortable with all the attention…and the glare from his nemesis. The healer didn't understand. Vita had not told him. Neron accompanied them to a table and sent Donthan to get breakfast for both as he explained to Mi'al.

The healer was well familiar with the troubled padawan and his struggles. He, too, questioned the wisdom of this move. Donthan did as his master directed him to. The other apprentices stood so they could see all that happened. The padawan made sure he set the trays down instead of slamming them down as he really wanted to. His angry and red face showed all he felt.

"You have done well Donthan," Master Neron praised the apprentice. "I know you are angry, but you are controlling it well. Very good. Now let's go to the meditation chamber and discuss this."

The pair walked out and the show was over. The teenaged apprentices began to scatter. Some of them walked behind Vita and patted him on the back. The clone sat stoically through everything. When the padawans were all gone, he leaped to his feet and ran out of the dining hall. Mi'al followed at once.

Qui-Gon stood before the Jedi council. He told them what he had learned of Lohran Maase from Obi-Wan's investigation. Then he told them of his encounter with Maase on the day that the aide had asked for a ride to the spaceport. The Jedi regretted that he had helped the criminal escape. Yet, he felt he had acted properly based on the knowledge he possessed. He knew nothing of Maase's background and had sensed nothing ominous about him from the Force. The only intense feeling he had gotten was on that fateful day. The Jedi had sensed anxiety from the aide. However, he seemed in a hurry and said his business was urgent. Without further leading or knowledge, he had no reason to be suspect of Maase.

The council listened without interruption. Then they questioned the knight intensely. Query after query was put to him about every detail of any times he had encountered Maase. What exactly did Qui-Gon know about him or his business? Patiently and in detail, he answered. This was necessary and he realized it.

A quiet buzz of conversation traveled around the room. Masters Windu and Yoda quietly conferred for a moment.

"Satisfied we are with your answers Qui-Gon. Correct we believe you are that he was masking himself to you. Acted innocently you did. No fault is assigned to you. Consider further we need to about Maase and his connection with Yalla. Explain we will to the security force and vouch for you. May the Force be with you."

The Jedi master bowed and turned to go. Outside the council chamber, he stopped to look out the window. He was at ease with his conscience. The Jedi was convinced he consciously did nothing wrong. Still the knowledge that Maase had gotten away because of him did not set well with him. As a Jedi, his fondest desire was to try to set upon the aide's trail at once and bring him back. However, that was the very thing the council would not allow.

Qui-Gon tried to dismiss the frustration that threatened him. He felt helpless. Because of his victimization by Yalla and now by Masse, he was not allowed to participate in those investigations. He understood the reasoning behind such a decision…but that didn't make it easier to accept. The Jedi hoped he would be given a new assignment soon so he wouldn't keep falling victim to these same feelings. Yes, he could find peace in the Force, but it would aid things if he also had something to keep him occupied, something to focus his attention on. He drew in a breath and stepped to the lifts.

Obi-Wan walked the familiar path. He knew just where the door was and no longer had to watch room numbers to find it. The padawan was in a good mood today and hoped Bruck was having a good day also. It still stung him that the former Jedi had ended up brain damaged, but he kept telling himself that at least Bruck had not lost his life. The struggle with his anger at Ruka over the hell he had put Bruck through was a hard one…and wasn't completely over. It was becoming more manageable day by day though as the apprentice worked to overcome. And as Qui-Gon had pointed out to Obi-Wan many times, one good thing did come from it. Obi-Wan had finally been able to completely forgive Bruck for his persecution. Obi-Wan had thought that was over long ago…until Bruck had helped kidnap him. That's when it came forward again and the apprentice realized he still had some hard feelings.

Obi-Wan dismissed the thoughts as he pushed open the door to Bruck's room at the rehab facility. But there was no one there. He presumed someone had taken Bruck for a walk or something similar.

"Are you looking for Bruck Chan?"

The padawan turned to see a nurse standing in the corridor loaded down with bed linens.

"Yes, I am. I came to visit."

"He's on the terrace in the rear. It was such a lovely day outside we thought it would be good for him to get outside. Most of the patients here get out so little. Do you know where it is?"

"Yes. Thank you."

The padawan walked down a connecting corridor and out onto the terrace. His former nemesis sat at the edge looking over the small greenspace allocated to the facility. Obi-Wan walked over and sat down.

"Hi Bruck," he smiled.

"Hello Obi-Wan," Bruck smiled a little.

"It's nice out here."

"I like to come out here. I like to look at the trees."

Memories came back to Obi-Wan. "Bruck, do you remember climbing trees at the temple garden when we were kids?" His eyes seemed to glaze over as he tried to remember. "There was this really big tree right in the middle of the main garden. Do you remember? It was always a challenge to climb because the limbs were so high. It was hard to find something to hold onto until you could get to the limbs. Do you remember it?" Obi-Wan paused to think. At the time, it wasn't funny, but now a remembrance brought a smile to his face. "You sat up there once and waited for me to walk under. I don't know how you found out that Bant and I would be out walking then. When I went by the tree you started dropping rotten fruit." The padawan laughed…and was surprised he could laugh at it. "Bant got a little of it too, but I was the one who was stained and stank so strongly. I never was able to get all the stains out of my clothes. I was furious," he said with a chuckle. Obi-Wan looked at Bruck and he was smiling too. "You do remember, don't you?"

"I remember. You were a mess."

"Yes, I was an awful mess. If that wasn't bad enough, I got in trouble for tracking the juice and stains into the temple. So, I had to clean myself up…and that too."

"I wasn't nice to you." He suddenly seemed sad.

"It's all right," Obi-Wan said. "I was mad at the time…but it was just a joke. I wish you could understand how I feel now, Bruck. Things that were so important to me then…I realize now they meant nothing. I wanted so much to get you back for the fruit…but now…it doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that remembering makes you smile. I just want you to be as happy as you can…while you are here at this place. That's why I like to talk about good things, not bad. I wish you understood all this. Bruck, it's fun to remember when we were younger, but it's over. We don't have to feel bad about it. Do you understand?"

The young man just stared at Obi-Wan. The apprentice knew he had said too much, too fast…and of too much depth. Bruck was confused.

"I brought you something. Those cookies that I had last time. You really seemed to like them. I stopped at the bakery and got a tin of them all for you." The padawan handed over the container.

"Thank you Obi-Wan." Bruck anxiously opened the container and took one of the cookies.

There were so little "extras" that patients here got. That's why Obi-Wan always tried to bring something to Bruck. The gifts seemed to cheer him. And the padawan knew that the former Jedi had almost no one else who came to see him. Sometimes Obi-Wan had to struggle with whether he was doing these things because he really wanted to help his former tormentor…or was it to make himself fell better? The apprentice had struggled with some guilt over whether he had acted quickly or properly enough to help Bruck. Mi'al had tried to explain to him that the lasting damage was from Ruka's electrical "lobotomy inducer" and that the only way Obi-Wan could have helped was for him to be there before it was used. But he was in hyperspace traveling toward Ruka's lab at the time and could do nothing. On a cognizant level, the apprentice understood…but there was still some uncertainty…could he have arrived in time to stop Ruka?

Obi-Wan pushed those thoughts away. "Would you like to walk around?"

"Yes, I'd like that Obi-Wan."

So, the apprentice walked his former bully around the yard area. They stopped to look at flowers, plants, rocks. Bruck really seemed to enjoy doing that. Simpler things in life meant more to him now since that's what he most easily comprehended.

As for Obi-Wan, he tried to soak in the living Force and rest in the fact that regardless of his motivation, he was trying to help someone who needed a friend, someone to care.

Vita had tried hard to avoid talking to Mi'al about the incident of the morning. He found plenty to keep him busy and made sure he and the healer were not alone for very long. However, the tall grey haired man knew this had to be faced eventually. Sooner would be better. Left alone, it would just sour into something worse. He allowed the clone some time to think it over and try to deal with it. Finally, late in the day Mi'al became more direct. He called Vita into his office.

"Sit down."

But the Klastarian was hesitant to. "Is something wrong? Did I do something wrong?"

"No, you have done nothing wrong. I'd like to talk to you. Is that all right?"

Vita wanted to say no and flee. However, he knew eventually he would have to talk to his friend about it. So, he sank into a chair and looked at the floor.

"That was a hard thing to go through this morning."

Vita only nodded.

"It seems like you do have some friends though."

"And an enemy."

"But the number of friends seems greater."

"Donthan hates me," Vita burst out. "He calls me Ruka and doesn't want to have anything to do with me. He doesn't even like to sit next to me."

Mi'al came to sit next to the clone. His voice was quiet and even. "I know it isn't fun to be…hated. But we had this talk before you came here, didn't we? Not everyone is going to like you here. You said you understood that."

"I thought I did. I just…didn't know the hate would be so…strong."

"I wouldn't base my feelings just on Donthan if I were you. He has some…problems. He has trouble getting along with his own master. The only person Donthan likes is Donthan. There may be others at the temple who don't like you…but I don't think they hate you like he does."

"Mi'al," Vita pleaded. "Isn't there anything I can do to make myself look less like Ruka? I know everyone is still going to know who I am…but if I looked different maybe they would be able to accept me for me…and not who I look like."

The grey haired man leaned back and crossed his legs. "What did you have in mind?"

"I don't know." The clone looked around as he tried to think. "Cut my fur, make it a different color besides green. Maybe something I could wear that might help."

Mi'al tried not to smile. "You mean like a shirt that says 'I like Jedi'?" At Vita's stricken look, he was immediately sorry. "I apologize. That wasn't something to joke about. Will you forgive me?" Vita nodded. The healer drew in a breath. "If you'd like to try some of those things, I think it would be all right…within reason. I think shaving your whole body or dying your fur bright yellow would only bring more attention to you."

The clone was overjoyed. "Thank you Mi'al! I promise I'll think about it before I do it." He leaped up and hurried to the door. Then he stopped suddenly. "Um…may I go?"

"Yes," the healer smiled. "Should I wait for you?"

"No…go ahead to supper. I'll be back…later." Vita rushed out.

Mi'al sat where he was for a moment as he thought about the situation. He supposed it was just Vita's form of going through an identity crisis like many teenagers did…and that was Vita's emotional age. He thought it wouldn't hurt to allow the clone to explore a little. Maybe he would realize that he didn't need those things once he started dabbling with them. As least…that's what he hoped for. The situation would require monitoring. Mi'al had to laugh at himself also. He had trained padawans…but they didn't go quite through the same kinds of things that other teens did…because of how they were raised and trained. They tended to be more mature for their age. But…for all the growing pains he had helped apprentices through none were like this. He only hoped he was up to the challenge. Then he idly wondered what Kura would do in this case. He was so rigid and emotionally distant from the clones. He would probably just demand conformity. The healer thought that even if he made mistakes with Vita, he could do better than demanding conformity. Once more, he smiled at the situation. Then he stood and walked out of his office.

Vita was not allowed to travel on the mass transportation systems. When Ruka made his assault on the Jedi temple, it was not known in advance just what he would do. There was much media coverage throughout Coruscant about his approach. So, many residents of the city-planet knew well what he looked like. When the clones had been brought to Coruscant, there had been a great outcry about their presence because of who their genetic "father" was. It was deemed not safe for Vita to be out in public places. However, Kura had made a speeder available to transport him between the temple and his lab. It was only a simple communication away.

Once he had left Mi'al's office, the clone called for the speeder. He visited Kura usually once a week. After all, the bionic creature was his guardian and had "raised" him since being on Coruscant. Vita decided to visit a little early this time. He had the opinion and reassurance of one he greatly respected. There was one other important person in his life…and he had to talk with him also.

"Vita," Kura rose from his desk. "This is a pleasant surprise. What brings you early this week? Come, sit and let's talk. How are you?" The bionic knew he had to seem the doting father type to Vita. But it was worth it if this brought the benefits he hoped for.

Vita knew that his guardian wasn't quite as affectionate as the healer. He shook Kura's metal hand and then sat at the conference table across from him. Although he did want to hear his guardian on this, he still was uncertain how to bring it up.

"Is something wrong? You seem…anxious."

"Well…there is something wrong…"

"At the temple? Is there a problem between you and Mi'al?" Now Kura was concerned. He couldn't afford for the relationship to break up.

"No…it's not Mi'al. It's…it's everyone else. They treat me…different because they say I look like Ruka." Vita waited for reaction before he continued.

The real Ruka was at first insulted that his own "son" would be upset over this. But he knew how the Jedi viewed him…and had poisoned others against him. "I see. They don't like you because of who you are?"

"I don't know. Some people are nice…but others won't even talk to me because of what I look like. I don't know if they like me. Why do I have to look like…him?" Vita huffed.

"But…" Careful Kura. "I know that others see all the bad things he did. However, you should also consider his other points. Don't be guilty of what you are accusing others of. Don't judge him one sidedly. Ruka was…brilliant. His thinking was on the cutting edge of genetic technology. He was a strong person and very independent…not allowing others to determine his course for him."

Vita seemed confused. In his innocence, he tended to see many things as black and white. Thinking in the grey areas still puzzled him sometimes. "You think Ruka was a good person?"

Kura knew he was treading on unsettled ground. He must proceed carefully. But…why couldn't one of his own kind…his own flesh…be proud of him? "Well…even the best person isn't totally good. And…ah, the worst person isn't totally bad. Right?" The clone stared at him with a wrinkled face as he thought. "Vita, who do you consider a good person?"

"Well…Mi'al…and you, I guess."

"But we don't do everything right do we? We make mistakes, right?"

"Yes."

"So…a bad person can do some good things too. And…maybe what Ruka did was wrong…but he could have used his brilliance for good too. Then you would be proud to look like him."

"I suppose."

"So…you can see he did have some good points?"

"Well yes…but he didn't do good things. He did bad things. And I have to suffer because of it." The clone was frustrated. At least Mi'al seemed to understand why he was upset. Kura was trying to tell him he shouldn't be.

And the bionic creature was frustrated too. Was he so insecure when he was younger? He hoped not. Kura knew Vita was intelligent. Why couldn't he see things differently? Was it being around those blasted Jedi that was doing this? The metal man remembered when he had been at the temple for awhile, he found his thinking and reactions influenced by those goody Jedi. However, he knew he had control of Vita through the hypnosis. Even if they influenced the clone, Kura still owned him. He sighed. If he went too far in his defense of Ruka, Vita would surely wonder why he was sticking up for the creature so much. Perhaps he'd better back off.

"I'm really sorry that others don't understand Vita. It's something you are going to have to learn to live with though. I have had my own problems adapting. Ever since I got this bionic body people stare all the time. They are even bold enough to come up…strangers and start asking me questions about it. It's hard, I know from my own experience, to be different…but you will adjust, I did. You can't change what you look like."

"But I can," Vita said happily. "At least a little. I can look less like Ruka. I'll still be a Klastarian…but I won't look like Ruka's twin. I know people might eventually get used to me as I am…but that will take a long time. I'm not as good at waiting as you are. I don't want to wait."

Kura tried to hold his indignation. "What do you want to do?"

Now Vita was more animated since it seemed as if his guardian was going to go along with him. "I was thinking of cutting my fur…at least on my head. It would make my face look different. Maybe some other color besides green?" he said in uncertainty. How much would Kura allow? "Maybe some new clothes?"

I control him…but I still have to make him like me on a conscious level also. Vita still is a child really. He can't understand the great gifts I have given him…yet. When he matures perhaps it will be different. Hmm…I suppose it won't hurt his function or fitting in at the temple. If he really is being shunned, it might help him fit in better. All right…. "If that's what you want, what will make you happy, then that is what I want for you."

"Really!" The clone was overjoyed. "Will you help me…since I'm not allowed out on my own?"

"Of course," the bionic assured. "Um…I'm just curious. Have you said anything to Mi'al about this?"

"Yes. He thinks that if people get to know me they will like me. But I don't want to wait that long. He thought that trying a new look was okay. But I knew I needed to ask you first."

"All right. Good…I'm glad you did. It's all right to talk to Mi'al about these things. He is looking after you at the temple…but I am still your guardian. Come on. Let's go see what we can do about getting you the kind of look you want."

Vita leaped up at once. "Oh boy! Thank you Kura!"

"How did your meeting with the council go Master," Obi-Wan asked as he stuffed a big bite of food in his mouth.

"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon gently rebuked. "How would that look if you were at a diplomatic dinner," he asked with a small smile.

The apprentice swallowed hard. "I'm sorry Master." He put the food already on his fork back on the plate and halved the bite.

The elder Jedi watched in amusement. "It went well. The council says that they believe I acted innocently when I took Maase out of the senate building and to the spaceport."

"Good. I didn't see how it could go any other way."

"Did you have a good afternoon?"

"Yes. I went to visit Bruck."

"Oh. How did it go?"

"It was nice," Obi-Wan's eyes lit up. He really had enjoyed the time. "We talked…about the past. And we walked. It's a good experience for me Master."

"I know it is. I'm glad to see how much you have grown in this."

"Hello, mind if I join you?"

"Not at all Mi'al. Have a seat. Ah…how is Vita?"

"Confused. Which reminds me, we never did have our talk, did we?"

"No. We didn't. Is Vita having problems…being accepted?"

"Yes," Mi'al answered. "Does that surprise you?"

"No," Qui-Gon answered simply.

"He seems to have some friends," Obi-Wan observed.

"Yes," the healer acknowledged. "And he appreciates them. But…the tension between him and Donthan is high. Vita wants to…look different. He thinks others won't act so strongly toward him if he doesn't remind them of Ruka."

Qui-Gon's brow furrowed. "What is he going to do?"

"I'm not entirely sure. He's been gone for some time and told me not to wait on him. I don't know where he went. He said something about the color of his fur…and some clothes."

Mi'al had been quite serious so the Jedi master was afraid to show any humor…but the pictures that went through his head conjured up amusing images.

The healer looked at Obi-Wan. "When you were a young teenager, did you want to make yourself different? Did you feel like you had to change to be accepted?"

"Yes," the padawan admitted. He shrugged. "We all dress the same. We all look the same. All of us wanted to have some individuality." He grinned. "Some of the padawans wore…interesting underwear. It was one way they could dress differently without it showing."

Qui-Gon tried to seem severe and not smile. "How do you know so much about other apprentice's underwear? Did this include female apprentices?"

"Uh…they told me. Really. I didn't see much of it. I mean…I didn't see much. I mean…I saw something…but not what you think. I saw…but mostly I heard." Obi-Wan's face was turning various colors as he stuttered. The two Jedi masters were very amused at Obi-Wan's attempts to defend himself. He finally gave up and turned back to his food.

Mi'al allowed the padawan a moment to collect himself and then tried again. "You did fit in though…being a padawan among padawans. I know everyone doesn't get along…but basically, you fit in, right? So, why did you feel like you had to be change to be accepted?"

"You didn't go through that as a teenager?" Obi-Wan asked the healer. Remembering well the apprentice said, "All teenagers are insecure. Everyone wants to be accepted by a particular group. So…you keep trying different things to fit in with that group."

"Hmm…I wonder what a non-Jedi will do to try to fit in with Jedi?"

A murmur sounded through the room and the three looked up to see what caused it. Mi'al's mouth dropped open as he saw Vita walking toward him, a big smile on his face. The clone had the fur on his head cut very short and bleached almost clear of any color at all. Supposing that Jedi would not want him dressing like them…but wanting to blend in more, Vita had bought a tunic and pants that were similar yet different enough that he wouldn't be mistaken as a Jedi.

"Hello Mi'al," he said shyly. "Hello Master Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan."

Normally Qui-Gon would rather not be around Vita very much. But…this he had to see. How would Mi'al react? Obi-Wan put a hand over his mouth to hide his smile…and felt a kick under the table from his master.

"Ow!"

Qui-Gon looked at him severely.

"What do you think?" Vita held his arms out.

Mi'al drew in a breath. "Well, Vita. It's…certainly a nice looking outfit."

"It's not too close to what the padawans wear, is it?" he asked in a worried tone.

"Ah…no. I don't think so. I think it will be all right to wear that."

"What about this?" he rubbed his hand over his short faded green head with a grin.

"It looks…very nice Vita."

"You don't like it," the clone's face fell.

"It's not that Vita. It's just so…different from what I am used to. I just have to get used to your…new look."

"Are you sure? What do you think Obi-Wan?" The clone appealed to a source closer to his age group.

"Um…ah…I think it's good Vita. It's certainly…different."

Bellau and Alta walked up. "Vita?" Alta said in disbelief. "What did you do?"

Bellau giggled and covered her mouth.

Vita couldn't stand being laughed at by one he was seeking to impress. He turned and hurried out. Mi'al stood to go after him.

"I'm sorry Master Mi'al," the padawan said. "I didn't mean to hurt his feelings. He just looks so…odd like that. Let me talk to him first. I owe him an apology."

"I'll go with you," Alta offered. "I'll apologize too." The healer seemed uncertain. "I promise you we won't laugh at him again," the apprentice said. "We're the ones who hurt him. Let us go to him." They turned to leave.

Mi'al just stood and stared. Qui-Gon grasped his arm and pulled him down. "You all right?"

"I don't know. I…guess I didn't know what I was getting into. Maybe I did the wrong thing bringing Vita here. Perhaps I should let him go back to Kura's lab."

"Mi'al Noseen, listen to me," Qui-Gon became firm. "Are you going to condemn him to a life in a laboratory? He won't be happy there, especially after traveling and working with you. You told me yourself how intelligent and compassionate he is. Do you really want him to go back to that lab?"

"No," the healer said quietly.

"You have taken on a hard chore…but you chose it. Are you going to quit now? Now that Vita needs your support even more, are you going to turn your back on him?"

He sighed deeply. "No. I suppose I can't do that. But…I don't know what to do. I've never…raised a child before."

"That's no excuse. Parents bring a child into the world without having raised one before…and many of them turn out fine. You know what you need to do. You need to talk to him and listen to him. You need to support him and try to help him understand. You can't make his decisions for him…but you can try to help him see his choices and the consequences more clearly."

"You're right Qui-Gon. It's similar to training a padawan…but different. I really do know what I need to do…I think. I have trained padawans. I just need to…adapt what I know to this situation."

The Jedi smiled now. "That's right. I know how fond you are of him Mi'al. Just because it's hard…don't give up. Remember what you told me about taking another padawan…after Xanatos."

"If it was easy, it wouldn't be as worthwhile…or rewarding."

"Yes. Take a dose of your own medicine Chief Healer."

"It's hard medicine." He studied Qui-Gon for a moment. "Am I this hard on you?"

"Yes," he smiled. "But you never expect more of me than you know I can give. I'm not doing anything different to you. I know you can do this. You just have to know it too."

Mi'al was quiet as he thought. He turned to look at Qui-Gon again. "Do you still need to talk about how you feel about Vita?"

Qui-Gon laid a hand on Mi'al's arm. "The longer this goes on, the more confused I get."

Mi'al sat meditating as he waited for Vita to return to their shared quarters. If there was ever a time he needed wisdom…this was it. He was very relaxed and at peace when the communications panel on his desk buzzed. He rose and answered it.

"Mi'al, this is Kura."

"Well, hello. Good to hear from you. It's been a little while."

"Yes, it has," the bionic said somewhat stiffly. "I was wondering if you were going to call me at all."

"Uh…why? What is it?"

"Why didn't you tell me my Vita was so unhappy because of the problems he's had fitting in?"

"I'm sorry Kura. It's just that…"

But the metal man cut him off. "Did you think I'd just order him back to my lab because of this? I know he has to adjust to the world beyond the lab. I knew it wouldn't be easy. But I want him to succeed too. Do you think I just look on Vita as an experiment?" Kura had some legitimate points. He really wanted Vita to learn and to adjust to being around others. But…he was also enjoying the imagined torment that he was subjecting the healer too. Kura had enjoyed working with Mi'al…and had to admit he enjoyed his company. However, he also remembered that the chief healer had been the one to most affect him at the temple. When Mi'al was wounded on Garin it had actually brought out compassion in Kura, much to his consternation. Yes…he felt he owed a little of this to Mi'al.

"Just a minute," the healer was now defensive. "I'm not trying to hide anything from you. I talked to Vita about this. I thought when you trusted me to bring him here that I would be allowed to help him with his problems. I thought perhaps being here at the temple, I would have a little more insight into the feelings here than you."

"Yes, but I know better how Vita feels than you. Remember I've had my own adjustment problems. I know what it feels like to be treated like an oddity."

"All right…all right. I suppose I was wrong. But we talked…and he seemed happy enough after that. I thought it was settled. I didn't know he was still upset…which I guess he was since he obviously talked to you also."

"What did you expect? I am his guardian."

"I was wrong. I apologize."

"Yes, you were wrong. I hope you'll bear this in mind for the future."

"I will Kura. I thought I was helping…not just Vita but you as well. I know how busy you are."

"Not too busy for Vita."

"All right. What is too small a problem to bother you with?"

"None. It's no bother. I care about him too, you know."

"Perhaps it might be best in the future if he discusses his problems with you."

"Don't patronize me. I don't care if he brings them to you…but I would just like to know how he is doing."

"Very well." Mi'al was tiring quickly of this. His patience had been worn thin by the events of the day and he was about to lose it completely. Kura was acting more like a father than he had ever seen him before. Maybe he had missed Vita…and really did care about him? "Did Vita talk with you before today about this?"

"No…just today. But I agreed with him. I'm the one who helped him with his new look."

"Ah…I was wondering…how that came about."

"What do you think of it?"

"Uh…it's different."

"You don't like it? You don't like him when he looks like Ruka…and you don't like him when he doesn't."

"Kura," the healer's voice took on a stern tone. "I never said anything about Vita looking like Ruka. I have been working side by side with him in horrible conditions. It has never bothered me what he looked like. I'm fond of him no matter what his outer appearance. It's just that…what he has done…looks different and it's going to take me time to adjust." Time to turn Kura's tricks back on him. "Just as it took time for people to adjust to your new appearance."

Oh! Clever! I keep forgetting just how clever you are. "I suppose you are right. You have not given any of the clones grief over their appearance…even the ones who haven't taken to you. Please forgive me. I suppose I'm just worried about Vita."

"I am also. I'm trying to help all I can. I have introduced him to some of the padawans…who seem to have become friendly with him. He does have some friends here. Not everyone hates him."

"I suppose I should be thanking you rather than attacking you. You have done much for Vita."

"Let's just let this conversation go. I think we are both upset by a situation we expected…but not like this. I'll be glad to try to help Vita with his problems…but encourage him to talk to you as well. I'll keep you better informed. Is that acceptable?"

"Of course it is. You do understand I just have his best interests at heart?"

"Yes. And I do also. Peace?"

"Of course. Peace. I know you care or you wouldn't have done all you have for him."

"Hmm…I think I hear him coming. Can I continue this later? You need to know some of the people here…laughed at Vita's new appearance. I want to talk with him. Do you, after we talk?"

"Yes. Would you ask Vita to call me after you talk with him?"

"Of course. Goodbye."

Mi'al ended the communication and watched the door. Shortly it swished open. Vita entered, head down and trying to hurry to his room.

"Vita." The clone stopped but didn't look. He hung his head and said nothing. "Can I talk with you?"

"I'm very tired Mi'al."

"I'm sure you must be, but this won't take long. Please."

Slowly Vita came and sat near the grey haired man.

Mi'al studied the Klastarian's appearance again. Maybe it wasn't so radical. It was just different. After all…he could have done much worse things!

"Are you all right?"

"I guess," Vita's hands wouldn't be still.

"Did you talk with Alta and Bellau?"

"Yes."

"Are you upset with them?"

"A little maybe."

"What did they say?"

"They said they didn't mean to make fun of me. It's just that I was so different now."

"You are different. I thought that's what you wanted."

"I didn't want to be laughed at though."

The healer moved to sit next to the clone. "Vita when you make yourself different from what other people are used to then you have to expect them to have some kind of reaction. They aren't used to seeing you like this. They got to know Vita who was all green and with longer fur. This is a surprise to me too…but I didn't laugh."

"But you don't like it."

"I didn't say that. I only said it was different. Let me ask you a question. Do you feel different inside?"

"Not really."

"You're still Vita, right?"

"Yes."

"And you'll be Vita inside no matter what you look like outside. Even if you look like Ruka outside, you'll still be Vita inside. Do you want to change inside?"

"The only thing I want to change inside is that I want to learn. I want to be like others who are grown up. I know that I'm different because I look grown up…but I'm not really grown up."

"There's nothing wrong with that. We all want to be mature. And we are all trying to grow up inside…even me. I still have things to learn. And I am trying to help you grow up inside. That's why I brought you to the temple…so you could learn. But you're learning things you didn't expect to be learning, aren't you?" Vita only nodded. "Well, to grow up inside you have to learn those things also. It's hard. Sometimes it hurts. But it is part of growing up."

"Will people ever stop thinking of me as Ruka?"

"Yes. It may take awhile. The problem is that so many people have seen the bad that Ruka has done. They haven't seen much good. So, that's what they expect when they look at you. But you know inside you aren't like that. That's what you have to let people see…who you really are inside. You are a kind and caring being. I know. I've experienced it. When they look at you but see your compassion instead of Ruka then they will begin to think differently of you. But going back to your regular appearance will be hard too. What do you want to do?"

"I want to be me…but I want people to accept me instead of looking for Ruka."

Mi'al sighed. "I know it will happen. It's just going to take time. But I think you are taking the right step. You've made friends. Friends who do seem to have accepted you. You just need to be friendly back so they can see what you truly are. And you need to accept that not everyone is going to like you. But that's true of every one in the galaxy. It's not only because you look like Ruka. I think you are going to have to learn patience too."

Vita was silent for a long moment. "So…what should I do…about my…fur?"

"Do what makes you comfortable. If you like it this way, wear it that way. But you need to remember it may take us a bit to get used to the new appearance."

Vita sighed. "I can't make it grow…but I can color it."

"Just a minute. Before you go and do something rash why don't you think about it first?"

"But…what if someone else laughs at me?"

"Vita," Mi'al smiled. "People laugh at other people all the time. And it's not always to make fun of them. There is laughing with someone instead of at them. Be honest with me. Don't you think you look…a lot different?"

"Yes," the clone smiled crookedly. "I laughed when I saw myself."

"But you won't let others laugh at what you think is funny? If you laugh first, I'll bet it won't hurt so much. Um…has Donthan seen you yet?"

Vita's shoulders slumped. "No. He's going to really let me have it."

"But…if you laughed first and maybe rubbed your short fur…then when he laughed, you would have already taken the sting out of his attack. I'll bet it wouldn't seem so bad then. If you and all your friends laughed before he did how would you feel?"

"Silly."

"But not hurt?"

"I guess not."

"Will you give it a try?"

"I guess I don't have much choice. He'll see me before it grows back out…or gets the color back," Vita sighed.

"Part of growing up inside is learning how to live in the world outside Kura's lab. You don't want to stay there your whole life do you?"

"No," Vita said emphatically.

"When Donthan gives you a hard time, ask yourself if you would rather endure that…or go back to the lab."

Vita was quiet for a long time. "May I go now?"

"Yes." Mi'al was somewhat disappointed. He thought he hadn't been any help. "Oh…Kura wanted to talk with you."

"You've said a lot that I have to think about. Thank you Mi'al." The clone hugged him and then went to his room.

The healer sat there, a little surprised. He had said something right…he supposed. It felt good to think he had helped…as hard as the conversation had been. Qui-Gon was right. Being hard only made it more worthwhile.

Ariel Satay had hit the jackpot when she decided to check up on the AAM…or so she had thought in the beginning. There were chapters in all corners of the galaxy. They seemed very open in advertising themselves. So, there was no problem contacting any of the chapters. The only problem she did have was in getting names of members. They were quite protective of their privacy. Relying on her position as an officer of the security police wasn't entirely successful. Chapter presidents insisted on going through the proper channels…up her chain of command and back down the chain on the other planet. That could take time…too much time. Several communications had ended with a long string of expletives as Satay came up dry…again.

Passing by her cubicle at just such a moment, a coworker poked his head in. "You've learned some new ones since the last time I heard you get this upset," he quipped.

"Funny," she said in hard and flat tone. "Get out of here so I can work."

"What's up Ariel? Maybe I can help." The man stood and waited for an answer, but the small woman acted as if he didn't exist. Then he remembered, "What's up Satay? Maybe I can help."

"Only if you can get rid of bureaucracy. What is the good of having authority if it doesn't speed up the flow of information to us? I thought that was one of the reasons we were given badges, credentials…and authorization."

"So, what else is new? You asked Loy for help yet?"

"Loy? What's he going to do for me?"

"If whatever you need is stored on a computer, he can get it for you."

At last, Satay looked up from what she was doing. She narrowed her dark eyes. "You are kidding, aren't you? Are you telling me that a security officer is going into other computer systems…without permission?"

"He has permission. It's undercover work. We can't exactly announce it to the galaxy."

"Undercover? Who knows about this?"

"You don't? Hmm…maybe I shouldn't have said anything…. I thought that…" his voice trailed off and the man tried to slip out.

"Hey, wait just a minute," Satay jumped up and grabbed the man's sleeve. "What's up?"

"I knew everyone wasn't told…but I thought you had been. Come on Satay. Harlo will have my butt if he knows I told someone who isn't supposed to know."

"Don't worry. He won't know. Thanks for the information though."

With an air of confidence, the small investigator walked into Loy's office. She had to seem as if she were one of the ones in the know…and hope Loy didn't know who had not been told. Satay had nothing to worry about though. As one truly devoted to his computer work for nine hours of his eight hour workday, the little man knew little of what went on outside his office. Only what transpired on the computer monitor interested him. And hers was a simple request. It was not classified, secret or restricted data in any way. A simple membership list…from several planets albeit, but still a simple list.

That was yesterday. Today when she had come in, Loy had not disappointed her. A single data disk lay on top of her computer…but what it contained…. Membership rosters for a large number of AAM groups…not just current ones either. The lists had members from previous years as well. Loy apologized that he hadn't been able to do better. He said he'd have to work on it…but he grinned. That meant it would be more of a challenge…which he would enjoy. Still, the amount of data he'd given her would keep her busy for awhile.

First she combined all the lists into one file, rather than have to search on differing files. Then she sorted by planet, by name, by date. It was meaningless. She didn't know enough about the people to know what was the best way to look at the data. Finally, she settled on by planet, starting with Coruscant. Most of the members were charter members from when the group was originally founded. There were a few members, residents of Coruscant, who joined later. Lastly, there was a couple who had transferred their memberships from another planet to the big city-planet. Satay read those names…and something was familiar about one of them.

That name…why did she know it? Something that her department had been involved in. She accessed the big database of cases her office had worked and searched by name. A match. Bruck Chan…accused of wiring a speeder to open circuit. Three senators' kids killed in the crash. Yeah, she remembered that. High profile because of the fathers. Chan was judged mentally incompetent to stand trial and placed in a rehab facility. It was familiar to her. So…Chan had been a member of AAM…and apparently a scumbag, selling his abilities like that. Well, Yalla was a scumbag and a member of AAM. Maybe the two went hand in hand. Satay was toying with an idea when she looked again at the file on Chan. Her eyes bugged. He had been at the Jedi temple as a child. Another thing that seemed to go hand in hand with Yalla…Jedi.

Ariel Satay walked slowly along the corridor. She was uncomfortable in any type of medical facility. It was a hold over from her childhood she knew, but never took the time to think into it very deeply. She watched the numbers increase as she walked along. There it was…Bruck Chan's room. The petite woman knocked on the door. She heard a quiet voice but didn't make out what it said. She pushed the door open a little and peeked in. Sitting on the bed was a man with long white hair pulled back into a ponytail. He looked at her with dull looking eyes. Satay was uneasy. She didn't know exactly how to talk to someone in Bruck's condition…but she had a job to do.

"Excuse me, Mr. Chan?" Bruck just stared. "Um…are you Bruck Chan?"

"Yes."

"Hi. My name is Ariel Satay. I work with the security force. Do you mind if I talk to you for a bit?"

"I like to talk…Ar…Arel."

"It's Ariel, but you can call me Satay."

"I like Ariel," he insisted.

"May I sit down?"

"Yes. What do you want?"

"I'd like to ask you some questions. Do you mind?" He shook his head. "Mr. Chan, you belonged to the AAM, Association for Artistic Metachronism. You were…doing demonstrations of light saber dueling."

"Yes," he smiled a little. Bruck had always enjoyed sparring since he was given his first lesson at the temple. "I used to fight all the time. I was good at it too. Better than a lot of them."

"You mean the AAM members? You were better than most of them?"

"That's why I used to help teach. I was good. I won a lot of the sparring matches. Not many could beat me."

"Not many of the people you were teaching?"

Bruck looked at her with an odd expression. "Teaching? I was being taught. And I was a fast learner. I was one of the best fighters among the initiates at the temple."

"You mean…the Jedi temple?"

"Yes. I was good."

"Um…that's great that you were so good…Bruck," she replied quietly. "But…can you remember when you were in the association? When you were teaching dueling?"

"I was even better than Obi-Wan."

"Obi-Wan…Kenobi? You knew him?" she asked in surprise.

"Obi-Wan. I was supposed to be Master Qui-Gon's apprentice, not him."

Whoa…he's getting way off track, into something that I don't know…if I should go into. Still…he knows Kenobi…. She looked around almost guiltily. This really was out of the area of what she was supposed to be here for…but still there was this curiosity. "You and…Obi-Wan were at the temple…at the same time?"

"Who are you?" Bruck looked at her in confusion.

"Ariel…remember?"

"Ariel," he repeated…but he still didn't know why she was there.

Gently Satay tried to get him back on track. "You were telling me about…Obi-Wan."

"Yes. He was…clumsy…Oafy-Wan," Bruck smiled.

Satay put a hand over her mouth and tried not to laugh. "Oafy-Wan? He really was that clumsy?"

"He couldn't fight as well as me. And he knew it. I knew he would become a farmer…but he didn't…"

"A farmer? Why would he become a farmer?"

"He didn't. I did. You remember. You were there. You told me goodbye when I left."

He can't remember who I am. Now he thinks I'm someone he knew at the temple. Well…does that matter? Maybe letting him think he know me will encourage him to talk. "I'm sorry. I remember. You weren't happy about leaving…but why did you have to leave?"

"Arana, you know. Don't tease me. You know I had to leave…because I didn't get chosen as padawan."

Arana…Ariel. Close enough for his confused mind I guess. He had to leave because he wasn't a padawan? I'll have to look into that. Is that their rule or something? "But you were supposed to be a padawan, right?"

"Yes. I was good enough. I should have been Master Qui-Gon's padawan…but he didn't choose me. He…picked Oafy-Wan instead." Bruck was getting angry. "It was supposed to be me. I was better than Oafy. They said I had too much anger. He did too. I know he did. You remember some of the things that happened, don't you?"

Satay was getting more curious…and letting that lead her away from her real reason for being here. She knew it was wrong…but she tried to justify it with saying she needed to know more about Jedi since Yalla was so interested in them. The security officer actually knew little about them.

"Well…I remember a little. You remember better than I do."

"Yeah…I was better at a lot of things. Oafy and his goofy friends were always so…smug. They thought they were the perfect little Jedi. But you and I know different, don't we?"

"Yes, we do."

"Oafy had problems too. And that's why he hadn't been chosen yet either." Bruck chuckled. "I almost fixed him too. That day before he was supposed to fight for Master Qui-Gon. I know he almost gave in to his anger then. I was so close…I thought there was no one around to see."

Great! He can't ask me if I remember. "What happened?"

"You know…I told you."

"I'm sorry Bruck. You just remember better than I do."

"I may not have won that fight…but when I faked being hurt worse than I was…they sent him away. He was going to become a farmer. But…Qui-Gon was on that same transport. They were together…and Oafy was able to con him into taking him. Then I was sent away instead. I promised myself I'd get back at him. And I almost did. On that colony moon. I fixed his speeder Arana. He crashed it. He would have died…but…but…Qui-Gon found him." His eyes blazed with the memory…and the feelings it brought up.

Wow…he tried to kill Obi-Wan!

"And," Bruck continued, "That's why Tylo knew I could wire speeders to open circuit."

Huh? Tylo Lyg'tren? What does he have to do with speeders? But he's wandering too far. Probably shouldn't have gone this way to start with. I'd better get him off that subject. Come on Satay and do the job you're supposed to do.

"Um…Bruck…can you tell me about the association? You were a good fighter. You must have been one of their best teachers."

"Yes…I was. I was the best. They found out I was an initiate before and asked me to join," he said with pride. "I had a second chance to be a Jedi. They wanted Jedi. They wanted people who were Force sensitive."

"Who? The association?"

"Arana, I can't tell you about them. I promised I wouldn't tell anyone."

Great. But I'm supposed to be a friend. How much did he trust this Arana? "I'm your friend Bruck. Can't you tell me? I was an…initiate too. Wouldn't they want me too?"

"I don't know. He would have to talk to you first. I was better than you…stronger in the Force. I don't know if he would want you."

"Who Bruck? Who can I talk with so see if I can join?"

He was about to answer but the door opened. "Hello Bruck."

"Who are you?"

"I'm Nurse Brona, remember? Nurse Sela will be here in a minute. You remember her, don't you? She comes almost every day."

He smiled. "I like Nurse Sela. She's nice."

"Good. She's on her way." Then she looked at Satay. "I'm sorry, you're going to have to go now. You can come back tomorrow if you'd like."

"All right." She stood. "Bruck, can I come and talk to you again tomorrow? Will you tell me some more of what you remember?"

"Yes Arana. I can't tell you about the AAM though…but we can talk about the temple."

"That will be fun. I'll see you tomorrow."

The security officer followed the nurse out. "Excuse me. I'm trying to do an investigation. I'm not sure…quite how to talk to him. Can you tell me…is what he remembers reliable?"

"His long term memories are the clearest ones to him. He likes talking about the past because that's what he remembers the most. His short term memory is bad however. That's why he doesn't remember me. Bruck doesn't seem me often. Did he keep asking you who you were?"

"Well…he did once…but then he seemed to think I was someone he knew long ago. He started calling me by a different name and said I should remember the things we had done together."

"That's not surprising either. Sometimes he gets confused and thinks the people around him are the people from his old memories. If you are trying to question him, just remember what I told you about long term versus short term memory. Um…are you more interested in…"

"I'm trying to find out some things from several years ago."

"Then he probably will be able to have fairly good recall of that then."

"Thank you." The petite woman began walking down the corridor slowly as she thought over all that Bruck had said. Nothing earth shattering…but interesting. Many things she knew nothing about…and Oafy-Wan. She tried not to laugh. As tempting as it would be to call him that…especially when he called her Ariel, she knew she would have to keep that to herself. So…Obi-Wan was not all sparkling clean after all. Almost became a farmer instead of a Jedi. A farmer…strange. Why would Jedi take someone they had spent years training…and make a farmer out of him? But…all the Jedi ways were odd to Satay.

And…she had to find out what Bruck was keeping back about AAM and who this "he" was that was picking and choosing the members. It had been an interesting, confusing…even entertaining afternoon. She was leaving with more questions than she came with. Satay would definitely be back tomorrow….

"Supreme Chancellor," Qui-Gon Jinn bowed low.

"Qui-Gon, come in and have a seat," Valorum stuck out a hand.

The Jedi shook his hand and sat down. "I don't know what else you want to know from me about the Hora investigation Finis. You've questioned me in depth."

"Well…I didn't want another interrogation. This one is a discussion. I'm…interested and confused about the way things ended."

"Yes?" Qui-Gon leaned forward. His interest was piqued now.

"I still can't figure out Lady Lyg'tren's role in this."

"And you think I know something?"

"Well…you were the one she sought out. There must be a reason for that."

"I'm confused myself about that. I don't know why she chose me of all the people she could have gone to." He paused to think back on their conversations. "She said that I had been of much assistance to her in…her trials and that she only wanted to thank me by assisting me in my…intrigue."

Valorum grinned. "She really said that?"

"Yes. Why is that so amazing…or amusing?"

"Oh…just wondering what exactly she meant. Lady Lyg'tren is seasoned at…verbal sparring."

"Yes, I found that out. I assure you I am uncertain what she meant. You know as much about my dealings with her as I do."

"Maybe she was trying to apologize for involving you in the set up of Elan's assassination…but she did need a reliable witness."

Qui-Gon didn't answer. That was a sore chapter. A senator killed before his eyes…before he could react. He had been severely chastised for the whole episode by the council. He had been relieved of his responsibilities on the Lyg'tren case and should not have been speaking with Lady Lyg'tren. Because he met her and listened to her, her husband had been drawn out into the park where he was killed. The council had placed him on leave while they investigated that. And then in the end, it was all a set up. Allia's father had the assassination planned and Qui-Gon was picked to meet with her, which would draw Elan Lyg'tren out…into the assassins' hands. He had been her pasty.

"Sorry to bring up bad memories," Valorum said. "But…maybe that is what it's all about. She wanted to help her friend, Fiora, but she also had some hot news. Maybe she thought giving you the opportunity to bring that forward would be an apology."

"Perhaps. I can think of no other reason."

"Our Lady seems to have some interesting connections. She is so certain Fiora is going to be safe at her…industry."

"Do you have reason to think that she won't be?"

"No…no. I've had it checked into. It's very secure. The whole thing is just strange. I know that Lady Lyg'tren inherited her father's businesses. I wonder how much she knows about them. Like this very secure facility."

"Do you think that there is something illegal going on?"

"I have no reason to think that, no. But…as I was saying, the whole situation is odd."

"And…"

"I was just wondering if you could shed some light on it all for me."

"No Finis. Lady Lyg'tren didn't tell me anything that she didn't tell you…if that's what you are asking. You…think that just because she and I talked a couple of times that there was…something going on?"

The chancellor sat forward and rested his hands on his desk. "I'm not making accusations against you Qui-Gon. But I don't entirely trust her. I think…that maybe…she has something to gain out of this as well. So…I just want to make sure I understand everything about it. That's all."

Qui-Gon put a hand to his chin and toyed with his beard as he thought. "I had the feeling that Lady Lyg'tren was up to something. I think it was only trying to get me to meet with Fiora. You seem to think there's more to it. I don't know what you are up to either. However, I do know I don't want to be in the middle again. If you have something specific you want of me, I'll cooperate. But this…pointless rehashing of the same things is getting neither of us anywhere."

"All right…all right. I just thought your Jedi mystique could divine something deeper out of it." Valorum sat back. "I…ah…understand you have something to tell me."

The Jedi studied Valorum for a moment. "If you are referring to Maase…apparently you already know about it."

"Yes. Just wondered if you had anything to add to the official record."

"Nothing. I have given my account." He paused a long moment. "No divination from the Jedi mystique."

"All right. For what it's worth, the senator from Charon didn't know all about Maase either. And…you still know nothing of Yalla?"

"No. I am not on that investigation and the Jedi have not uncovered anything new."

"He has to be somewhere. If you Jedi can't find him…" his voice died off. The serious tone let Qui-Gon know this was not one of Finis' usual jabs about the Jedi and their "special power", but a genuine concern that if the Jedi couldn't find Yalla, he didn't know who else to turn to.

"There's something you should know about Yalla. He's a Force user."

"What? You mean…he has that available to him?" The chancellor slid to the edge of his seat. "Qui-Gon, should I start worrying about whether he is a threat or not?"

"For the moment, Yalla only seems interested in Jedi. The way things stand right now, I would say no."

"Hi Vita," Alta called out as he approached the table. "Are you coming to the dance tonight?"

The clone flushed darker green. "I don't think so."

"Why not?"

Vita was very aware of Mi'al next to him and wished Alta had not asked in front of the healer. However, Mi'al kept eating and tried to act as if it wasn't a big thing. The Klastarian looked up at Alta and cut his eyes toward Mi'al to signal his friend this was not the time to talk about it.

Alta didn't see…or didn't get it. "I know Bellau was hoping you'd be there."

There was only one way to end this. "I'll…see you there…in a bit."

"All right. The recreation room, okay?" The padawan turned and walked away.

Mi'al could easily sense Vita's unease. He said nothing. If the green creature wanted to talk about it, let him bring it up. Vita tried to act as if nothing happened. Yet, he did want to talk about it. What to do?

"Mi'al?"

"Yes Vita?"

"When you leave the dining hall…would you…go by the recreation room…and tell them I won't be able to come?"

"Is something wrong?"

"No. I just…don't want to go."

"It sounds like fun."

Vita was silent for a long minute…but couldn't sit still. Finally, he blurted out, "I don't know how to dance."

"Well…none of us are born knowing how. We all have to learn."

"I can't go to a dance…and learn there."

"Why not? That's how you learned to play Hreia."

"That's different."

"Why?"

"Because that's not…something you have to do with…a girl." Vita's whole face turned dark green.

The healer tried not to smile. "But it sounds like Bellau is going to be expecting you. Why don't you go? You don't have to dance. You can just talk and visit your friends."

"I don't know…"

"I won't push you to do something you don't want to do, but I really think it would be good for you to go. You want to fit in. You have to go out where people are gathered and interact with them to fit in."

Both were silent for a long time as they finished their meal. As they stood to leave, Vita said in a quiet voice, "I think I'll go…"

Mi'al patted his arm and smiled. "Good. I think you'll have fun."

"Hi Vita!"

"Good to see you."

"Hi," the clone answered as he crossed the room to stand with some people he knew.

Alta said, "Bellau's been looking for you."

Vita looked down so no one would see him blush. He whispered to his friend, "I can't dance."

"Really? I hadn't thought about that. It's not hard to learn though. Watch them. You'll catch on."

"Here," Gren-ha pushed a cup to him. "Have some. It's great."

Vita drank the sparkling juice and frowned. "It's very sweet."

"Hi," a furry young girl called out.

"Hi Bellau," several called in return.

She walked up next to the Klastarian. "Hi Vita. Did you just get here?"

"Yes," he answered quietly. "How are you?"

"Fine. I do like your new hairstyle. It just took some getting used to."

"Thanks." He shyly said, "You smell nice."

"You like that? It's made from flowers on my home planet. My mother sends it to me." A silent, awkward moment passed. "Vita…aren't you going to ask me to dance?"

He fought to control his feelings and his voice. Clearing his throat he finally said, "I don't know how."

"Oh…is that all? I thought you were mad at me. Come on. I'll show you how." She tugged at his arm…and he resisted. Alta gave him a playful shove which pushed him off balance just enough to help Bellau in her tug of war. Then Vita and the padawan were out among the other couples.

"Here put your arms like this. Now just watch. Do what I do with my feet."

He looked down and tried to follow her movements but his big blobby form made it hard. Laughter sounded from the other side of the room…loud and harsh. Several people looked to see who it was. Donthan and his friends.

"Just ignore him," Bellau huffed. He always tries to ruin all our fun. I think it's because he's so rude no one wants to have anything to do with him. So, he tries to keep us from enjoying ourselves. Let's try again."

Vita watched closely and seemed to be figuring it out. Then he tripped…over a purposely placed foot. The clone and his partner went sprawling to the floor. Donthan stood over them laughing.

"Big fat blob. Can't keep your feet under you? Did he hurt you Bellau? Here, let me help you up." He used the Force to lift her into the air.

"Donthan put me down now!" she demanded.

Vita reacted out of pure emotion without thinking. He got up and shoved the apprentice backward. Bellau fell to the floor.

"See what you caused, Ruka Blob," the hateful padawan growled.

The clone turned to see about his friend and Donthan launched himself into Vita knocking him to the floor.

"That's enough Don!" Alta declared. "Get out or we'll call your master."

"Call my master? Why? You can't do anything about it yourselves? That's right. Perfect little padawans. You have to be good and obey the code. So, you'll let my master take care of me because none of you can. Well…I'm not leaving. I'm staying until I have my dance with Bellau." He started walking her way, but Vita, still sitting on the floor, tripped him.

Before the padawan hit, the clone was on his feet. Donthan rolled over and sat up, glaring at his nemesis. He Force shoved Vita backward into the buffet table.

Mi'al scowled as he tried to look Vita over. "Be still. You've got some cuts."

The clone stayed still. He was afraid to speak. The healer had not been happy when he came down to pick up Vita. Master Neron had detained everyone in the recreation room until his or her master came. Of course, Vita had no master so his guardian came for him. There was more than one version of what happened…but the results were obvious. The room was a mess from the melee that developed. Donthan and his friends against the other padawans and Vita. Not a true fight…but after the table went down there was much shoving, angry words, and threatening displays. However, none of the padawans would start throwing punches. The penalty for a padawan participating in such would be great…and they weren't yet willing to risk it.

"Now," Mi'al said as he stepped back. "Why don't you tell me what happened?"

Vita took a deep breath and looked at the floor as he told what happened. The healer had mixed feelings…something he knew he couldn't admit aloud. He was dismayed, of course, that such a situation had developed. Another major incident with Donthan. The padawan's time was short Mi'al thought. But…he was glad he had to admit, to see Vita stand up for himself. The clone was so shy and almost afraid of his own shadow. The healer often wondered what would happen if someone truly threatened him. He was glad that Vita had been able to stop himself and not initiate a fight. There was much to be considered and talked about…but not right now. He had to allow himself a chance to calm and think before he acted.

"I see," Mi'al said at the end of the narrative. "Are you all right now? Hurt anywhere else?" Vita only shook his head. "Why don't you go on to bed. We'll talk about this tomorrow when we both are more clear headed."

The clone stood and walked to his room without a word. Mi'al crossed over to look out a window. How would this affect Vita's standing at the temple once the council found out? It wasn't his fault. It didn't sound like his fault. Somehow, the healer knew that Donthan would tell a different story. But…there were many witnesses. Yet, the council still would not like the disruption. Should he call Kura? It was late. Maybe tomorrow morning would be better.

The door chime sounded and Mi'al sighed before he went to open the door. Visitors were not what he wanted at the moment. He opened the door and Qui-Gon Jinn stood there, a concerned look on his face.

"I just heard about what happened in the rec room. Is Vita all right?"

"Yes. Some cuts and scraps…but all right."

"Do you want to talk?"

"No…yes. I don't know. Come in." Mi'al walked away from the door to the sofa. He fell heavily on it.

Qui-Gon came in and sat in a nearby chair. "Are you all right?"

"It wasn't like this with any of my padawans." He stole a glance at Qui-Gon. "I…guess you know a little bit about it though?"

"If you mean difficult padawans…unfortunately, yes."

"If you don't want to talk about it…"

"If anything I've learned will help you right now, I'm more than willing to talk about it. The talk is that Donthan started the trouble."

"That's what Vita said…and some of the padawans told me that when I went to pick him up. Enough witnesses that Donthan can't lie his way out of it. Neron picked a hard one when he picked Don."

"I think that's why he did. You know Neron. He's a hard master. He knew that it would take a strict one to tame Donthan."

"Frankly, I'm beginning to think he can't be tamed."

"Yes, I was thinking the same. But that's not really what you want to talk about it, is it?"

"Well, it is a concern also for many reasons. But at the moment I guess I have a more immediate concern…."

Qui-Gon looked down at his hands for a few seconds before he spoke. "Do you think if it wasn't for Donthan that Vita would be having so many problems?"

"I think maybe they wouldn't be as serious."

"What are you going to do about this…situation?"

Mi'al sighed a long, deep sigh. "I don't know Qui-Gon." He smiled a little. "I have to admit, I'm glad he stood up for himself to Donthan."

Qui-Gon smiled too…for several reasons. He knew Mi'al had been worried about how Vita would react if threatened. And he knew that the healer would not be able to admit his true feelings to many people. The council would not find this amusing…nor would they appreciate this reaction. And…the Jedi had to admit he was honored that Mi'al had trusted him enough to make the admission to him.

"I know the council will ask me how I intend to punish Vita. So, I have to come up with something before they do. Somehow I don't think they would be lenient."

"I agree. Perhaps just a short restriction…and some extra chores would be good enough. Vita was involved…but he didn't start it and he did not initiate a fight."

"I hope the council will see it that way. Right now I'm hoping they won't think of sending him from the temple."

"I don't think it would be that bad."

"But he isn't a Jedi. He's here studying…by the good will of the council."

"Mi'al…I think when the council hears what happened before things got…interesting, they will see who is really at fault. Now…I have someone that I think Vita ought to meet. I think this person could be of much help to him."

The healer sat up at this. "Who?" he asked in puzzlement.

"I found out during evening meal that Myla and her master have just returned from their mission. I think she and Vita should meet."

The tall grey haired man grinned. "I think you're right. Why didn't I think of it? Qui-Gon, you're brilliant."

"You have a whole temple full of beings to be concerned with. I, on the other hand, saw Myla in the corridor. That's why you didn't think of it."

Qui-Gon's mind wandered back to the first time he saw Myla. The young teal Klastarian was seated in an initiate class that the Jedi master was to teach during a rest and recuperation period. The first time he saw her, the only thing he could think of was Ruka. The nefarious blob was the only Klastarian that Qui-Gon had ever seen before, so it was natural to think of Ruka. Myla had been the target of abuse by her yearmates because of her species. Ruka was too well known in the temple. The other initiates called her Ruka and made many cruel comments about her because of her outer appearance. They thought she couldn't possibly be loyal to the Jedi. After all, Ruka had launched harsh attacks on the Jedi.

It was only after being caught up in Qui-Gon's search for a thief in the senate building that their minds were changed about her. The young girl had been in a potentially dangerous situation and used her intense empathy to help Qui-Gon find the bandit. Also, she had gotten Chancellor Valorum out of danger when the thief began firing a blaster at them. All of this would have been impressive behavior for any initiate…doubly so for one they thought was against the Jedi. Yes…if anyone could understand what Vita was going through, it would be Myla.

"And…if I inform the council that I'm going to ask her to speak with Vita, they might take a more sympathetic view…remembering what Myla went through."

"Why Mi'al, if I didn't know better, I'd swear you were trying to influence the Jedi council."

"Like you haven't done the same yourself before." The two shared a laugh. "Thanks Qui-Gon…for everything."

The Jedi master's blue eyes twinkled. "I've often wondered who counsels the counselor."

"Whatever poor fellow who happens to wander by when the counselor finally can't hold it in any longer," Mi'al smiled. "Fair warning."

"I just hope I helped." Qui-Gon stood. "Do you think you'll be able to sleep now instead of spending most of the night in meditation?"

"Yes…thanks to you and Myla."

"You've heard what the padawans present had to say about the incident," the chief healer began. "I have taken this into consideration. I believe restriction of recreation and some extra work should be suitable punishment. And…I think that there is someone who might be able to help Vita so this sort of thing doesn't happen again…at least not to this magnitude. I thought that Myla might be able to help Vita." Mi'al paused for a long moment before he finally asked. "Will this affect Vita's…standing at the temple?"

Yoda and Mace Windu exchanged a glance. "Affect it this does not…this time," Yoda intoned. "Knew we did that problems there might be. And know we Donthan's record. However, learn both must how to control themselves. Agree we do with your punishment…and Myla talking with Vita." The little Jedi held up a chubby green finger. "Sympathetic we are to Vita's situation. Allowed him to come here because of that. However, disruption we will not tolerate. If control himself Vita can not, then leave he must."

"I understand. I'll see to this. I will do all I can to prevent any further disruptions."

"Mi'al," Windu said. Then he paused. "Are you sure you want to continue this?"

"Yes Master Windu," he replied without hesitation. "Things that are worthwhile are seldom easy."

The councilor considered and then nodded his head. "May the Force be with you."

Mi'al bowed and walked out of the council chamber. His charge anxiously awaited him in the anteroom. The clone was seated…but not still. Vita had not quit fidgeting the entire wait. He looked up as the healer came out, but was afraid to ask anything. He feared the answer.

The tall man came and sat next to the Klastarian. "You may stay. However, they said they would tolerate no more disruptions."

"I'm sorry Mi'al," Vita said for an innumerable time.

"I know you are. I think I have something that will truly help you though," his green eyes sparkled as he smiled.

Ariel Satay walked a little more confidently down the corridors of the rehab facility today. At least she knew more about what to expect this time. Satay knew she would have to go slow and be patient with Bruck. It may be worthwhile though. Even though he had seemed quite adamant about not telling her about the AAM, she thought that perhaps in his diminished mental state, he might be persuaded…. The petite woman stopped at his door and knocked.

"Come in."

Remembering her part, Satay walked in and said, "Hi Bruck. It's me, Arana, remember?"

"Sure I remember you."

"How are you?"

He shrugged. "Okay, I like it here. Somebody here likes me anyway."

Satay sat down, surreptitiously turning on a recording device. She thought it would be less distracting than trying to take notes while Bruck talked. "Where did you go after you left the temple?"

"You know where they were sending me. You came to tell me goodbye."

Hmm…he said he was supposed to be a farmer. But…if he did, he wasn't one for long. "Yeah, I know that Bruck, but you didn't stay there long."

He smiled. "No, I didn't. I was supposed to be a Jedi. I wasn't going to stay in the Agricorps. Would you?"

"No, I wouldn't either. So…where did you go after that?"

"No one wants a Jedi who's been sent from the temple. They act like there's something wrong with you…like you committed a crime. I was good with the Force…and with the saber…but no one wanted me."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know that. How were you able to get away from…where the temple sent you?"

"Because I was good at fixing things. The only good part about the Agricorps was working on their equipment. Some pilot needed his ship fixed…didn't have enough credits. He got stiffed on the last run he made. I fixed it for him," Bruck said with pride. "It was better than working in the greenhouse," he grumbled. "I begged to take me with him. I told him I could work on his ship. He took me…and dumped me on that colony moon after awhile. Said he could afford a new ship and didn't need me any more. So he dropped me on the nearest rock."

"Where was this moon? He really just left you there?"

"It was a colony of Baroon." Chan had a far off look in his eye and he grinned. "And then one day Oafy-Wan showed up. I promised myself I'd get even with him. And I almost did too."

He's getting too far off the subject. I know he rambles…but I've got to find out about the AAM. "You told me about that…about how you wired his speeder and he crashed."

"I did? When? You just got here." He paused to think. His brow creased deeply. "Did I tell you that already?"

"Yes, you did tell me," she said quietly. "You don't remember?"

"No," he replied sadly. "But…I forget a lot of things. Sometimes I can't even find my clothes."

"It must be hard." How can I get him back on the subject?

"But there are nice people here who help me. Not like the Jedi…or that pilot."

"How did you get from the moon to Coruscant? Did you get another job?"

Bruck didn't answer and his manner changed. Finally, he said, "I can't tell you about that."

"Bruck, you and I were friends, weren't we? I would never betray you. Don't you trust me?"

"It's not that," he said with a haunted look in his eyes. "It's him. I'm…I'm afraid of him…"

Him…. That's what I have to find out! Who! I've got to get him to trust me. "Bruck you're safe here. Haven't they been taking care of you? I'll take care of you too. I won't let him find you."

"You don't understand. He'll be able to find me. He knows where I am. I can still feel him through the Force."

Through the Force? Does that mean a Force user? Yalla? Satay moved her chair closer. She took Bruck's hand, hoping to provide a comforting presence. "Bruck, it's all right. I promise I'll do everything I can to help you. Even Force users can be stopped can't they?"

"Yes…yes," Bruck said. "He can. He's not as strong in the Force as…"

"As who? Who is it?"

"He thinks he can beat them…but he's not as strong as they are."

"Bruck," she said gently, trying to stay patient. "Who are you talking about?"

"Nurala. Nurala. He's the one. He knows where I am. He's the one who is trying to destroy them."

"Who is he trying to destroy?" Where is this leading? Is this even related to what I am doing? I have to find out.

"I can't tell you…I can't." Now Bruck seemed truly afraid. "He said he'd punish anyone who told his plans."

"It's all right," Satay said quietly. "It's all right. Can you tell me how you met Nurala?"

"He knew about me. He sent someone there, to the Baroon colony. He said I was good with the Force and he wanted me to join him…to help him. That's how I got to Coruscant."

"Did you meet Nurala?" Bruck nodded his head enthusiastically. "Can you tell me what he looked like?"

Bruck got that far off look in his eye again…just as he did when he hit on a subject he liked. "He was tall and thin…and blue. Nurala was noble and strong. He was smart. I was honored to be chosen by him. I became his padawan."

Tall, thin…and blue. That sounds like the same description as Yalla…and Gera. Could it be the same? A third alias? Sounds like someone using the Force also. Too much of a coincidence. It has to be the same. It has to be. "Bruck, can you tell me more about Nurala?" But when Satay looked at him again, the haunted look had returned.

"No," he shook his head. "I shouldn't have told you that. You know him now. He'll come for me. He will. He's punished me before. He said he would punish anyone who told. I've got to hide from him." He jumped up from his chair and ran from the room. The startled security officer ran after him. When she caught up with him, several nurses were restraining him.

"Sedative, stat!" one of them yelled.

A wild-eyed Bruck was crying out, "I've got to hide! He knows where I am! He'll come for me! Let me go! I've got to hide!"

Satay watched in stunned silence. She had to find out who Nurala was to command such fear.

"Allia, this is Fiora."

"Oh, Fiora! It's good to hear from you. How are you?"

"I'm doing great now Allia. I don't have to live in so much fear. I can't thank you enough for all your help. I just had to call and let you know how much I appreciate all you've done."

"You really don't have to thank me, dear. Believe me, I understand something of what you were going through."

"You do? How?"

"Well…that's not important. It's in the past. And yours is in the past. You have a new life in front of you. Do you like the job?"

"Oh yes. It's very interesting. And I'm so glad you asked because that reminds me. I found something you may be interested in. That mining operation you were interested in on…Answar. Yes…that's it. Here it is. It was purchased years ago by someone named Nurala. I don't know who is running it now but it is a private mining group. Many people are moving in. Large groups at a time. Many shipments of supplies. I was trying to find out whom I could contact for more information. I can keep looking if you'd like."

"Well…that is interesting. All that activity, but no interest in what is happening with their neighboring planet. Very odd. I'll pass this along to my manager and see if he wants to pursue it further. Then I'll let you know if we want more information. Thank you Fiora."

"It's a small service compared to what you have done for me. Do you come out this way often Allia?"

"Oh, not very much Fiora. That place runs itself." Or rather, Tylo does…but you don't need to know that. "But…with a friend there now, maybe I do have a reason to visit."

"I hope so. The people here are nice…but I do miss your company. You do seem to understand me."

"I'll try to come see you as soon as I can. I hope you continue to enjoy your job."

"Anything is better than living in fear of my life."

"Come in Myla," the healer stood aside so the padawan could come into his quarters.

"Hello Master Mi'al," she said a little shyly. "It's good to see you again."

"Your master says you are doing a fine job."

"I'm trying hard," she replied humbly.

"Come and sit down. Qui-Gon told me that he talked to you earlier."

"Yes, he did. Do you really think I can be of help to Vita?"

"I think so. You went through what he is going through now. I'm sure that he would like someone to talk to who truly understands, if nothing else."

"It will be good to talk to another Klastarian," she smiled.

"Just a minute. I'll get him."

Mi'al went to Vita's room. Soon the green creature was walking out into the living area. Myla stood up.

"Hi, my name is Myla," she held her hand out.

"Hi, I'm Vita." He didn't mean to stare…but this was the first time he'd seen any Klastarians other than the remaining clones. She was different. First, she wasn't an adult, and she was a different color. But…she was also like him in many ways.

"I'll leave you two alone to talk," Mi'al said before he left the room.

"You're really a Jedi?" Vita said almost in awe.

"Yes, I am. Why does that surprise you?"

"I don't know," he shrugged. "I guess…it just seems like everyone thinks I hate Jedi or something."

"I know. They treated me that way too."

"What did you do?"

"I tried not to let it bother me…but it really did. I have the Force to find peace. I wish you did too."

"Yeah…me too. I try not to let it bother me…but some of the people here are very…mean about it."

"I know, but that's not what Jedi are supposed to be like. They are supposed to look beyond a person's outer appearance. Any Jedi who doesn't is immature."

"Aren't they supposed to use the Force to keep their anger in control?"

"Yes…but first they have to want to control it. If someone doesn't care, then he won't bother to control it. And some…are not meant to be Jedi. They like their anger…are led by the dark side. Master Qui-Gon told me that there is someone like that who has been bothering you a lot."

"Yes," Vita sighed. "I tried to ignore him and stay away from him…but he won't leave me alone."

"Well," Myla shrugged. "You don't have to have the Force to handle this. I know it's hard not to let it bother you…but the more you think about it and hold grudges, the harder it is to live with it."

"But…I can't just forget it. It all builds up inside. That's when I…do dumb things that get me in trouble."

"That's why you need to do two things. The first thing is to work out in the gym. That always helped me to get rid of feelings that were inside. I let them out through all that exercise. And…you need someone to talk to about how you feel. That gets it out too. I'll be glad to talk to you when I am here, but you need someone to talk to when I am on missions."

"I guess I could talk to Mi'al. He seems to understand that it's hard and awkward, even if he doesn't know how it feels. And…he is easy to talk to."

"Vita, people can only hurt you if you let them. It's hard…I know it is…but if you ignore what they say it can't hurt you."

"I don't know if I can do that."

"Just act like they are talking about someone besides you. I know…it sounds silly, but it helped me." She paused for a moment. "But you know what will help you more than anything else?"

"What?" he asked anxiously, hoping for a great revelation.

"If people see who you are inside then they won't pay so much attention to the outside."

"Now you sound like Mi'al." He was crestfallen. He'd heard this before.

"But it's true. That's what I found out. When my friends saw what I could do instead of just looking at my form…they saw me…the real me. If you can learn not to listen so much to others, then they will see it doesn't bother you…and they will stop because they don't get any fun from it anymore. And others who see your behavior will see the inside you instead of the outside you. Believe me…they will begin to respect you."

"You sound like you've tried a lot of different things."

"I have," she smiled.

"Um…will you help me…please? I have some friends here…but you…. You know what it's like. You know how I really feel."

"I'd like to be your friend Vita. I don't know if I can help, but I'd like to try."

"Thanks," he smiled but it faded quickly. "I have to go now. I have to go help do some cleaning in the hospital. It's part of my punishment."

"Do you mind if I come along? We can talk some more while we work."

"You don't mind?"

"No. I do know how you feel…and I don't want you to feel alone."

Vita smiled. He knew his new friend would be able to help even if she wasn't sure.

Obi-Wan walked down the hallway toward Bruck's room. Just as he started to push the door open, a voice called out to him. He turned to see a nurse walking his way. It wasn't the nurse that was usually on duty when he came.

"May I ask who you are please?"

"Uh…just a friend. I come to see Bruck regularly. Is there a problem?"

"I wanted to know if you were working on the same thing as Arana. Bruck was quite upset when she was here earlier. He had to be sedated."

"What? What are you talking about? Arana? That's someone that we both knew a long time ago. But she's not on Coruscant right now."

"Well, it must be another Arana. That's who Bruck told us she was…and she responds to that name. Nurse Bola knows what she's doing here. I don't. But I was told not to let Arana in again today."

"He had to be sedated?"

"That is what Nurse Bola told me."

"Is he all right?"

"He is now. We don't want him upset further."

"Um…I don't want to upset him either, but I am concerned about him. May I visit for only a couple of minutes…just to see about him? If you want someone to supervise the visit, that's fine with me. He is a friend and I would like to check on him."

She seemed to soften at his sincerity and concern. "Very well. I'll come with you. If it will set your mind at ease, let's go see about him."

Obi-Wan held the door open for the nurse. He walked over to Bruck's bed. "Bruck? Are you all right?" The apprentice took his hand.

The former Jedi looked at the padawan with sleepy looking eyes. "Hi Obi-Wan. I'm…tired…sleepy."

"I'll let you go to sleep in just a minute Bruck. Are you all right…besides being sleepy?"

"Yeah…just sleepy."

"Bruck, did Arana come to see you?"

"Yes, she came. She asks a lot of questions."

"Are you sure it was Arana?"

"She told me her name…and I remember her."

"What did she ask you about?"

"About the temple. About what I did after that. I'm sleepy Obi-Wan."

He forced a smile. "Okay, I'll go so you can sleep. I'll come back tomorrow when you're feeling better. All right?" Bruck nodded then allowed his heavy eyelids to close. Obi-Wan laid Bruck's hand back on the bed and turned to leave.

When they were in the corridor, the apprentice asked the nurse, "Do you know what Arana looks like?"

"No, I'm sorry. I wasn't here when that happened. Nurse Bola can tell you, but she won't be back until tomorrow."

"Thank you." He turned and left while his mind swirled with questions.

Satay wanted to get to the rehab facility early today. She had done some checking. So far, she had turned up nothing on the name Nurala. With some quick talking and promises, she had convinced Loy to see if he could find out anything for her. The more she thought about all she had learned, the more she could see some things begin to line up…a little. But there were still many, many holes. There was more she didn't know. The security officer realized that as upset as Bruck was yesterday, they may not allow her to talk with him. She had to try though. It seemed as if her window of opportunity was beginning to close before her eyes and she had to find out everything she could before she was denied. Satay desperately hoped they wouldn't say "no" to her. There was always the angle that she was conducting an official investigation. That would only get her so far though. The officer knew Harlo would not take kindly to hearing that she was using her badge to harass a patient in a rehabilitation hospital.

Yalla, Gera…Nurala? They sounded like the same being. Even down to the fact that Nurala was a Force user. That narrowed things down some. If she could get Bruck to talk about the AAM itself and not necessarily their leader, maybe she could learn something about Nurala that way.

Something else she had gone over after she left Bruck yesterday was a report she had commissioned. Satay had told Obi-Wan that she was trying to get some help on understanding Yalla's work more. That had started before Jedi boy had shown up to offer his "help" on the case. Finally, she was beginning to get some results from it. Satay had found the breakdown very interesting. She already knew how specialized was the research that Yalla was involved in. Now she understood not only the work itself better, but also why it was so specialized. It was meticulous and dealt with the body's most complex and least understood part, the brain. Years could be spent digging out one morsel from all those convolutions. And that had given her an idea. If so few people were doing this work, there must be some way to find Yalla because of the specialization of what he was pursuing. But how? She went over the report again. That's when it occurred to her. There were things used in Yalla's work that were specific to his tasks. The security officer sent back a request to her medical help about equipment. She wanted to know more about the paraphernalia Yalla used. Could it be used for other purposes? Satay thought she might be able to find him if he were buying equipment that only he had use for.

She pulled her speeder into the parking lot. Taking a deep breath, she got out, hoping, hoping. She had to talk to Bruck again. With purpose, the officer began her trip to his room, not looking aside, acknowledging no one.

"Arana, excuse me."

Damn! Almost made it. Satay turned toward the nurses' station. "Yes?"

"May I talk to you for a moment?" Nurse Bola said. "Mr. Chan was very upset yesterday. I know you are doing an investigation and need to talk with him, but I can not allow you to upset him each time you come here."

"I understand your concern. I do care about Mr. Chan also. I'm not just trying to use him for my purposes without regard to the consequences. I know what upset him yesterday. It was a man he knew. When he started talking about him, that's when he said he had to hide. I will not be asking him about that man anymore. I have his name and that's all I need. But…there are some other questions I do need to ask. I don't want to harm him. May I please ask him and just see how he reacts? If he seems even a little disturbed, I'll leave. It is important."

The nurse studied the woman's fair face for a moment while she talked. "Very well. He's in the sunroom right now. I'll keep a close check on him. If necessary I'll have you removed."

"That won't be necessary. I'll be careful…and I give you my word that I will stop if he starts getting uneasy."

"I'm only doing this because you are an officer. I hope you won't make me report you."

"I won't. I truly do care about Mr. Chan also."

"Very well. The sun room is the last room on the left down this hallway."

"Thank you."

Whew! Now Satay…you gave your word. But…I do care about him. He's so helpless…and alone it appears. It must be miserable being in this place and alone. No wonder he thinks I'm his old friend. He probably would like a friend to come and visit him occasionally.

The small woman walked into the sunroom. Bruck was sitting over by the glass looking out. Would he be upset to even see her again? She hoped not. Satay drew in a breath and slowly crossed the room.

"Bruck?" she said quietly.

He turned to look…and smiled. "Arana, hello."

She breathed a sigh of relief and sat down. "How are you Bruck? Do you feel better…than yesterday?" Dare she ask?

"Yesterday?" his face crumpled into a look of confusion. "I guess. I'm not sure."

Maybe he forgot it. I hope so. "It's nice out there. Do you go out much?"

"Yes. I like to walk outside. It feels good and smells good in the garden."

Satay smiled. At least he has some pleasure in his life. Then she remembered why she was here. "Bruck," she began slowly, "Do you remember teaching saber fighting on Coruscant?"

"Yes," he smiled. "I was good. That's why they asked me to do it."

"Do you remember the people you taught?"

"I remember who was best at it."

"Can you tell me their names?"

"No, I can't do that. I said I wouldn't. They were put in the special group. The one that was taught by…"

No…don't remember that right now. Don't think about him. Please don't get upset. "Bruck, you were best at the temple, weren't you?"

"Yes," he said. "I was. I won against almost all the other initiates. Remember that time…"

Satay let him ramble for a minute. The best saber fighters were put in a special group? A group taught by…. He didn't say the name, but I saw that look on his face. Nurala had his favorites…the best fighters. And then he took over their training. Bruck knows something about that group. Something he has said he wouldn't tell. And…there seems to be enough fear there to make him keep that promise even now. This Nurala sounds like one bad person….

Obi-Wan was on his way to Bruck's room. As he passed the nurses' station, Nurse Bola called out a greeting. He stopped short.

"How is Bruck today?"

"He's fine."

"Better than yesterday?"

"Oh…did you come by? That must have been after I left. Yes, he is calmer now."

"Can you tell me about this person…Arana who came by?"

"I can do better than that. She's in the sunroom with Bruck right now. I told her that just because she is conducting an investigation…"

"An investigation?" the apprentice interrupted. Then he turned and hurried down the hallway to the sunroom. Obi-Wan stepped in…and stopped.

Satay saw movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned in curiosity.

Obi-Wan's mouth fell open and anger threatened to overwhelm him. "Satay! What are you doing here!"

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