I make a half-hearted attempt to straighten my tunic as I face Halcyon. The young apprentice she was sparring with has run off somewhere. All the better for me. Now I don't have to pretend to be the big solemn master. You know, if you listened to half the stuff that was taught in those force classes, you would think that masters were supposed to be these huge automatons, with no emotion whatsoever. If I ever take a padawan, the poor thing is going to have brain trauma trying to get over that little fantasy. Especially if these little jaunts through the temple avoiding angry master fencers continue. Master Yoda is right, I ought to lay off for a while. I am becoming just a little to obvious. Nevertheless, on the other hand, there is this lovely little red ball in my pocket, just waiting for a new prank. Maybe I'll do just one more…
"You're welcome." A voice breaks through my internal monologue. I hate being interrupted. Oh. Yeah. The mysterious Halcyon. She did save my six back there, I guess I better be polite. Put on the diplomatic face Robin! It's not proper to be rude to those who save your bacon. I flash Jedi my best "I'm harmless, really" grin.
"Thanks for back there, I thought I was done for. I'm pretty good with a 'saber, but taking on Qui? When he's in that mood? The temple cleaners would have been picking up the pieces in here for months. The healers wouldn't know what to do with me." Keeping up a steady chatter, I steer my new friend towards the exit. The one that was the farthest distance from the one Qui had run out of. I figured it was just as well we put some distance between us and the resident one-man revenge hit team. Unfortunately, she is having none of it. She stops cold, which causes me to stumble. I look back at my suddenly immobile companion. Uh, oh. She doesn't look pleased. And doesn't it figure, she is taller than me. Sweet burning stars, is every Jedi in this temple taller than I am? Ok, two are not, but Masters Yoda and Yaddle really don't count. Maybe I should look into putting heels into my boots. Just a few more inches, that's all I ask!
"Uh, whats the matter?" Oh, big points there, Jayhawk. Really smooth. Maybe you should join the Jedi debate team.
"What in Sith was that back there? I'd just like to know so I can add it to my memoirs of really stupid things I've done for fellow Jedi. That was Qui-Gon Jinn? As in the temple's best fencer? And friend to Mace Windu, and Yoda? As if I'm not in enough trouble with the council right now…" Halcyon angrily growled. I wonder if she has a padawan. If she does, I hope that he/she/it stays out of trouble, because she looks rather formidable when angry.
I consider my options. On one hand, I could tell her the whole truth, which includes the itching powder, the blue bantha toy, a squeaky mynock, and other sundry items in certain combinations. If I do that, she will probably hog tie me and hand me over to Qui herself. On the other hand, I could pass of some simple story of angry big brother / innocent little sister stuff, which she probably won't fall for, but won't press further about. If I do that, she won't want to have anything to do with me, and having a Corellian on your side is a good thing. On the other hand… hang on; I'm out of hands. There is no other hand! Oh, I've just had a flash of inspiration. I'll make her part of my ongoing campaign to lighten up a few depressed masters and knights. Yeah, that should work! I flash her another "I'm totally harmless" grin. I open my mouth to explain, but a different voice rings through the hall.
"Late you are! Searching for you I have been!" Whack! My leg is suddenly under frontal assault. I look down at one of the two Jedi masters I am actually taller than. Master Yoda looks rather ticked, with ears flattened and eyes narrowed. My mind totally blanks. What in Sith have I done this time? He can't possibly know about the Qui incident yet, and Mace hasn't found that little "present" in his locker yet… oh. The council meeting. I am such toast.
Years of conditioning kick in and I drop to my knees (to save my poor shins) and bow my head. Better get this over with.
"I am sorry, my master." I sadly intone. I really didn't mean to tick him off. "I couldn't face another room full of people demanding answers. I do not think I am cut out for the senate, master." I could hear Yoda sigh, and put his gimmer stick back on the floor.
"Understand this I do. Tiring senate talks can be. Understand your lack of messages I do not. Kept the council waiting you did. Lack of respect you showed. Apologize you will." Yoda didn't sound too mad now, but I knew I wasn't off the hook. Ten credits says I'm going to some outer rim planet to settle a debate that is totally inane and fit for a padawan, rather than a full master. I can also feel Halcyon smirking above me. She had better watch herself, Yoda is known for extending missions to anyone in the near vicinity.
"Yes, apologies you will make. Then pack you will, going to Altor 7 are you, settle territorial debate you will. Understand do you?" Sigh. Looks like that ten credits was a solid bet. Don't wanna go to Altor 7! Oh well, at least it is far away from the Hutts, which is where I had to go last time I got in hot water with the council.
Halcyon smirks some more. Oh, she shouldn't do that! I can almost see the cogs turning in Yoda's head, searching for this Jedi on his "Masters I have to put back in their places" list.
"Master Jaz Halcyon, in need of mission are you. Accompany Master Jayhawk to Altor will you. Council will expect the two of you tomorrow morning, be there will you." Master Yoda, having finished his decree, and seeming quite pleased with himself, waddled out of the room.
