"I don't know about this." Little Ben sighed as he leapt through the pages after Xani put down the manual. "It says here that you are to teach us how to survive out in the wilderness with only your instincts and the force to help you. Have you ever done this before?"

Xani cleared his throat and shook his head, "No. I was brought to the temple at a later age, so I had to stay and catch up on developing my force abilities while everyone else got to come camping."

"So you've never been out in the woods?"

"I have been during missions. It couldn't be that much different."

Ben frowned the returned his attention back to the manual. "It says here that you have to write down a schedule for us to keep, turn it in to the grounds master, and then keep a record of how well we do for each event. We are supposed to have all things accomplished by the end of the week."

Xani grabbed the book and looked at the list, dread started to weigh heavily on his chest. Camping. Tent preparations. Food preparation. Plant identification. Memorization of the beginnings of the Code. Sing-along time. Bonding by the campfire. Exercises on team work and cooperation. Evaluation of each child's strengths and weaknesses. Water, ground, and all around safety procedures.

"What's wrong?" A small Calamarian asked.

"We just have so much to do. I'll have to write down everything we are going to do, and maybe we can cut our time in half by doing several activities at once. Then we can have more free time and we'll still get credit for it." Xani smiled to reassure everyone that was now staring at him.

Everyone looked at one another, then back to Xanatos, who was flashing a brilliant, reassuring smile, then nodded in agreement. Several of the children ran upstairs, giggling and teasing each other, others bolted out the door to rough-house in the yard. Xani called for them to return, but after several minutes, he realized they were playing and refused to come back and help him plan. He sighed, grabbed a small pad and wrote down each day and listed the activities he would have his kids to finish.

After a few minutes, his list was complete. The first thing they were to learn was about camping, how to take apart and resemble their tents, how to identify food in the wild, build a campfire, cook out doors. Xani also added the bonding activity and the sing-along, hoping that he could eliminate a lot the activities that were necessary for them to complete.

Xani went outside to the playing children and told them of their first camp activity. They looked depressed, but nonetheless, followed Xani back inside to get out their survival gear to head out.

Xani asked where everyone stowed their gear for the camping, then everyone realized they didn't pack any tents. Xanatos fumed and started swearing at the absolute stupidity of the camp master. One of the kids frowned and started looking around, eventually opening the closet and found 3, well kept, packed neatly, tents.

"Xanatos, there are some tents here in the closet."

Xanatos looked startled, then perked up, "Great! Let's get them packed up with some supplies and we'll get started on our camping excursion."

Everyone packed some water, cleanser wipes, a change of clothes, and brought a small blanket that was provided on the sleepcouches. The two elder children in the group, both 11, earned the responsibility of carrying the tents. Xanatos grabbed a few ration bars, a few blankets, and filled his canteen up with fresh water and started out to find a suitable place to set up camp.

Xanatos' long legs carried him easily over the terrain, but the smaller kids with short legs and limited energy, began to whine and cry that they were tired and needed a break. Xanatos reluctantly agreed, sitting his pack down and surveying the area. It would be dark soon, the sun was already starting its decent behind the thick veil of trees.

"Let's camp here. I get the big tent, the rest of you pile in the other two." Xanatos said, unpacking the tents from the kids that were burdened. "Get your tents set up as soon as possible so we can find some firewood and look for anything that is edible."

The children began to protest, but helped pull out the tents and assemble the many poles and cables. Several times, someone was heard yelling that their tent was defective because they only got a few short poles and no longer ones. Others complained that their tent was lopsided, having too much slack on one side and drooping down on the ground.

Xani quickly erected his tent, which could have easily slept half the group comfortably. He unpacked his blankets and made sure that his hidden stash of sweets was well hidden from possible young eyes that sweets seem to attract. He made himself a comfortable bed, fluffed his pillow that he hidden away in his bag, and stood, stretched, and wondered if his kids were finished yet.

Xani stepped outside to the view of a distorted mountain range of lopsided peaks of the tents. One stuck straight up in the air, approximately 6 meters, while the other side was collapsed and getting dirt all over the canvas.

The other tent was more level, but the middle sagged down, creating a donut shape. Kids ran to and fro around the tents, the material bumping and swishing as someone leaned into it, creating a strange kind of silhouetted puppet show.

Xani shook his head and headed over to a tent, barking out instructions and helping the children assigned to that tent. After nearly an hour of frustration and ill-feelings towards other sentient beings, Xani went to the other tent, going through the whole process over again.

After threatening half the children, screaming at others, and secretly inventing ways of torture and dismemberment of his new charges when his patience had run out, Xani helped the younger children prepare their tent for the night. Frustrated, Xani finished up with the last tent and ordered all the kids to collect as much firewood as they could find. The sun was setting low on the horizon and the light was beginning to fade, giving way to the darkness.

Xanatos heard the kids scamper off into the forest, some squealing as they found branches and twigs to begin their fire. With a heavy sigh, Xani retreated to his tent, wanting nothing more than to lay down for a bit and maybe open up a small pack of sweets he brought along.

Xani let out a howl of rage as he viewed his thrashed tent. His bed was upheaveled, blankets thrown about, empty food wrappers strewn about the floor, dirt tracked all over the bed area and his spare rations were gone. Xani let loose a barrage of curses, screams, and his mind reeled with possible revenge strategies.

He stormed outside his tent, eyes flashing dangerously, fists clenched, anger raging through his body. He saw a few of the children emerging from the trees, bounding out with their arms full of sticks and twigs.

The children emerged one at a time, carrying various amounts of firewood and kindling. They made a huge pile and the older children began to build up a fire pit, surrounding it by stone to prevent the fire from escaping.

Xanatos glared at the children, grinding his teeth in agitation. He couldn't believe his master thought this outing would be fun. Once again, his master had been wrong. Wrong and foolish to believe anything good could come out of this.

The children yelled over at Xani, telling him that they didn't have anything to light the fire with.

Xani yelled, "Deal with it!"

"But, we're cold! We can't start the fire. You have to do it. You are the grown up."

"You can freeze to death for all I care!" Xani spat then retreated into his tent to clean up the mess that was made.

The children looked at one another, some starting to cry, others already shivering in the cool air that was following the setting of the sun.

After Xani had straightened his tent up once more, he went outside to check on the progress of the children. To his disappointment, the children were huddled together in the darkened night, trying to keep warm. The firepit was loaded with firewood, sitting there, waiting for a flame to ignite it and make the surrounding area a bit warmer and illuminated.

Xani sighed, knowing he should allow this to be a lesson, but he caved in when he heard whimpering and teeth starting to chatter. He closed his eyes, reached out his hand and focused on the force, calling to it and bending it at his will. The pit erupted in flames, shooting up several meters and giving out welcoming warmth.

The children roared with excitement, some running over and hugging Xani in happiness. They cheered and began to run around the fire. Some of the smaller children sat close by the fire, trying desperately to warm up. The bigger kids bombarded him with questions on how he was able to start the fire with the force.

Xani explained how to use the force to bend objects to your will, making them ignite, turn gelatinous, solidify, or disburse. Soon, every one in his group was surrounding him, listening intently.

"I'm hungry." Someone said when Xani finished with his force lecture.

"You shouldn't be. You ate all my snacks and rations." Xani snapped sarcastically.

"I didn't eat them. I was with you putting up the tent." The child chided back.

Xani thought for a moment, then remembered that the child spoke the truth. He had been with Xani the whole time. He frowned, then returned his attention back the 14 whining children complaining about having empty tummies.

"There should be some berries around here, and maybe we could kill an animal and eat it." Xani offered.

"Ewwww! Gross!" The kids curled up their noses at the mention of eating an animal.

"Its not gross. I"ve done it several times on missions." Xani's brown drew down in disapproval. "Keep the fire going while I go look for berries or a wild animal. Keep the noise level down and don't do anything stupid!"

The children acknowledged their orders and huddled around the fire once again to await Xani's return.

Xani sighed and used the force to find a large berry patch. With little effort, he had the berries disengaging from their vines and landing in Xani's outstretched shirt. After a few waves of his hand, Xani had his shirt filled to the brim with ripe berries.

I wonder if these are edible? Xani wondered. Then with a shrug, made his way back to the camp. Maybe if I make them sick the masters won't make me do this stupid excursion anymore.

Xani emerged from the darkness, shirt loaded with berries and was immediately converged upon by 14 starving children. They frantically grabbed the berries, stuffing their faces and thanking Xani for finding something to eat.

Xani loved the praise and kept reminding the kids that HE was the one that found the berries and prevented them from starving.

After the children had ate their fill, they gathered around the fire to sing songs. Xani instructed the older children to teach the smaller ones the beginnings of the Code, and use it in songs to help them remember. After they had got started, Xani retreated into the forest again to search for a wild animal to eat. He didn't want to chance those berries, but animals, he knew quiet well and liked to eat meat instead of berries.

Finding a small place to crouch down, Xani waited for an animal to come by. Sure enough, after a few minutes, a small furry creature sauntered past. With lightning speed, Xani reached out, grabbing the animals neck, and snapped it with one simple twist.

He carried the animal back to the camp and quickly cleaned it up, to much gross out noises by the watching children and cooked it over the open flame. As he began to eat, he asked the kids how much of the Code they remembered. They began to sing the verses, reciting the Code to the letter.

Xani applauded loudly, impressed his kids could learn things that fast. He quickly ate, and discarded the remains a good distance away, not wanting to attract unwanted attention from the local wildlife.

The kids asked what was on the agenda next, their restlessness starting to show and their eyes beginning to droop down with exhaustion. Some were already dosing by the fire.

Xani told them that they could have story time, if they wanted. They all agreed so Xani pointed to one kid and asked her to start the story. She started out with a cute story about a baby bantha, then Xani pointed to another kid, who picked up where the last one left off.

Soon a long story was being told, all children being the author for a short time, then passing on the story to someone else. Xani liked the idea that they were learning co-operation with one another and looked forward to see where the story was going to head next.

Ben spoke up, interrupting the groups story, "Xanatos hasn't had a turn. Let him finish it!"

The kids cheered and agreed, looking at Xani to continue. Xani sighed, then remembered the eaten treats and trashed tent and grinned evilly as he began to talk about a creature that stalked the forest at night, stealing children away and eating them piece by piece. By the end of the story, the kids eyes were wide, some were huddled together softly whimpering.

Xani grinned again, and ordered everyone to bed. Some of the kids commented that it would be hard to fit in their tents, considering there was two tents and 14 children. Xani told them that they could easily sleep out under the stars, to which he was answered by the children rushing into the tents with no complaints. Xani smiled to himself for a job well done.

As Xani settled down onto his bed, he heard a soft rasp at his tent entrance, followed by whispering, "Can I sleep with you?"

"NO!" Xani barked, then rolled over and fell asleep.

THE NEXT MORNING

Xani began to stir, feeling very stiff and sore, and an odd feeling all over his body. He shifted slightly, heard a muffled voice, then felt a hand rest on his shoulder. Xani's eyes flew open and realized his situation.

All 14 children were piled on top of each other, himself included. His leg was bent funny, with three kids sound asleep, holding it in place. His other leg was used by a pillow by two others, who in turn, were used as pillows by another. Xani felt a child against his shoulder, with another one stretched across, resting their head on his shoulder.

Xani groaned as he tried to turn, only to feel another kid nestle their head against him and a child shift on top of his chest. He closed his eyes, knowing that this was his punishment for telling that scary story last night before bed.

Suddenly Xani's eyes flew open in surprise and he growled loud enough to wake everyone up. The children awoke, startled and scrambling to get out of the tent. Xani peeled the sleeping child off his chest and stood up, anger seeping through him, along with the wet spot on his clothes.

He peeled off his soaked shirt and threw it in the corner, then snarled at the smell still in his clothes and skin. The child that had been sleeping on his chest looked at him with large watery eyes, apologizing over and over. Xani didn't say a word, knowing that if he opened his mouth, he would regret what would come out of it.

He stalked out of the tent, handful of clothes in tow, and used the force to find a large enough area to have a quick bath. The force alerted him to a spot 25 meters away from the camp, the pool as deep as Xani's waist.

Xani immersed himself completely in the water, hoping to get his favorite sleeping pants clean to where he wouldn't have to throw them away. As he was running his hands over his chest, he felt something odd. He looked down and seen large red welts covering his chest, stomach, and upon further inspection, his back.

Xani frowned at the situation, mentally going through the list of things he was allergic too, and finding none that he had contact with, shrugged his shoulders in surrender.

After a brief bath, he toweled himself off and changed into the clothes he brought with him, then felt an itching sensation around his waist, where his pants were rubbing up against the welts. Realizing his pants were irritating his allergy, he pulled them down slightly off his hips, then pulled his shirt down and started back towards the camp.

Xani entered the camp area and found all 14 children standing, panic in their eyes, legs crossed, hopping on one foot then the other.

"Let me guess." Xani started, casting his eyes skyward in an attempt to calm himself. "You have to go to the bathroom?"

All the children shook their heads yes, continuing their bathroom dancing.

Xani sighed, knowing he had to go too, and ordered every one to space out surrounding the camp, the older children going a little further away, while the younger children stayed close by. They all agreed and shot out throughout the forest, making sure they knew which direction to go when they were finished.

Xani took his own leave and found a tree that was surrounded by pretty purple leafed shrubs.

When he returned, he found the children waiting for him, their faces expectant.

"Now what are we going to do?"

Xani thought for a moment, then remembered the small water hole he bathed in. "How about some water safety rules?"

The kids cheered, scurrying to find their packs to quickly change into swim suits. Boys changed in one tent, girls in the other. They grabbed a change of clothes and followed Xani to the water hole.

Xani scratched at his chest all afternoon while supervising and instructing the kids on water safety, stressing the important rules of no swimming alone and always staying where you can touch if you don't know how to swim.

The children listened well, and splashed about in the water for most of the day, taking a break once to eat the berries Xani found.

The afternoon sun was starting its decent into night as Xani called the children out of the water to dry off so they could change into their clothes. Xani used a spare blanket to towel off the kids, then held it up so the kid could change clothes behind it.

When all the children was dry and dressed, Xani started them off in the forest, pointing to plants, tracks, and asking the children questions about the local flora and fauna. Most of the children didn't have a clue to what the plants and animals were like, and listened as Xani told about the things he knew about the planet.

A two hour hike around the camp ground made several of the smaller children exhausted. They cried about how their legs hurt and were carried back to camp by the older children. The kids flopped down on the ground, too tired to even whine about being hungry, but Xani was already ahead of them.

Xani had grabbed a few roots that were uncovered from an animal and found another berry patch. Grabbing a small pot and throwing the roots into it, Xani used the force to extract some water from the swimming place and fill the pot to make a soup.

When a decent fire was built and the children were huddled around it, Xani went back to the berry patch and filled his shirt. The children used their small eating travel packs and filled their small bowls and ate a handful of berries.

Xanatos ate quietly by himself in the entrance to his tent. He watched as one by one, the kids fell asleep around the camp fire. Xani smiled, using the force to give each child a deep sleep force suggestion and carried each little body to a tent and put them to bed.

Xani found himself smiling as he tucked the children in. He actually had fun today, except for the constant scratching he did. Xani closed his tent, using a force 'lock' to prevent anymore sleep overs, and examined his spotted body. The rash was now on his arms and legs, the itching becoming unbearable. A couple places on his stomach and sides were raw and bleeding.

Xani cursed as he laid down, the welts felt prickly and had a sting to them. He slipped into a light trance, hoping to use the force to help him with the allergy.