Chapter Twenty-Two

Aalea walked quietly down the aisle of the Healer's Wing. To her it was the most sacred place in the Temple, for it was here the Healers and their assistants nursed the bodies and souls of injured, sick, and dying Jedi. Aalea could imagine no higher service or calling.

As she made her way through the wing, she recalled the day ten years ago when she had awoken here after her journey along the Force matrix in search of Qui-Gon. It had nearly killed her. However, when Aalea came out of her coma, she discovered Obi-Wan, in a desperate attempt to save her life, had bonded with her. The result was a life-long link between them.

Thinking about the bond brought to mind her encounter with him that morning. Her cheeks burned when she thought of the way he had stared at her. How rude he was. She shook her head vigorously as she walked, causing one of the Healer's assistants to glance at her as she passed. She was not going to think about Obi-Wan Kenobi, at least not right now.

Aalea stopped before Ke-Ondra's bed. She had visited him every day since their return from Faronta two months ago. Although his condition had improved somewhat, he was still paralyzed from the neck down. Most of his burns were healed, but the radiation from the plasma bombs had destroyed his nervous system. Although he was receiving the most advanced treatments available, Aalea knew the prognosis was not good for a full recovery.

Ke-Ondra's eyes were closed. Aalea moved nearer.

"Aalea," he said softly, his eyes still closed.

"Master, how did you know it was me?" she said laughing as she sat next to his bed.

He opened his eyes. They were a dark forest green with shimmering flecks of red in them. He smiled.

"I smelled your perfume."

"But I'm not wearing any perfume."

"I smelled the perfume of your soul, little Aalea."

Aalea shook her head. Her master was always saying things she did not understand. She knew most species in the galaxy found his features frightening, but she had never known a more kind or compassionate being. He was much like Master Qui-Gon in that.

"How are you today, Master?"

Ke-Ondra grinned at her with his sharp teeth.

"Why, I do believe this morning I moved the little toe of my left foot."

"Really, Master?" Aalea cried. "That's wonderful."

Aalea wanted to weep, for she knew Ke-Ondra was only teasing her, but it was a little game the two of them liked to play. Sometimes it was the middle finger of his right hand, or a muscle in his shoulder, or some other part of his body. But she knew, as he did, he was completely incapable of any movement on his own.

"How was the birthday dinner last night?"

"It was okay," Aalea murmured.

"But....?" Ke-Ondra prompted.

"But what?" Aalea said, aware her master was watching her closely.

"Something happened. Something which did not please you."

"No, it was all right. I..." but she stopped.

She could not bring herself to tell him what had happened last night with Qui-Gon. It was bad enough she had lost Qui-Gon's respect, as she was sure she had; she didn't want to lose Ke-Ondra's also.

When she had confessed to her master what she had done to the smuggler Vol after he tried to rape her, how she had kicked him as he lay unconscious on the floor of her cell, her master had told her not to blame herself for being human. It was natural she had reacted the way she did to such a terrible thing; but, to help her, he had also led her in a guided mediation to deal with the anger she had felt.

But this was different. She had acted like a shameless strumpet with Qui-Gon. She didn't think she could ever look the Jedi Master in the face again. All morning she had been terrified of running into him in the halls of the Temple.

"It's nothing, Master."

"If you are certain, Aalea. But if you should change your mind, I am here for you."

Aalea nodded. She didn't think she would change her mind, however.

Ke-Ondra gazed wordlessly at her for a moment and Aalea sensed he was about to speak of something which he found painful. She saw it in his eyes. He took a deep breath.

"There is something I must tell you, Aalea."

"What is it, Master?"

"I have officially requested the Council that you be released from me as my padawan."

"No, master! Why?" Aalea cried.

"It must be done, but it is with your well-being in mind that I do so. We both know I will never walk again," and he shook his head as Aalea opened her mouth to protest. "No, Padawan. Listen. One of the virtues of a Jedi is the ability to face the truth. You must be free so another can choose you. And I have no doubt this will happen. You have been a good apprentice. Both Master Yoda and the Council are aware of this."

Tears filled Aalea's eyes. She had known this moment was coming, but to have to finally face it and know it as truth was heartbreaking.

"But, what will happen to you, Master?" Aalea asked.

"I am told that soon I will be transferred to the Temple sanitarium."

Aalea nodded. The sanitarium was a separate building located on the grounds of the Temple where severely injured, dying, and elderly Jedi were allowed to live out their lives in tranquility and comfort. Those who wished could continue to be of service to the Order, but for those who chose not to be of service or were incapable of it, the sanitarium was a final place of peace.

"My mind is active, Aalea," Ke-Ondra said. "There is much I can still do to be of service."

Aalea lifted his hand to her face. She kissed it, her tears splashing on his skin.

"I will miss you so much, my Master," she whispered.

"And I you, my padawan. But, you can always come and visit me."

"Oh I will," she cried. "I will."

To be continued...