A Jedi's Dream: Chapter Two

. . . "Yes, I was, Master. It was Bruck's face I saw on the monster from my dream."

Bruck stood before the Council; prepared to answer any questions the Masters threw at him. Bruck had been left until last, and he knew exactly why. The Masters had questioned the other boys first; to make sure that Bruck could not come up with a tissue of lies to save his skin.

It figures, Bruck thought, They know the other boys are weaker than I. The Masters know just how to make them crack. He didn't even notice the contempt that had filled his mental voice.

"So sure are you, Initiate Bruck?" Yoda's voice cut through his thoughts. Bruck kicked himself for leaving his personal thoughts so exposed to the Masters, especially Yoda.

"Of course not, Master Yoda." He replied smoothly. The questioning had begun.

* * * * *

Anie was quickly packing her few belongings in a bag. Qui-Gon wished to be gone by the time the questioning was over. She agreed completely. She didn't really want to be around when Bruck came out of his session with the Masters. He was likely to be I a very disagreeable mood.

"Analyse?"

"Master?"

"There's someone here who would like to apologize."

Anie sighed. She hoped it wasn't Bruck. She didn't really feel like accepting his apology, should he offer it.

It turned out that it WAS Bruck who had come to apologize. Anie stifled another sigh.

Wonderful. He's the last person in the galaxy I want to talk to right now. she thought. Aloud she said: "Hello, Bruck. You wanted to see me?"

"Yeah. Umm . . . " he looked meaningfully toward the door. Qui-Gon shut it quietly.

"Yes?" Anie prompted.

"Look, the Masters told me to apologize, but I want you to know that I'm not doing this just because they told me to. I'm really sorry this time."

Analyse was surprised by the sincerity in his voice. She was careful not to let that surprise show through.

"You really are sorry this time, aren't you?" she asked quietly.

"Yeah. Umm, there's something else I want to tell you."

"S-something e-else?" Anie stammered. She'd not expected that. She'd thought that Bruck would come in, say his not-so-carefully-prepared speech and leave. Something more was completely unexpected and out of character for Bruck.

"Yeah. Last night, when you lost it, you really scared me."

"Me? Scare you?" Anie asked, incredulous. "Sorry if I sound so surprised, but I didn't think it was possible for ANYONE to scare you, let alone me."

"I figured that you would be. Surprised, I mean." Taking a deep breath, Bruck continued. "Lemme explain. You scared me last night because . . . because . . ."

"Because what?"

"Because I . . . I . . . I like you!" he said in a rush and ran.

* * * * *

Qui-Gon could read waves of astonishment emanating from his apprentice. A moment later, Bruck pushed past him. Before going into the room, Qui-Gon gave Anie a few minutes to herself.

* * * * *

Anie was stunned. Bruck liked her! She suddenly felt rather dizzy. Head reeling, Anie felt for one of the sleepcouches. Finding one, she sank down onto it.

Bruck likes me! Bruck likes me! She thought, over and over again. As she sat in her surprise-induced stupor, the door opened quietly to reveal Qui-Gon.

"Analyse?" Qui-Gon asked, softly. The sound of her name made Anie jump.

"Analyse?" Qui-Gon repeated. "Are you okay/'

"Yes, Master, I'm fine," Anie finally responded.

"Do you want to talk?"

"No, not right now. Thank you for offering though," Anie said, finally remembering her manners.

"Just to let you know, the offer still stands."

"Alright. Thank you."

With that, Qui-Gon closed the door and headed off to find Yoda.

* * * * *

Bruck was running faster than he ever had in his life. He was out in the garden now, unconsciously heading toward his secret place. All the students had one; the garden was large enough for that. Bruck's was behind the waterfall. Suddenly he was there, slipping behind the water, gasping for breath.

I can't run any farther, yet I haven't run far enough, he thought, panting. He could still feel Anie's stunned mind grasping for some sense of clarity. Bruck straightened up, a stitch forming in his side from running and bending over for so long.

Bruck? Came a feminine voice in his head. Bruck? Can you hear me?

He sighed. Yes, Anie, I can hear you. He replied.

Okay. Umm . . . How long have you liked me? Well, he had to admit she wasn't one to pussyfoot around.

I've liked you for a long time.

How long?

Umm . . . A couple of years. He mentally stammered. The couple of years thing was a complete lie. He had liked her ever since she had come to the temple, thirteen years ago. Bruck got no reply, other than the sense that Anie was no closer to clarity of mind than she had been a few moments ago.

Thank you for telling me. He heard in his mind.

Your welcome, was all Bruck could think of to say in reply.

* * * * *

To Be Continued . . .