Chapter 19: Live and Learn

-I-

When Jason stepped off the shuttle and out onto Tython for the first time, he was immediately struck about how natural everything was. After the overly developed world of Coruscant, and the sprawling scatterings of dwellings that dotted Ord Mantel, this new vista took a minute for Jason to get used to. After he had gotten used to the synthetic oil and city-smells, the vibrant trees, fields of grass, lush bushes was almost alien. There was no sign of any tech apart from the ring of lights surrounding the landing pad. Even the pathway that led away from the landing pad was overgrown, unlit torches lining it ever dozen or so meters. Towering mountains were devoid of any mansions, skyscrapers, or development of any kind, and stretched out in the distance. Birds sang in the background, the leaves rustled with the breeze. The distant roar of a waterfall could be heard, a stream tricking somewhere nearby. Soft white clouds dotted the beautifully blue sky. Everything just seemed so serene.

The abundance of nature reminded of Jason of the time when he and his family went camping in Yosemite when he had been in elementary school. Though they had stayed in the prepared cabins, and his dad had brought a portable stove—on which, one morning, Jason's dad had prepared two whole packages of bacon just to the bemusement of Jason—the trails and sights Jason had seen during their hikes had a very similar feeling.

And then the peace was ruined by an excited cry. "Shiny!"

Before Jason could register where the sound had come from, a figure had glomped onto him in an excited hug. He awkwardly returned the hug, as his mind caught up to what was happening and he recognized his ambusher. "Lailou?"

Lailou unglomped herself and grinned eagerly at him. "Master Cyre said that you were arriving today, so I snuck away to greet you!"

"It's great to see you again!"

"You too! Here, I want you to meet a good friend of mine," Lailou took one of Jason's hands and practically dragged him towards a nearby tree-line. "Glowy! I want you to meet Shiny! Come on out Glowy! It's okay!"

"I'm sensing a pattern with your naming scheme," Jason remarked.

"Well, he does glow. He's a little shy though."

Before Jason could ask any questions, he got his first look at a real live Flesh Raider. Lailou barely came up to the hammer-headed creature's chest, and Jason wasn't that much taller than Lailou. The red-skinned being was nearly as tall as the HK unit had been, but rather than a skinny metal frame, the Flesh Raider was at least a hundred kilos of pure muscle.

"Don't be scared," Lailou reassured, not Jason, but the Flesh Raider. She then turned to Jason. "I convinced Master Cyre to take him as his apprentice."

Seeing that Lailou had more or less completed the in-game mission to help a Force-sensitive Flesh Raider get proper training, Jason just chuckled.

"Nice to meet you, Glowy. I'm Shiny."

"Jedi say Jedi friend. Jedi Glowy greet new friend," The Flesh Raider said in broken Basic. "Jedi Shiny, Jedi Glowy friends?"

Jason took a moment to mentally translate what the hulking mass of muscle was saying. "Sure, we can be friends."

"See, you have two friends now," Lailou patted the Flesh Raider happily.

"Jedi Glowy makes friends with Jedi-den," the Flesh Raider rumbled.

"Anyway, we're here to pick you up," Lailou motioned to the speeder sitting in the tree-line. "Or we can walk. I don't mind either way."

"Den-chief said no walk. Den-chief said big trouble if Jedi not at lesson."

"Don't worry about it, Glowy. Once I introduce Shiny to Den-Chief Cyre, everything will be okay."

"Errrr…Jedi Master Jennsaur said she was the one that was going to teach me."

"She did?" Lailou's eyebrows almost disappeared into her hairline. "Almost every single person she's taken as an apprentice has died fighting the Sith."

"Yeah, I heard about that." Jason's smile faded.

Lailou realized that and patted Jason's arm. "Don't worry, I won't that happen! What happened on Ord Mantell won't repeat itself. I'm a trained Jedi now. See, even have a new lightsaber."

"It's only been three months," Jason pointed out.

"I'm a quick learner," Lailou replied. "So, walkies or speeder?"

"How far away is the Jedi Temple?"

"Hmmm….ten kilometers or so," Lailou guesstamated, making an 'iffy' motion with one hand. "Maybe closer to fifteen."

"I think it might be faster to take the speeder," Jason said dryly. "We can save the nature walk some other time."

"No problem. Any luggage?"

Jason jerked a finger to the duffle-bag he had slung around his broad shoulders. "Just this. It has the armor set Leora got for me and a few extra changes of clothing. I was told the temple provides everything else?"

"Yup. Food is provided, so are toothbrushes, tooth-paste, back-brushes, hair-brushes, soap, and towels. I've never been in one, but I heard someone compare the place to a luxury hotel."

The three climbed into the speeder, with Lailou continuing to chat about the temple almost non-stop.

"The temple itself is HUGE. I mean, I've never even seen buildings that big. It's located between these two mountain ranges and has a lake, waterfall, and a river. There are buildings all over the place. I've only been here three months and haven't even explored a tenth of the place!"

The speeder took off, and Jason had been so busy observing the scenery that he needed to do a double-take when he realized that Lailou wasn't the one driving.

"Lailou."

"Yeah?"

"Glowy knows how to drive a speeder, right?"

"He has a durasteel foot, but he'll get the hang of it," Lailou said brightly. "Worse comes to worse, we can leap out of the speeder before it crashes."

Jason felt a bead of sweat develop on his forehead, even though the weather was crisp, clear and comfortable. It wasn't that Glowy was a terrible driver….he was….but it was more like Glowy didn't seem to stick to the defined pathway. Glowy seemed to be playing the game 'run over the nearest bush', and swerved through shrubbery after shrubbery, laughing like a terrifying hammer-headed, muscle-bound, little kid all the while.

"Watch out for that tree!" Jason yelled.

The speeder swerved at the very last second, plowing through another bush and nearly flipping over. It skidded to a halt in the middle of a wide-open field, startling the massive herd of innocently grazing Uxibeasts.

"Lots of Yum-Yums!" Glowy's eyes shone brightly, and if he was in an anime, Jason would swear that stars and hearts could be seen in them.

"Glowy, we already ate before picking up Shiny!" Lailou said, wadding up a physical manual and bopping the Flesh Raider on the head as if it were a disobedient dog.

"But lots of Yum-Yums!"

"Jedi-Den-Chief Cyre is going to be mad if we're late," Lailou reminded.

Glowy drooped in dejection.

"Fine, we'll take one to go," Lailou sighed, gesturing. An Uxibeast let out a startled moo as it was lifted up into the air. The other Uxibeasts took off in fear.

"Jedi-friend, best Jedi-friend!" Glowy said happily.

"To the temple!" Lailou pointed, while levitating the flailing Uxibeast over the back of their speeder.

Jason just stared in disbelief, before shaking his head and laughing at the antics of the duo. He did feel slightly bad for the oversized Uxibeast that was now mooing in terror as it flew through the air above the treeline. But he was more impressed by Lailou's ability to maintain the Force-Lift over the duration of their journey. He examined the blood-red haired woman, and then he started coughing as he choked on his own saliva in shock.

"You found a datacron!?"

"Datacron? What's that? I found a shiny box in a cave full of cute kitties though," Lailou grinned toothily. "It wasn't blue like yours though. It was bright purple. I touched it and the energy went into me, and now Master Cyre's lessons are a little boring because I can do this all day."

She emphasized her words by levitating the Uxibeast even higher into the air, before lowering the terrified pack-animal back just above tree-level.

In no time at all, thanks to Glowy ignoring non-existent speed-limits and existent safety-rules, the speeder crested one last hill. The sight that greeted Jason caused his jaw to drop. If he needed any more convincing that he was no longer in a game, it was the fact that the "Jedi Temple" on Tython was actually more like a "Jedi City". The main building was still the same. But in front of it, around it, behind it, and as far as they eyes could see, there were buildings and training areas of all sorts.

"Welcome to the Jedi Temple Complex of Tython," Lailou crowed.

After absently removing the stray leaves and branches that had adhered to him, Jason nodded mutely. His eyes were still bulging as he struggled to get his thoughts in order. The serene sense of the forest remained, but before him, that sereneness was tempered with a purpose. As if everyone and thing had a place, something to do. Rather than one structure, the Jedi Temple was a complex network of buildings that stretched across a wide valley. There were multiple sparring rings set up in one corner. Open-aired lecture areas in another. Simple, mud and straw-thatched houses lined the river that wound in front of the temple. The towering trees that ringed the immediate area also had structures built into them. More modern durasteel and duracrete structures dotted the grounds. A distant waterfall gleamed from the mid-day sunlight, feeding into the river which led out into a vast lake. The entire scene looked like a combination of a Kashyyyk village mixed with Rivendell from Lord of the Rings, and a sprawling college.

At that thought, Jason's lips quirked upwards into a wry smile. He had spent the last twelve years at the local city college because his health had always gotten in the way. To think that even in another universe he'd be returning back to 'school'.

"Alright Glowy, you have to eat the Yum-Yum here. You remember what happened the last time we tried to feed you down there," Lailou addressed the Flesh Raider. "I'll take Shiny on a tour."

"Okay!" Glowy climbed out of the speeder looking like an eager child.

Lailou flipped the Uxibeast over to the Flesh Raider and then gunned the engines as the sounds of an Uxibeast being devoured echoed in the background.

The speeder took off, and Jason got a very good idea of where Glowy had gotten his driving skills from. She barely slowed down when they reached the edge of the developed region of the Temple grounds.

"This area is referred to as the 'Grounds'," Lailou explained, making a wild gesture to the entire area. Several people dove out of the way as she powered through the streets. "Most of the lessons and training take place here."

"How many Jedi are in this place?" Jason was looking left and right, and wherever he looked he saw someone in Jedi robes doing whatever it was Jedi did at the Jedi Temple.

"Thousands I guess?" Lailou guessed with a shrug. "A whole lot. And it depends on what you count as Jedi. The Agri-Corps are full of Force-sensitives who couldn't pass the trials. They're the ones who grow our food. If you look at that mountain over there and see the terraces, that's their main HQ. Depending on who you ask, they're either Jedi or they're not. Then there's Management. They're the guys that oversee the various colonies on Tython as well as any non-Force-users who live at the Temple. They're also Force-sensitives who didn't pass their trials. Unless you're a defecting Sith, pretty much all Jedi have started out here."

"Yeah…." Jason's head was spinning from all this extra information. He knew his nerd-brother would have known the finer details of the Jedi Order of old, but he had never been one for the 'lore' so to speak. In fact, his brother could have probably made up details and Jason still wouldn't have known if it was actual canon or not. But seeing and hearing this had definitely thrown him for a loop.

"What were you expecting?"

"Well, I just thought that the 'Jedi Temple' was one building," Jason answered.

"There is only one Temple. Does that count?" Lailou quipped with a grin.

"I guess."

"We have thousands of Jedi here from all over the galaxy. Not everyone can breathe oxygen too. You didn't expect the Order to cram them into a single building, did you?"

"I guess not."

"For example, you see those tree-houses over there? Those are the homes for the various species that feel safer off the ground or are used to living in more natural environments. Those durasteel buildings over there are for ammonia or methane breathers and go deep underground. And that large shell-like structure by the lake is for the aquatic Jedi—Mon Cal, Nautolan, Quarren—to relax and hydrate."

"Where do you live?"

"I put up a tent at the campsite by the trees over there," Lailou pointed. "I don't like sleeping indoors if I can help it. Most of the other humans here either sleep in the dorms inside the temple, or if they're lucky, get their own wooden hut."

Lailou kept their speeder at just-above sane speeds, pointing out locations as they headed towards the towering structure that was the main Jedi Temple building. That was the only recognizable building from the game. Everything else, he was seeing for the first time.

"Over there is barracks for the Republic forces stationed on Tython. I've heard them call this the cushiest assignment inside the Core. The medical center is that round building on the right. All the Jedi healers have their lessons there." As she spoke a heavy transport came down from the clouds and landed on the wide open space besides the disc-like building. "Ever since the war started heating up, they've been getting transports on a daily basis."

The transport was one of the mega-transport types, easily as large as the building it was landing behind.

"We have the sparring rings by the main entrance of the Temple. There's an unofficial ranking system for those really serious about that sort of thing."

Jason's stomach chose that moment to growl, and he was reminded that he hadn't eaten since earlier in the day. "How about food?"

"A lot of good places. The dining commons inside the Temple has a nice variety of food, all of it freshly made. The food-court over by the barracks has a more varied selection, but a lot of it is imported. If you really want the yummiest food though, you need to hike or speeder up to the terraces. The Agro-Corp has the best food hands down. Then there are food stalls and traveling carts that you'll run all over the place. Jedi training burns a lot of calories. You hungry?"

"Starving."

"Great, it's been a while since I had Agro-Corp food!" Lailou veered away from the Jedi Temple and towards a winding path that let up into the terraced mountainside.

"I thought you needed to meet up with Jedi Master Cyre?"

"Lunch break," Lailou beamed, the speeder rocking as she ran over a fallen log.

Jason smiled at her enthusiasm, and used the time to survey the passing surroundings. Despite the fact that the Jedi Order had developed the region, they had still adhered to the 'keeping the balance' principle when it came to respecting nature. The area was developed, but not overly so. The forests were still thick and vibrant, and the air still fresh and crisp. The road Lailou was using was demarcated by flaming braziers, and looked as if it would be reclaimed by the forest at any moment.

"Are there any problems with the Flesh Raiders?" Jason asked, wanting to see how different the situation was from the game.

"Glowy's people? Nah. They live in the mountains a little north from here. Since I've been here, Glow's the only Flesh Raider I've seen," Lailou shook her head. "I did hear that a year or so back there was an uprising of Flesh Raiders. But that was only because one of the Jedi-in-training here fell to the dark side and bent them to his will. Master Cyre said that since then, as long as we respect their territory and traditions, we shouldn't have a problem with them."

"How about any caves full of out-of-control training droids?" Jason asked, thinking about the Heroic-level mission.

"If there was anything like that, the Masters would shut it down and send in the garrison," Lailou shook her head again. "Jedi Master Jennasaur is really protective of her students and would never deliberately place them in harm's way. I mean, that's not to say there aren't any dangers on Tython. The wildlife can get pretty threatening, and some of the training programs run by the Masters can potentially be lethal. But like Master Cyre told me, Tython is a place for Jedi to build their foundations, to start anew, and to find their place in the galaxy. Hard to do that if you're running for your life."

Jason didn't respond. That was either good or bad. Either the Heroic-level cave hadn't been discovered yet, or it didn't exist. In any case, the surroundings soon distracted him from his worries.

The speeder went ever upwards and Jason found the route very, very scenic. The mountains that stretched up into the clouds, the seemingly endless expanse of trees and plants, the way the sounds of the Temple Complex faded and was replaced by the rustling of the tree, bird calls, and animal sounds. It was all straight out of a movie, a story-book, only real. As the forest gave way to the terraced steppes the air grew more moist and cooler. A faint layer of fog seemed ever-present in the area, the greenery more muted. There were vast fields of crops stretching across the mountainside, droids and people alike tending to them. Some of them waved as they passed, others just smiled and shook their heads.

"Hey Lailou!" More than a few voices called out.

"Dirty! Furry! Leafy!" Lailou replied in greeting, showing her naming conventions hadn't been reserved for Jason and the Flesh Raider.

"You're popular," Jason laughed.

"The people here aren't as snobby as the ones down in the valley," Lailou quipped, still waving at the people they were passing. "These ones know that they've reached their limits but still try to help the Jedi Order any way they can. The ones down there tend to be more… 'oh, look at me; I'm on Tython training to be this big-shot. I don't have time to mess around'."

"All of them?"

"Well, the ones I've run into anyways," Lailou's friendly demeanor dimmed somewhat, but then recovered right away. "Anyways, I have Glowy, and now you're here Shiny, so who gives a flipping Jawa about them!"

Unlike down in the valley, Lailou had slowed the speeder down to an even crawl, happily pointing out the various agricultural features of the Jedi Order's 'bread-basket'. There were Uxibeasts pulling plows, 'I'm not allowed to bring Glowy up here anymore after this one incident,' and Thranta-riders gliding over the vast fields, 'jumping off into the lake from one of those is tons of fun. I'll take you up there when you have the time'. With this part of Tython being wholly original, Jason just listened to Lailou babble on as he took in the sights.

And then they reached the 'place with really, really, really good food'. Its slanted, tiled roofs and column-like shape rising out from a rectangular structure resembled the offspring of a pagoda and a teahouse. The walls were all mud brick with plaster, the railings made of some bamboo-like planet.

"Welcome to the best kept secret on Tython," Lailou eased the speeder into a parking slot next to the restaurant and turned it off. "This is the Steppes of Delight. You really have to try their noodles; they make them fresh every day. Best in the galaxy. Oh, and their oven-roasted Porg is to die for!"

The two entered through the beaded curtain that served as the doorway.

"You can order whatever you want," Lailou continued. "It's my treat. I recently finished this assignment for my ma….ster."

Lailou trailed off. Sitting on a barstool calmly drinking a cup of tea was a rather handsome-looking man wearing a Martial Pilgrim's outfit. A Freelance Hunter's wide-brimmed, round hat sat on the countertop next to him. His angular face was accented by his short-cut, swept-back brown hair. Like Jennasaur, he had an ageless face, and could have been anywhere from his late twenties to his early fifties. The man radiated a quiet confidence, and his posture was impeccable. Jason recognized the man immediately, and though he felt another twinge of homesickness, he couldn't help but wonder what this universe's version of Cyre would be like.

"Lailou." The man greeted, not turning around.

"Master Cyre, what are you doing here?" Lailou blinked wildly.

"I figured my apprentices would be a little late to their lesson so I thought I'd stop by for some food," Cyre answered mildly, fingers tapping a pattern on the teacup,

"All the way out here?"

"Best kept secret on Tython."

Lailou deflated. "Errr…Master, this is my friend…Shiny….I forgot his real name. But he's shiny in the Force, so…"

"It's okay," Cyre motioned to the empty bar stools on either side of him. "Relax. Both of you, pull up a chair. Jennasaur told me her apprentice would be joining us here on Tython. As my apprentice stated, I'm Jedi Master Cyre."

"Jason, Jason Kenji," Jason shook the offered hand and took the seat next to Cyre. Lailou took the seat on the other side of Jason, as if using him as a buffer between herself and her master.

"Nice to meet you. What's your impression of Tython so far?"

"Very….nature-y?" Jason tried to get his words in order. Maybe it was because he had been close friends with the guy who created Cyre in his old life, but talking with Cyre felt a little more strange than usual. "It's definitely relaxing. A lot different than the places I've been to."

"Tython does have that effect on people." Cyre handed Jason two menus, and Jason passed one down to Lailou. "Feel free to order whatever you want. It's on me. Since this is your first time here, I recommend the noodles. The Porg-based broth is really good here."

"Right," Jason glanced over the menu. The selections wouldn't have looked out of place at a pan-Asian restaurant, only the meat and plant selections were definitely foreign. He followed Lailou and Cyre's advice and placed the order with the bartender. "What type of tea do you have here?"

"What type do you want?" The bartender smiled. He handed Jason another menu, and the list of fifty-plus selections left Jason flabbergasted.

"You wouldn't happen to have Green Tea, would you?" Jason asked weakly.

"We have fifteen different varieties," the bartender tapped the datapad menu and the selections shrunk to the fifteen options.

"Errr, this one, I guess?" Jason pointed to one from a planet he hadn't known existed in the Star Wars universe.

"Good choice. It goes great with the broth," the bartender filled up a teapot with hot water. He then reached into a bin set up on the opposite counter, took a pinch of greenery, and added it to the teapot. He placed the teapot and a cup in front of Jason. "Give it a couple minutes to seep. By the time your order is ready, it should be good to go."

"Thanks."

The bartender gave Jason a two-fingered salute before moving on to help another customer.

"So, Jason, the one-billion credit question," Cyre said casually. "Why have you come to Tython?"

"To learn how to use the Force, I guess," Jason shrugged. In the background, Lailou ordered a whole roasted-Porg. "Isn't that why everyone comes here?"

"To use the Force, is that it?" Cyre arched a thin eyebrow.

"Master, he's not even your apprentice," Lailou spoke up. "Don't mess with his head like you do with mine every day!"

"It's okay, Lailou. Maybe, I also want to find my place in this galaxy," Jason amended his previous answer.

"Good luck with that," Cyre raised his teacup and finished its contents. "I've spent the last twenty years searching for mine, and all my searching has done is led me to this place, drinking a cup of tea. If you find your answer, please let me know how you've managed to do it."

"Isn't your place in this galaxy asking me and Glowy questions that make our heads hurt?" Lailou spoke up.

"If the Force has decided that that's my purpose in life, I'm going to go into my meditation chamber and cry," Cyre replied dryly. He then addressed Jason again. "Maybe I'm just a little bitter, but I would suggest you lower your expectations. Tython isn't the mythical be-all, end-all to all your life's problems. If that were so, then the Jedi Order wouldn't always be on its backfoot when it comes to galactic events."

"Why did you come to Tython, Master?" Lailou asked.

Cyre glanced down at his empty teacup, before smiling faintly at Lailou and Jason. "To find my place in the galaxy."

Cyre then stood, put on his hat, and flipped a credit-chit over to the bartender. "I'm covering these two's meals. Have a good day."

"You too, Master Cyre," the bartender nodded.

Cyre clapped a hand on both Jason and Lailou's shoulders in a friendly manner. "Enjoy your food."

And then, without another look back, he exited the restaurant.

"Soooo, that was my master," Lailou murmured softly, ignoring the food that the bartender placed in front of her. "Rumors has it that he lost his wife in the war. They were childhood sweethearts or something like that. But I guess the Force had other plans for them. He's been holed up on Tython ever since."

"Lailou, if you were to come up with a nickname for Cyre, what would it be?" Jason asked softly.

Lailou glanced back towards the restaurant's exit, her demeanor a far cry from the happy-go-lucky exuberance she normally emitted. She then shook her head and forced herself to smile. "I only come up with fun nicknames."

Jason nodded in acceptance, his own attention drawn to the steaming bowl of ramen-looking noodles placed before him. "Best noodles in the galaxy, huh?"

"Yeah."

Jason, normally hesitant about trying new food, casually used the chopsticks provided to pick up a single strand of yellow noodle. He tentatively tried it, and then his eyes widened and a smile appeared on his face. For the longest time there had been a ramen restaurant by the hospital he had frequented, owned and operated by a Japanese chef who made the noodles from scratch. Whenever he had been hospitalized as a child, his parents would buy him some and bring it to his room. It had been the best ramen he had ever tasted.

As he eagerly dug into his bowl of ramen and soup, he could definitely say that this topped those noodles by an entire galaxy. The noodles were firm, the soup the right balance of salty and savory. The slices of roast meat disintegrated in his mouth. For a moment, the galaxy's troubles faded away. Before he knew it, the bowl was completely empty.

"See, told ya," Lailou giggled, seeing his bewildered expression.

Jason wiped his mouth with a napkin and laughed as well. "Definitely the best noodles in the galaxy."

-II-

It was several hours later when Jason finally made it through the front entrance of the Jedi Temple. After having seconds of the galaxy's best ramen, Lailou took him on a guided tour of the Agro-Corp region. They then took a Thranta back, giving Jason a slow, amazing, aerial view of the amazing Jedi Temple Complex. Now within the building, the lobby looked exactly like what it was like in the game, with a pair of long staircases bracketing an oversized holocron.

"Two and a half hours later. Ten credits, Cyre," Jennasaur's voice broke through Jason's musings and he looked to see the famed Jedi Master standing in the shadow of the massive Holocron of Ancient Masters. Next to her was a put-out looking Cyre. "A bet's a bet."

Cyre exhaled and handed Jennasaur another credit chit. "Here."

"Don't worry, Cyre. We Jedi Masters are allowed to have some flaws," Jennasaur said with a superior smirk. "Yours just happens to be being on the wrong side of every single odds possible.

"It's not that bad. I win some bets."

"The ones you win tend to be the ones you didn't want to win. The only time you won against me, you got my job for a week. If I recall correctly, you were begging me to take my job back at the end of the first day."

"I did not beg. I just requested enthusiastically and often. How was I supposed to know that pretending to be a wise old Jedi Master took so much effort? And you said you weren't going to mention that ever again!"

"Right."

Cyre stepped towards a bemused Jason. "Jason, you wouldn't happen to know where my apprentices are, would you?"

Jason shook his head. "Lailou said she had to find Glowy."

"I was worried when I didn't see Fashk at the restaurant," Cyre groaned. It took Jason a moment to realize that Fashk was 'Glowy's' real name. "I'll see you later, Jenn. I'm going to go find my apprentices before they start another Uxibeast stampede, unionize the training droids again, or organize a second backpacking trip to Flesh Raider territory."

"Maybe they're trying to graze the wild Uxibeast at the Agro-Corp farmlands again," Jennasaur offered.

"Not helping!"

"Good luck," Jennasaur smiled faintly.

Cyre left in a hurry, actually using the Force to enhance his speed. As he departed, Jason could distinctly hear him complain. "What's the point of making the lobby of this building so big that it takes forever to cross?"

"Errr…Sorry if I'm a little late," Jason said, approaching Jennsaur.

Jennasaur waved a hand dismissively. "It's not like you were supposed to be here at a set time. I assume Jedi Apprentice Lailou showed you around the area?"

"Yeah."

Jennasaur gestured to one of the long staircases that led to the second level, and they began walking. "Your time here is mostly all your own. You'll find a list of the various lectures and lessons offered by the Jedi Knights and Masters here on the local HoloNet. Any lessons you wish to take are up to you. If you would like my advice on any particular lesson, I can provide that as well. Thrice a week, however, I will ask that you meet with me so we can work on your specially acquired skill-set if you know what I mean."

"Okay."

"You are familiar with the Jedi Code, I assume?"

"More or less. I'm not an expert on it or anything though."

"People can spend their whole lives trying to divine what the original creators of the code intended and still not succeed," Jennasaur waved a hand dismissively. "Just a passing familiarity is enough. I can give you a datapad with the information on it if you would like."

"It's been a while since I saw it, so it'd be helpful," Jason said honestly.

"And while not in the Code, I assume you know about the Jedi Order's stance on attachments?"

"They're not allowed?"

"More like…frowned upon," Jennasaur chose her words carefully. "Like I said, nowhere in the Code does it say that attachments are forbidden. But at the same time, the traditionalists among the Order believe that the line 'there is no emotion, there is peace' means Jedi are forbidden from forming relationships that would cloud their judgment. Grandmaster Shan and a majority of the Jedi Council take the traditionalist view of the Code, so unless there are special circumstances, and without the blessing of the Council any relationship between Jedi is forbidden."

"Okay?"

"I am telling you this in case you and Jedi Apprentice Lailou…"

"We're just friends," Jason said quickly, feeling some heat come to his cheeks. "I mean, good friends. We fought side by side on Ord Mantell."

"You don't have to justify or explain yourself to me," Jennasaur smiled patiently. "I just want to let you know that since you are now officially my apprentice, what you do is a reflection of my character. And as we come to know each other more, I am hoping that I will become a reflection of your character as well."

Jason didn't exactly know what to say to that. He doubted saying, 'but you are a reflection of my character' would help anything. He still found it surreal that the character he had created was her own person and truly existed. Not that he needed it, but if he wanted any more proof that this was no longer just a game, Jennasaur was all the proof he needed.

"You are probably wondering why Grandmaster Shan allows me to run the day-to-day operations on Tython when my viewpoint contrasts so sharply with her own."

"More or less," Jason said weakly.

"She is well aware that I disagree with her on many points, however, that is precisely why I was chosen for this job. It is easy to surround yourself with people who say what you want to hear and agree with your every decision. But by appointing those with contrasting opinions to your inner circle, your mindset will be challenged. And this allows room for oneto grow as a person. That's not to say everyone is happy with my appointment. A couple of the grumpier Jedi Masters on the Council are just looking for a reason to hold a vote to remove me from my position. But that is something you don't need to worry about at the moment."

As they walked along the upper level, the Jedi they passed all bowed respectfully. Some of the younger Jedi seemed to be in such awe that they forgot to bow until a friend or companion elbowed them or helped them bow. Jennasaur just smiled at each of them in turn.

It was also then that Jason realized that a fair number of the Jedi were also looking at him with varying expressions. Some with envy, some with admiration. Jason could also feel more than a few people size him up. Not exactly used to the feeling, but not one to shy away from a challenge either, Jason returned the glances. He was grateful that they were at the Jedi Temple and not the Sith Academy. After all, the Sith way of getting ahead was often by removing a head or two. At the same time, such conflicts among the Jedi hadn't exactly been present in the game other than 'random Jedi was so ambitious that he fell to the dark side'. How Jedi-envy was going to play out was anyone's guess.

"I can see you're aware that your status as my apprentice is the most exciting thing that's happened on this planet since the war resumed," Jennasaur muttered.

"I'm getting that impression."

"For those who envy you, they will temper you just as you will temper them. I will not lie and say your position is no more different than that of any other apprentice. But at the same time, the statement holds some truth. Just because you are my apprentice does not mean you will receive any special treatment. You are a Jedi Apprentice just like any other. Like all apprentices, your name was placed in a random selection program that assigns the living quarters."

"Where did I get assigned?"

"You share a dwelling just outside this building with another Jedi Apprentice," Jennasaur held out a datapad for Jason to take. "Your roommate is the apprentice of Jedi Master Yollo. Jedi Apprentice Spanios."

Jason had to stop in his tracks upon hearing this name, now certain more than ever that his older brother had a hand in the universe he had found himself in. In the game, Spanios was part of a very amusing side mission. In the mission, a Jedi Master would ask the player character to investigate to see if Spanios is in a relationship with another apprentice, Moracen. The amusing part came from the over-acting of Spanios and Moracen, as well as the choices the player character could make. They could blackmail the duo, encourage the duo's relationship, convince Spanios that breaking up is best for the both of them, and so on. Jason and his brother often mocked the side-mission because of its silliness, and were rather disappointed when the devs cut out that side-mission during one of the many updates to the game.

"Is there a problem?" Jennasaur cocked her head to the side with a confused frown on her face.

"No, no problem at all." Jason recovered. He briefly wondered what 'stage' of the mission the duo's relationship was at. Then immediately chided himself for once again thinking that things were like the game. "Errr…do you know anything about Jedi Apprentice Spanios?"

"Only a few vague details," Jennasaur answered. "According to his master, he's level-headed and studious. He shouldn't have a problem with you being my apprentice if that's what you're worried about."

"Oh, okay, that's good."

"Anyways, here's where my office and quarters are located." The two stopped in front of a side passage. To Jason's amusement, a red, shimmering forcefield was barring the way. Just when he tried to distance himself from the 'it's not a game' mindset, he'd see something that was very reminiscent of the game. It was like this universe couldn't make up its mind. "If you could place your hand on the control console to let the security terminal register your bio-signs please."

Jason did as directed. After a moment, the computer chirped and the red energy field turned green, before disappearing entirely. Once the forcefield was gone, Jason noticed that Jennasaur's office was massive in size. Nearly as large as the Jedi Council chambers. The room was decorated with every conceivable Jedi decoration one could fit inside an office. Stone steles surrounded two glowing meditation pads on one side of the room. Jedi-style chairs surrounding an oblong table on the other. A small artificial waterfall against the back wall drained into a bubbling Jedi-style fountain. And the room was decked out in Republic and Jedi insignias, from the rugs to the banners on the walls. Jedi library panels glowed a soft blue along one wall, and along another, a row of nooks in the wall displayed sparkling holocrons. Crystalline chandeliers dangled from the ceiling, and glowing green crystals orbited a large rock in the center of a sandy garden. From the potted ferns and trees, to the chirping of gizka and small birds, it was as if Jennasaur's office was an indoor garden.

"You now have full access to my office," Jennasaur motioned welcomingly. Jason still had trouble hinging his jaw shut. "Once you get your schedule set up, let me know which times you have available to train and I'll try to rearrange my own schedule to match. If I run into any conflicts, I will let you know."

"Thank you," Jason bowed his head on reflex.

"The only thing else is the point-system. Has Jedi Apprentice Lailou told you about them?"

"No."

"Basically, the Temple has a point system open to the apprentices based on your achievements and contributions to the Order. Completing lessons, successfully fulfilling missions, aiding the Order in other ways, all earn you points. With those points you can purchase materials from our storeroom, invest in a speeder or mount, the full list can be found on the local HoloNet. The mission office is on the first floor, ironically enough, situated next to med-bay. You don't have to participate in this system, but some of our apprentices need additional motivation to completing their training. And if you have the ability, you might enjoy some of the luxuries the points provide."

"Okay."

"For now, I'll let you settle in to your living quarters. If you need help finding it, I'm just a comm-call away."

-III-

Duffle-bag slung over his shoulder, Jason stared at the building that would be his home for his stay on Tython. Despite his dozen years in college, he had never had the full 'dorm' experience, and figured that this would be the closest he would get. The building wouldn't have looked out of place at a Hawaiian-themed tiki-resort. Stationed a short walk away from the nearby lake, the walls were made of bamboo-looking plants and had a palm-frond roof.

"Dorm experience, right," Jason just shook his head at the ridiculousness of it all. He ascended the small wooden staircase and placed his hand on the palm-reader at the metal-disguised-as-wood door. He stepped in and his eyes adjusted to the change in light. But as it did, he heard a voice, two voice actually, filter through a partially opened-doorway.

"Spanios, did you hear something?"

"It's nothing, my love."

"But I thought your housemate was supposed to arrive today?"

"If he hasn't come by now, he probably got held up, Moracen my sweet. We have these last few hours together, do you really want to spend them thinking about this potential roommate of mine?"

Jason felt like facepalming on the spot and he sent a glare up at the ceiling. He cleared his throat. "Hello?"

There was startled gasp, followed by the frantic sound of fabric rustling. Jason took the time to glance about the 'dorm room'. It was a relatively simple setup. There was a kitchenette, a small living room, and three doors leading to other rooms. The middle of the three rooms was a restroom/shower. The open door to the left revealed a simple bedroom. And Jason could only assume that the partially-open door on the right led to his housemate's.

A hasty minute later, a shirtless Zabrak male emerged from the bedroom. He was obviously trying to remain calm and nonchalant, but a hickey on his neck betrayed him. "Err…hello. Welcome. I'm Spanios."

"I'm Jason. You know, Moracen doesn't have to leave by the window," Jason deadpanned, seeing the flash of movement in the bedroom Spanios had just left.

Spanios paled. "Please don't tell anyone about us. Our masters wouldn't understand."

"Errr…you don't have to worry," Jason answered faintly, wondering if he was earning dark side points as he did. He pointed at Spanios' collar area. "Just…you might not want to leave any evidence."

Spanios checked in the bathroom mirror and groaned. "Moracen."

As if summoned, a slender, pale-skinned, dark-haired human, woman emerged from the bedroom. Unlike Spanios, she was fully dressed in the garb of a Jedi Apprentice. Seeing the mark she had left on the Zabrak, she hastily reached into a pouch on her utility belt and pulled out a makeup kit. "Here, you can use this to cover it."

Jason couldn't have felt more awkward at the moment. "So….I'm Jason Kenji."

"You probably heard, I'm Moracen," the female Jedi Apprentice returned the greeting, looking a little sheepish. "I apologize for this…situation. It's just that Spanios and I were on separate missions and it was several weeks since we last saw each other, and my master and I are leaving on another mission tomorrow. One thing led to another and…"

"It's okay," Jason held up a hand. "I don't need to know the details."

"Thank you so much for not telling our masters," Moracen continued. "Spanios and I just can't help the way we feel about each other."

"Yeah," Jason replied.

"Spanios, my love. I'm leaving."

"If the Force permits it, we'll see each other again soon." The two embraced and shared another kiss. Then Moracen left in the most reluctant manner possible.

"Sooo…yeah," Spanios looked just as awkward as Jason. "It's….nice to finally meet you."

"You too," Jason said haltingly. His brain was still trying to comprehend the level of stupid it had just encountered. He choose to use that brief moment of awkwardness to enter his own bedroom and sling his duffle-bag full of belongings onto the bed.

Spanios cleared his throat and continued from the doorway. "I'm normally not one to stray from the Jedi Code. Honest. It's just that my master says that you only live life once, and I know that my feelings for Moracen are real. Beside, both she and I will soon be sent to the frontlines and there's no telling what awaits us there."

"You're graduating from Tython?" Jason asked, the detail catching his attention.

"Not exactly," Spanios shook his head. "The Sith are pouring all of their people into this new war. And after the loss of Taris, there has been a push from the Senate for us older students to contribute more in the field. Because of that, both Moracen's master and my own were recently told that we're being moved to the frontlines for supporting roles. The exact timing is still up in the air, but it'll be before this year is out."

"How long have you been on Tython?"

"I've been on Tython for almost fifteen years now. I was brought here when I was just ten years old and it's pretty much all I know," Spanios answered with a helpless shrug. "Moracen's been here for thirteen. But even then, it's not like either of us were being trained to fight in a war. Before we heard the news that we were being shipped out, Moracen and I were thinking of asking for permission to marry. We were going to just settle down on Tython, maybe help the Agro-Corps or join the diplomatic services."

"Can you refuse? I mean, it's not like the Jedi are going to force you to fight a war, right?"

"Both our masters are veterans of the previous war," Spanios sighed, returning to the living room and plopping down on the couch. He held his head in his hands. "And they've done so much for Moracen and myself. We probably could refuse to fight. But how would we be able to look at our masters again? At our fellow Jedi? Nearly everyone who joined the Order in our year is being shipped out. It's our duty as Jedi to protect the defenseless and keep the dark side at bay. There's also roles that don't involve fighting, like helping at refugee camps and tending to the wounded. So even if we said we didn't want to go to war, we'd probably be assigned to some role that was related to the war anyway. After all, when the entire galaxy is at war, as a Jedi, do we really have any place to just stand by and do nothing?"

"So that's why you and Moracen…"

"We're normally much more circumspect about our relationship," Spanios nodded wearily. "But everyone knows that this latest outbreak of violence between the Republic and Empire is just the start of something much bigger. I have no idea how much time Moracen and I actually have left and wanted to make the most of it."

Jason didn't know what to say to that. The situation had gone from comedic to dramatic in a split second. "Well…if the two of you want to spend some time together here in the future, just give me a head's up, okay?"

"Thank you," Spanios smiled faintly. "Sorry about dumping all that heavy stuff on you. I try to be strong for Moracen, but we both know the odds of the both of us surviving this war are very low. It's not like I can talk to anyone about her and I, at least not anyone who wouldn't tell our masters about us anyways. Have you made a lightsaber yet?"

"No," Jason shook his head. "I just got here."

Spanios walked over to a wicker bin and pulled out a yellowish crystal from it. "Here. It's not a bribe or anything, but it's not like I'll have need of it once I leave Tython."

"Are you sure?"

"I've already made my saber," Spanios jerked a finger back towards his bedroom. "That's just something I found on one of my missions. It conflicted with another crystal I had in my saber so I couldn't use it. Maybe it'll bring some luck to you."

"Thank you," Jason accepted the crystal. It felt warm in his hands, and looked almost like a piece of amber.

"No, thank you," Spanios pulled out a pair of bottles from the refrigerator unit and handed one of them to Jason. He then reclined back on the couch and used the Force to pop open his bottle. "It's a relief that at least someone knows about Moracen and I."

"How'd you two meet?" Jason sat on the lounger opposite of the couch and held out his bottle to Spanios.

Spanios made the same gesture and opened Jason's bottle. "We were accompanying our masters to this Twi'lek settlement to negotiate with the illegal colonists there. We were just kids then, but we just…you know, clicked. It wasn't love, not then. We were just good friends. But as we grew older, so did our feelings. We made little excuses to team up on the simplest of assignments. Did our best to keep in touch whenever we had a mission offworld. When we finally acknowledged our feelings for each other, we both knew it was wrong, but we couldn't help ourselves."

"And your masters don't suspect anything?"

"We're pretty sure they suspect something," Spanios shrugged helplessly. "But Moracen and I just brush off any concerns as us being really good friends. We always thought we'd have more time to figure things out. But then the Empire went and attacked the Esseles and the war started up again. Anyway, enough of my problems. Have you had a tour of the Temple Complex yet?"

"Lailou showed me around," Jason nodded. He took a swig from the bottle and found it to be a very light alcoholic beverage of some kind. It wasn't bad at all, and he took another swig. As he did, he could almost see his mother's frowny face. He knew she'd never approve if she knew he was becoming used to casually drinking beers in social settings. Ah, the college, dorm life.

"Jedi Master Cyre's apprentice?" If Zabraks had eyebrows Spanios' would have disappeared into his non-existent hairline.

"You know her?"

"Of her more like it," Spanios replied. "She's caused nothing but chaos since coming here. Her first month here, she convinced the training droids to go on strike until they got paid the same wages the off-world trainers get. It all had something to do with slave labor or something like that. She even led them on a march up to the Temple entrance. Anyways, it threw off the schedule of thousands of people and she made a whole bunch of enemies doing so."

Jason blinked wildly at the story. "What happened?"

"Jedi Master Jennasaur agreed with Lailou's demands and promised to pay the training droids," Spanios shook his head, still in disbelief over the matter. "The mob disbanded, but the droids wouldn't spar with any of the students until they received their wages."

"Wow."

"Yeah. And that was just the start of things. Jedi Apprentice Lailou isn't exactly popular with anyone at the moment," Spanios repeated.

"She is my friend though," Jason backed her up.

"I don't have anything against her," Spanios held up his hands. "The whole uproar actually allowed Moracen and I to sneak off for a stolen moment, so I didn't particularly mind. I just wanted to let you know that she might not know some of the more unique areas of the Temple Complex because of her 'outsider' reputation. I can introduce you to some of the movers-and-shakers among the Jedi Apprentices. It'll be good for you to have them at your back since you're Jedi Master Jennasaur's apprentice."

"Sure, I'd appreciate it," Jason agreed.

"Great," Spanios stood up and finished off his beer and pulled on a Jedi robe that had been bunched up on the couch. "Feel like going to meet some of them now, or do you want to rest up a little? I know you just got in and all that."

"No, I'm good," Jason stood and finished his beer in a long swig.

"It's actually good timing too. The afternoon lessons should be finishing up so we can catch a few of them straight out of class."

Jason followed Spanios out of the 'dorm' and out onto the busy streets of the Temple Complex.

"There's a couple of people you need to meet if you want to be in touch with the going-ons here," Spanios narrated. "There's Aven. He's the senior most apprentice here and is Master Braga's student. If the rumors are to be believed, he'll be going for his trials any day now. He knows where you need to go to get whatever you need. Can even recommend a specific master if you're looking to brush up on a certain skill."

"Okay."

"Then there's Kosh. He's also one of the more senior apprentices. He specializes in archaeology, so if there's any ruins on Tython you want to know more about, he's the man to go to. I heard he's also been handed his marching orders though, so I'm not sure how much longer he'll be on Tython."

"Jedi Apprentice Spanios!" A clear, innocent-sounding voice. A young-looking Zabrak female Jedi in apprentice garbs came skipping up to the pair. "Jedi Apprentice Spanios. I just heard, you're being shipped off to Balmora!"

"Jason, this is Jedi Apprentice Hallen. Her master is the archivist of Tython's records, Jedi Master Wettle. Hallen, this is my new housemate, Jedi Apprentice Jason Kenji."

"Master Jennasaur's new apprentice?" The young-looking Zabrak's eyes grew round and she hastily bowed. "It's an honor to meet you. I'm Hallen. But Spanios already told you that. Of course. If there's anything I can do for you, just let me know."

"I will, thanks," Jason said in bemusement, as she had said all of that in the direction of his feet.

Hallen shook herself and straightened from her bow. "Balmora! Right. Senior Apprentice Spanios, are the rumors true?"

"I didn't know the location I was being sent to until you just said it," Spanios shook his head. "So I don't know if they're true or not. How'd you hear about it?"

"Well, I heard it from Flingeld, who heard it from Avitla when she was in the archives, who heard it from Cora. And you know that Cora hears things from Jedi Master Braga."

Both Jason and Spanios looked at each other comically.

"So…who said it was Balmora?" Spanios asked faintly.

Hallen blinked. "Well, according to Avitla, Cora said it was Balmora, but when Flingeld heard it from Avitla, he said he was sure that Avitla said Belsavis…When I went to ask Cora, Cora said it was Alderaan. But she said it could have been Balmora or Belsavis because multiple names were brought up in the conversation she overheard between Master Din and Braga."

Again Spanios and Jason had to blink at one and other.

"Did Cora happen to say when I was being shipped out?" Spanios changed the subject.

Hallen shook her head. "No. Do you want me to go ask? I'm not sure where she is right now, but I can ask Flingeld, and he can tell Avitla to tell Cora that I'm looking for her."

"No…no, that's not really necessary," Spanios said weakly. "All I know is that I'm due to be shipped off to the warfront before the end of the year. I don't know where exactly though."

"Oh," Hallen deflated. Then perked up again. "I'll go find out the when and the where for you."

Then, before Spanios could say anything, the other Zabrak apprentice had darted off down the street.

"Yeah," Spanios scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "Ever since I mentored Hallen when she first arrived on Tython, she's had a bit of a hero-worship thing going on."

Jason laughed for more than one reason. "That was definitely something. A little cute."

"Come on. I'll take you to the hangout where all the big-guys are," Spanios waved down a taxi-droid, and soon the two were zooming through the streets. Unlike Jason's previous trip, however, this was at a much more sedate, less-likely-to-crash, pace. At least no one had to jump out of the way.

The taxi took them to the edge of the training area where a circular stone theater surrounded a sparring ring. The seats of the theater were full with cheering Jedi Apprentices and even some Knights.

"Knew they'd be here," Spanios chuckled. He led Jason up the stone steps, and Jason could see what everyone was cheering over.

In the middle of the sparring ring were four Jedi going at it at full speed, all using training sabers. At a second glance, however, Jason realized that it was actually a three-vs-one scenario. At a third glance, Jason was completely stupefied by the 'one' in the one-vs-three scenario. He was more than certain that the Miralukan Force-user was actually an Imperial toon, a Shadow tank by the name of Ravage.

Had his brother run out of his friends' Jedi characters and had to force an Imp toon in place of a Jedi one? Glancing at the trio facing off against Ravage, that might have been the case. He recognized Zagrsoda, the toon of Khokho's son. But the other two were NPC Jedi that Jason didn't immediately recognize.

"That's Jerridan," Spanios pointed out a tall, slender, brown-haired combatant. "He was just promoted to a Knight after passing his trials. The other guy with brown hair is Jedi Knight Cassius. He's being shipped out to Taris next week. The one with the hood is Jedi Knight Zagrsoda, one of the Temple's guardians."

"And the one they're going against?"

"Jedi Knight Ravage," Spanios murmured in a low voice. "He's considered a prodigy, the next Satele Shan, some say. He's actually seen combat on the frontlines at Quesh, Taris, and Balmora."

The trio circled Ravage, and then darted in at an unspoken signal. Ravage, however, deftly parried one strike, delivered a 'killing' blow to Jerridan. Ravage then dropped to the ground and swept out Cassius's legs, before launching Cassius out of the ring with a Force wave. Zagrsoda tried attacking from behind, but Ravage twisted and intercepted the training saber with his own. He then threw a handful of sand into Zagrsoda's face and 'slashed' the larger man with his training saber several times.

"If the three of you intend to be on the frontlines, you wouldn't last one second," Ravage said with an arrogant sigh, deactivating his training sabers. "The Sith won't show mercy. Won't give you a do-over. I hate to say it, with your lack of abilities and power level, the three of you are just too weak."

Jason and everyone in the theater heard the comments, and the trio Ravage had effortlessly defeated all wore sour expressions. Jason suddenly had a weird premonition that he was looking at the very start of the origin story to Imp-side Ravage. Arrogance, check. Power beyond his peers, check. All that need to happen now was for Ravage to be captured by the Sith. After all, Sith Inquisitors all started out as slaves. Jason felt a headache of immense proportions coming on.

"Anyways, I didn't bring you here for them," Spanios said in a low voice. "The guys I want you to meet are over there."

The Zabrak pointed to a crowd of seven or so Jedi Apprentices who looked as if they were in a clique all of their own. These apprentices all had their own lightsabers already and wore the fanciest, plain Jedi robes Jason had ever seen. In fact, due to the silken material they were made out of, their clothes looked more like kimonos than Jedi robes. Their boots, gloves, and even belts appeared to be made of rare leather or cloth. A majority of them even had a light-shoto in addition to their lightsaber, completing the 'samurai' look.

There was a general 'keep away' feeling that separated these 'elite' apprentices from the regular apprentices.

"Spanios!" A Mirialan called out in recognition.

"Aven!" Spanios waved. He nudged Jason forward.

"What brings you out this…oh, is this Master Jennasaur's new apprentice?"

Aven's comment drew the attention of the 'royalty' as well as the regular apprentices. Jason suddenly felt the gaze of everyone who had been within hearing distance of that comment.

"He is," Spanios nodded. "Jason. This is Aven. I told you about him earlier."

"Nice to meet you," Jason said politely.

"You as well," Aven nodded, ignoring Jason's outstretched hand. He instead gestured back to the ring. "What'd you think about the match?"

Jason withdrew his hand. "It ended quickly."

"It did." Aven agreed neutrally. "How'd you think you would have stacked up against Ravage?"

"Probably no better than those three," Jason answered. He got the impression that those nearby were hanging on to his every word.

"Ako, what do you think?" a red-haired female 'elite' asked a bulky man sitting at the back of the group.

Eyes went to the man in question and Jason realized that this 'Ako' was 'Ako Domi,' a fallen hero of the previous war rescued on Nar Shadda and brought to Tython to heal.

Ako studied Jason with red eyes. After a moment, he shook his head. "Thello can take him. He's not worth my time."

"Tyler?" Aven asked and stated at the same time.

Blonde-haired, blue-eyed, stereotypical noble Jedi posture, Tyler Thello studied Jason as well. After a moment, he tilted his head almost dismissively. "It'll be over quickly."

"Guys, I didn't bring him here for this," Spanios said faintly.

"You can leave, Spanios," Aven met the Zabrak's gaze meaningfully. "Don't worry. We just want to see what Master Jennasaur sees in him."

Jason wanted to protest, but then he heard Jennasaur's voice in his head. Tempering goes both ways. Sometimes even the best need to be humbled. The galaxy is not without its struggles. It is better to temper yourself through avoidable conflict, than to be forced to temper oneself when retreat is not an option. To find your place in the galaxy is one thing. Keeping that place, making it your own, is another. You can walk away or stay and fight, I will support either choice.

"He just arrived," Spanios continued to protest. "Hasn't even had a formal lesson yet."

"I heard he fought on the Esseles," one of the other 'elite' voiced.

"And helped Havoc Squad out on Ord Mantell," another said.

"It seems he has plenty of combat experience," Aven said mildly. "A friendly duel shouldn't be too much for him."

"Spanios, it's okay," Jason's voice broke through the lively 'discussion'. He made eye contact with Tyler and remembered that Tyler was a character the Bounty Hunter character would kill later on down the storyline. "Let's do this."

Tyler raised an eyebrow. "Arrogance will be your downfall."

"Funny, I was going to say the same thing," Jason retorted. "But I didn't want to sound like a boring Jedi who doesn't practice what he preaches"

The two headed for the ring, passing Ravage and the trio from earlier. Ravage overheard Jason's comment and smirked but said nothing else. The crowd, which had started to disperse after the previous fight, quickly came back together at the sight of the two combatants.

"Training sabers okay?" Tyler asked.

"I'm fine with it," Jason confirmed. Though he had never wielded a lightsaber in his life, he had taken an intensive fencing course one summer and had even scored a point on the teacher during the end-of-class demonstration.

Ravage flipped both Tyler and Jason a training saber, and then sat down on a stone bench on the sidelines.

"Because you haven't trained in the Force yet, I'll give you a handicap and not use any Force-techniques," Tyler said generously.

"That's your choice," Jason shrugged.

Tyler's expression darkened. "Then have it your way."

He started off the fight in a whirl of motion. Both hands were thrust out and two streams of Force-energy came rippling across the gravel fighting ring. Jason side-stepped the first, but was caught up by the Force-push of the second and sent flying back to the ground. The impact knocked the wind out of him, but he pushed himself back to his feet.

"Had enough?"

"That was it?" Jason raised an eyebrow and brushed off his shirt and pants. "Do you know who I am?"

Tyler's face tightened and he responded with a barrage of three Force-pushes. At the same time, he sprinted across the length of the fighting ring, training saber held at the ready.

Jason called on the datacron's energy within him and saw the trajectory of each of the Force-attacks. Like a dancer, he nimbly avoided each of them, the energies spraying gravel in his wake. Tyler's training saber came down, but Jason had already predicted its path as well. With a thrust of his own saber, Jason managed to poke Tyler's hand hard. Tyler reflexively dropped his saber, and Jason scooped it up before it hit the ground.

Tyler fired off several more pulses of Force energy, causing a cloud of dust to rise up around him and Jason. There was a strangled yelp, and everyone outside the dust cloud knew what had happened thanks to their Force-abilities. When the dust settled, Tyler was on the ground, with Jason standing over him holding both training sabers.

"You were right," Jason said mildly, throwing both sabers to the ground. "It was over quickly. Yield?"

"Yeah."

Jason eyed Aven and the others and, still riding on his adrenaline high, couldn't help but ask. "Are you not entertained?"

Silence greeted him, and Jason headed back towards Aven and the others. The crowd was likewise silent, shocked expressions visible both on their faces and in the Force.

Ravage chuckled throatily as Jason passed, turning his blind gaze towards the trio he had faced. "That's the difference between you greenhouse flowers and the wild ones."

"Nice moves," the red-haired 'elite' Jedi complimented loudly as if Jason's victory had been expected.

"Should have figured anyone Master Jennasaur would choose as her apprentice had some tricks up their sleeves," another complimented.

In the background, Tyler got to his feet, his face stormy. With a snarl he gestured and sent both training saber rocketing towards Jason's back. Both sabers, however, stopped in mid-air. Jason turned around at the commotion.

"You've lost, Tyler," Aven addressed the blonde Jedi, a single hand extended. "You're about to leave Tython anyways. Lose gracefully."

Tyler's expression soured and he abandoned his attack and stormed away.

"Come on up, Jason," Aven motioned to the level of the stone benches he was at. "Any apprentice of a member of the Jedi Council is welcome here. Now no one can say that you do not deserve your place."

"Is the ability to fight the only qualification?" Jason asked warily.

"No, but given the state of things, it's the one that matters the most at the moment." Ako answered coolly. "You can't fight, it doesn't matter how good you are at other things. The Imps will kill you or twist you into a weapon of their own."

As Jason joined Aven, he saw a flash of blood-red and thought he saw Lailou in the crowd. However, when he looked harder, he couldn't see any trace of her. He was distracted from those thoughts a moment later when Ako clapped a hand on Jason's shoulder.

"That's the thing about this galaxy, Jason. You either fight to survive or die underfoot. All this knowledge and philosophy is pointless if you're dead. You have to be alive to improve. Basically, you live and learn."

-Chapter End-

A\N: And the theme for this story arc's chapter titles are….names from MacGyver episodes that came out in the 1990s. Jason was a fan of the original series and found the quasi-villain Murdoch to be one of his favorite characters.