Jedi Keladry - Made you late for work the other day? Opps… Sorry! Hopefully it was worth it then! ;) Wanna know
a secret? I've done that before too! ;) Though I juz told my Major that I got caught up in traffic at the base's front
gate hehehehe and that happens lots of time since 9/11 incident. Yep yep got caught up in fan fiction.
Glad you are enjoying my fic! I am happy to share it with folks! Oh as for Lin… yeah unfortunately he is going to
learn the hard way about the salvation part. Thanks for reading and commenting! Enjoying our PMs!!!
######
Menaria flinched for the fourth time within an hour as her Master hissed once more from the slight burn resulting
from her saber.
Lindoro sighed heavily as he stepped back and deactivated his saber. "Enough, Menaria. I'm not helping with your
katas today obviously. Do the next sets without me." He then turned around and headed to the bench that held their
overtunics and boots.
Menaria felt nothing through their bond since he shielded himself earlier. She turned her saber off and hastened to
the bench. "Master, would you like to talk about it?" She asked quietly as she took a seat next to him as he began to
put his boots back on.
He paused for a split second before putting on his other boot. "I just over reacted on a matter that happened earlier."
After saying that, he snorted and leaned back against the wall while closing his eyes. "It was a foolish thing really. A
man reacting due to his credibility that was being held in question. And being watched like a child." He stated as he
sighed once more. The weight of the last few years seems to pull him down.
"I…don't understand Master. What happend? Being watched? By whom…the Council?" Menaria was puzzled but
she figured it probably dealt with the things that dealt with his last mission.
"Yes, Menaria. They have had a Knight following me every time I sat foot outside the Temple. As if I was some
criminal." He opened his eyes to observe his Padawan's reaction from what he just revealed. What he didn't expect
was the awareness she exhibited.
"You knew?" His black eyebrows knitted in confusion.
"Not directly, Master. Only a rumor had mention that said you were supposedly being…um… well tested." She said
the latter part quietly not wanting anyone to overhear. She blushed slightly and looked down at her hands.
A spark of fury raced through him as he heard her speak. "Are you embarrassed to have me as your Master? If so we
can end this if you want." Though he hated to say it, but he knew he had to offer the suggestion. He also knew that
their relationship wouldn't work out if either one of them had any hesitations.
Menaria's head shot up so quickly that her braid flopped over her shoulder. Her eyes widen in shock and horror at
his questioning. "No! I mean…no Master, please. I am not embarrassed. I am just shocked that you had no idea of
the rumor." She reached out and gently took one of his larger hands into her own smaller ones. "Please, I am
honored to be your Padawan and I could care less what others say. I believe in seeing things before judging them."
Her green eyes bore into his pain filled blue ones.
A weak smile slipped on to his face as he squeezed her hands.
"Remember Master, we will get through this together." She smiled back at him.
"Yes, and I thank you young one. Though there will be times that you won't be able to. But the other times you do, I
thank you immensely." His eyes lit up once again with warmth.
Menaria nodded. "That's what we Padawans are supposed to do." She chuckled as she stood back up. "Now come on
Master, let's see you strut your stuff like yesterday." Her eyes twinkled with mischief.
Even though he had only known her for a few days, Lindoro recognized that look. "Now hang on. I do not 'strut'!"
He stood back up, crossing his arms over his chest and eyed her warily.
"Then I challenge you to not strut while we spar then Master." She raised her chin slightly in a haughty manner.
Lindoro smirked as he sat back down to remove his boots once more. "Then my very young apprentice, prepare
yourself for the most challenging spar that you have ever had!"
The Master immediately flew into action as soon as his boots were removed. Menaria never saw the saber leave his
belt as it some how mysteriously appeared fully activated in his hands.
'Master Lenart's tests were never this heated!' She thought as she barely recovered from the shock in time to parry
the blows that rained down on her.
Menaria did remember the next three hours as the most vigorous training ever in her memory.
Menaria came out of the shower and pulled down her tunic a little bit while observing her Master at the doorway
leading out of the gym. She reached for their bond and felt it still closed off. Using the Force, she looked on her
Master. His aura was slightly obscure. Crinkling her eyebrows in puzzlement, she headed toward him.
'He must be upset still about earlier. I wish I could ask more…but I don't want to bring it up.' She sighed quietly as
she walked up to him.
"Ready to go and eat? That workout was a hearty one! Don't know about you, but I'm starved." He chuckled as he
put an arm around her shoulders and led the way to the cafeteria. 'I'll meditate later…I have to keep these feelings in
check for now.'
Menaria smiled and nodded as she looked up at him. "Of course Master. And you are right. That was a great
workout!"
Lindoro chuckled as the two entered the cafeteria. "Well I am glad I provided you the challenge you wanted."
Each took a tray, a plate, a glass, and some utensils to eat with then joined the serving line with a few other Jedi. At
the approach of the Padawan and her Master, several of the Jedi stopped talking for a few seconds to eye the two.
Lindoro felt waves of disgust filtering through the Force for a brief moment then it faded as quickly as it had been
sensed. The smile that had been playing on Lindoro's lips vanished as he looked away.
Menaria was oblivious to the sensation due to the arrival of her friends.
"Menaria!" Nania called out happily as she waved at the Padawan.
Menaria smiled widely and waved back.
Seriu and Kork waved as well while getting the eatery items and stepping up behind her. The Master and Padawan
were the last ones so far to have joined the line.
"I can't wait for tomorrow! I think it's going to be fun working on those banners. I'm glad we don't have classes
tomorrow and how I love the fact we get one day off a week from them." Her eyes shinned with excitement.
"You're always ecstatic about the day off!" Kork chuckled. Then he and the other two initiates bowed a greeting to
Lindoro and also to Master Delak as the Mon Calamari joined them in the line. Menaria bowed a greeting to the
approaching Master as well.
"Aww come on, Kork! You're worse than she is and you know it!" Seriu laughed as he gently punched his blue
furred companion on the shoulder. The other two along with Menaria joined the laughing.
Delak had nodded in return to the four bows. He smiled at the children's enthusiasm while he glanced over at his
friend.
Lindoro nodded automatically at the three initiates and then looked away after nodding a greeting to Delak.
The aquatic Master could tell his friend was still troubled. 'I'll ask him to talk after evening meal. Something happen
for sure with the Council and it appears whatever it was it wasn't good. Master Windu was distracted at the meeting
for some reason. I wonder if it was related to Lin's incident?' He walked passed the talking four and came up to
Lindoro who had turned slightly away from the happy children.
"Lin…" Delak laid his webbed hand upon the tall Knight's shoulder.
"I'm fine Delak." His voice didn't echo the words, as they were slightly hoarse and full of emotion.
Delak looked at the man's face. Though it reflected a serene outlook, the eyes betrayed the façade.
"And a Wookie fathered me." Delak commented under his breath as he crossed his arms over his chest. "We will
talk after evening meal. Do you hear me Knight D'Lockens." He stressed the man's title. He had never pulled his
rank on Lindoro before, but the man was proving to be too stubborn for his own good. 'I have tried to corner him for
these two months he's been back, but I either got called away or something else came up. Not any longer.'
Lindoro's head snapped up further as his pain filled eyes turned cold as ice. "Of course Master Delak." His voice
dripped with sarcasm, which drew the attention of the Padawan and the initiates.
Menaria and the others had been discussing what colors to use for the banners when Lindoro's voice reached them.
All four exchanged startled looks and concentrated on the Master and Knight.
Lindoro turned around and followed the line to get his meal. 'Damn him!' Lindoro's eyes threaten to mist up, but he
swallowed the anger and pain, shoving it further into the darken hole of his being. 'He's only concern. Be glad he
cares because no one else obviously does…' His thoughts once more slipped back to the Council's earlier
'sentiments'. 'Why couldn't they just leave me alone? As if I am going to do anything…' His breath caught as he
thought of what he had done for the Order and all he had sacrificed for them. 'And this is what I get in return?
Ridicule? Detest?' He paused in mid thought as he glanced at a few passing Masters who immediately looked away
and greeted those behind him. He sighed quietly as he got a small slab of nerf steak. 'But I do deserve their
reactions, don't I? I deserve everything they dish out to me. For I have done wrong…a great amount of wrongs. I
don't even deserve Menaria.' At his Padawan's name, he glanced her way and caught her observing him. Concern
was evident upon her face.
Opening his bond after realizing he still had it closed off; Lindoro sent an assuring feeling her way and smiled a
weak smile. 'For her…'
Relief flooded Menaria as the feeling coursed through the bond that she shared with her Master. She smiled widely
in return as her eyes shined once more. She sent an answering warm feeling tinged with relief back his way.
Seriu watched the exchange, deep in thought. 'The two are working out great it looks like. Maybe our suspicions
were not merit. Which would be great itself, a definite relief.' Seriu smiled as he looked at Nania and Kork. When
the two looked his way, he nodded slightly at Menaria then at Lindoro.
The other two caught on to what Seriu was motioning about and glanced at the Padawan then the Knight. They saw
the open affection that the two were sharing. A smile formed on both Nania's and Kork's faces.
The meal's conversation was all about the banners. Both Master and Knight listen to their talks of colors and sayings
that would be used.
Delak finished his meal first followed by Lindoro, since the two barely spoke at all due to the banner ramblings.
"Shall we then, Lindoro?" Delak asked as he eyed his friend carefully.
Lindoro sighed and glanced over at Menaria who had stopped talking to see what the Master was inquiring.
"Padawan, you go ahead and spend some time with your friends. But don't forget our evening meditation. Meet me
back at our quarters in a couple hours. All right?"
Menaria smiled and nodded. "Yes Master, see you then." She got up as well as the initiates to bow their good-byes.
Delak and Lindoro took their items to the tray table. "We'll use one of the close meditation rooms." The aquatic
Master said as he led the way out of the cafeteria and went to the third door down the hall. Once Lindoro entered
and the door closed, Delak then programmed the room reflecting it being in use. Turning around he eyed Lindoro
worriedly.
Lindoro was dreading this moment. He had known sooner or later that Delak was going to ask him, he had presumed
sooner but things kept coming up. He felt his hands begin to tremble slightly so he clasped them in front of him.
He looked around the room prior to making eye contact with his friend. There were several paintings similar to the
ones that were in the room that he and Menaria meditated in each day.
"Lin…tell me what has happened. But first, have you heard the rumors about you? You need to bring a stop to
them." Delak said concern reflected in his voice and on face.
"Why? How can I?" Lindoro asked as he put his hands inside the sleeves of his robe to keep them from shaking.
"Because you have to. They are wrong and need to be straightened out. Just…" The Mon Calamari stopped as pain
crossed the tall man's face. "What is it?" Delak narrowed his silver eyes.
"You think that they are not true?" Lindoro asked as he eyed his companion carefully. He knew this would do more
than just challenge their long-standing friendship.
Delak opened his mouth slightly, closed it, and then reopened it once more. His eyes widen with disbelief. "What?
Are you saying that they are?"
Lindoro closed his eyes and turned away to look at one of the pictures on the wall. His eyes locked on the one that
had a flowing waterfall. It looked similar to the one on Naboo that he and his Master stood by for a holopic.
Sighing heavily, his shoulders slumping as he bowed his head in shame. "Most of them are true, Delak. I've yet to
hear one that does not have some truth in it." His voice drifted through the silence of the room.
Delak was glad that Lindoro was not facing him. Shock, revulsion, surprise, pain, fear, shame, and compassion stole
over the aquatic Master. He strengthened his shields in order for his friend to not pick up on his feelings.
"They can't all be true. You would never do over half the things that have been stated. No, I can't believe it. I know
you have been rebellious at times and have been depicted as Master Jinn's shadow when it comes to the Council's
wishes. But killing innocents? Come on Lin! There is no way I can believe it! The Council would never sanction
that! Let alone allow a Jedi to do those things. It isn't possible and it is against the Code."
Lindoro listened to his friend's words. A Chuckle escaped him causing the Mon Calamari to stop talking.
"What Lin? What has happen to you?"
Lindoro turned around; a sad smile was on his face. His blue eyes filled with pain and sorrow.
"The majority of it is true. And the Council didn't care. They followed what the Senate wanted. The Senate wanted a
Jedi to do their dirty work and guess who got picked?"
"But…the Council would not allow innocents to suffer! The Code explicitly forbids murder!" Delak stammered still
in shock.
"Damn the Code! And damn the Council! Sithing hells, Delak!" Lindoro shouted as his patience left him. His anger
from before threatened to engulf him in its fiery embrace once more. His breaths quickened as a thin of sheen of
moisture glistened on his forehead.
"Lin…" Delak started but stopped when his friend raised his hand. 'I can't believe this! He's never been this upset
before…or even cursed the Code.' The shock could not be held back from Delak's face.
"They are the reason why I am this way. They are the reason for what has happened! They don't even have the gall
to stand up against the Senate. All they do now is serve, serve, serve. They are not 'seeing' what is going on! They
sent me to hell! These last 6 years have been just that and more!" His voice was getting hoarser under the pressure
of his rising emotions.
Delak saw the flickering expressions on his face as well as the feelings of pain, fear, and anger laced through the
Force before the Knight slammed his shields. Delak then could sense no more from his friend.
"Lin…" He tried once more but was stopped by the rising hand.
"I can't talk about it…" Lindoro shook his head. "Most of it is confidential to the Republic. What the Council did
today…It was a slap in my face, Delak. They had the nerve to have me followed! Me! And a Knight at that! I could,
perhaps, understand if I was a mere Padawan, but I have been a Knight for well over 10 years now." He shook his
head once more and glanced back over at the waterfall picture. Not wanting to see the pain and disappointment that
was on his friend's face. "They don't trust me…"
"They have been tailing you? When?" Delak couldn't believe what he was hearing. Too much information to take in
all at once. The fact that the rumors were not just rumors any more was unnerving. Now to hear that the Council
suspects his friend to have fallen… 'Well that is one of the rumors as well…is that what they think?' "Lin…you have
not fallen to the Dark Side. Because if you had you would not be feeling remorse or sadness over what you have had
to do. The Council knows this."
Lindoro's shoulders shook slightly with the rage that he was feeling. "They had me followed every time I left the
Temple. They think I've fallen! I have asked myself and them why they allowed me a Padawan then. But their
answer was that she will be good for me. I…I…do not think it was right." His voice lowered and deepened with
twisting of his emotions. They had switched from the building rage to a smothering sadness. "I acted rashly and did
not realize what type of consequences could result from me taking her. I may have now forever damned any chances
of her becoming a Knight. She…she deserves better." His voice caught in his throat as tears began to blur his
vision, causing the waterfall picture to look almost life like.
Delak came up behind the tall Knight and laid a webbed hand on his shoulder.
"Think back to what you told me in the stands when we watched her spar with the kata instructor. You said the
Force was guiding you. You told me you always listen to it. Are you going to stop listening? She is right for you!
I've seen how your eyes light up when she's around. How your whole demeanor changes. I've seen how you kid
with her. The little things like when you elbow her at meal times. You were not wrong in choosing her. Believe me,
my friend. You are right for her as she is right for you. Don't let the past mistakes cause this opportunity of a life
time slip through your fingers. Live the moment, Lin! Embrace what you have now."
Lindoro looked back at his friend and saw not detest not anger, not disappointment, and not even pity. He saw
compassion; compassion of a friend for another.
He smiled weakly as he fought the tears that tried to spill from his eyes. "Thank you, Delak. To hear those words…I
just wish I could get it through my mind." Shaking his head, he embraced the aquatic Master. "You are like a
brother to me, always remember that."
Delak smiled and return the hug. "Your stubbornness is the problem, Lin. But you will in time." Delak nearly
choked on his own voice at the man's declaration of brotherhood. "You are like a brother to me as well." He then
drew apart from the tall man. "When is your Master due back?"
"He'll be here in a few days. I got a message from him. He said that the negotiations would be over sooner than
originally thought. Actually I personally believe that he's rushing it so he can come and see his first grand
Padawan." A slight twinkle lit up his dark blue eyes.
"He also wants to see you. It has been 6 years now, Lin." Delak paused as he eyed his friend seriously. "You will
talk with him won't you? I mean about what has happen?"
Lindoro's smile faltered and he glanced at the waterfall once more. "I…I…don't know. I know I need to talk to
someone, but there is so much I can't talk about because of the confidentiality of the situation. But I will talk of
what I can. I do need to get this resolved. I have to find closure."
Delak nodded when Lindoro looked back at him. "I am sure he'll be able to help you. You two have always been
close." Delak smiled warmly. "Then again there is always the Soul Healers."
Though Delak meant it as a joke, Lindoro did not respond in turn. The man paled causing his black goatee and
mustache to stand out on the paled complexion. "No…absolutely not! I will not allow them to go and excavate my
mind." The vehemence behind his voice startled Delak.
"I was just joking, Lin." He raised his webbed hands slightly in defense.
Sighing, Lindoro shook his head. "I'm sorry. I should have known you were kidding. Well I better get back to
Menaria. We're to meditate before calling it a night." He stopped as he remembered Delak being called at mid day
meal to see the Council. "What did the Council want earlier?"
Delak sighed as he punched the buttons to show the room was open once more. "The delegates have been pushing to
get the negotiations bumped, so I have to leave first thing in the morning. I guess our spar will have to wait until I
get back, eh?"
Lindoro quietly sighed with relief. He had feared it was because of his earlier outburst with the Council and had
thought that maybe they thought he needed yet another babysitter.
"Then we'll make time upon your return. That is if I'm not gone by then." Lindoro smiled.
"Oh? Think they'll assign you a mission soon?" Delak asked.
"Well I met this Senator from Naboo and he is requesting Jedi assistance on an upcoming convention. He has asked
for me." Lindoro stated as he leaned back slightly on the doorway.
"Really? I thought you weren't like your Master in that aspect? You got a Senator friend now?" Delak chuckled as
his eyes had widened in surprise.
"Well I'm having lunch with him tomorrow. Guess I'll find out whether or not I'll truly get along with him. With the
few run-ins I've had with him, he seems sincere enough. More than most politicians I've met."
"Well do be careful. Some Senators like to have Jedi as friends only to use them." Delak warned.
Lindoro nodded as he pulled back up to his full height. "Believe me Delak, I know about being used…all to well."
He said sarcastically.
Delak let the subject drop as he smiled. "Well, take it easy until I return or if you are gone then we will when you
get back. Guess I'll go and pack. Do tell your Master hello for me." He embraced the tall Knight one more time
before heading down the hallway.
Lindoro watched his friend leave. As the Mon Calamari vanished around the corner, a hollowness filled him. 'I
should listen to what he said. But these feelings won't leave me. The anger is building as well as the darkness.' A
chill filled him as the revelation of what he had just thought hit him fully in the face. 'I will not fall! I cannot! I
must hold on for her sake. Master Yoda was right. I must work this out for her.' He sighed and leaned heavily
against the doorway.
'I can't talk with anyone because of the classification of the missions. The Council members have clearance…but I
can't talk to them…because of what they are. The only few others that I could talk to are Senators and there aren't
any that I…' He paused as he stood back up quickly. Palpatine's name came to his mind. 'He has clearance…but I
don't know him well enough. Maybe after lunch tomorrow I can get a feel on whether or not I can talk to him
openly. It would be nice to get this off my chest. Master always told me that talking about things can be such a great
help. I just hope the man doesn't get appalled by all that I have done. Well maybe I won't tell him
everything…some things are just not to be told.' He shuddered at some of the past moments that flashed through his
mind.
He walked away, heading for the quarters that he shared with his Padawan.
a secret? I've done that before too! ;) Though I juz told my Major that I got caught up in traffic at the base's front
gate hehehehe and that happens lots of time since 9/11 incident. Yep yep got caught up in fan fiction.
Glad you are enjoying my fic! I am happy to share it with folks! Oh as for Lin… yeah unfortunately he is going to
learn the hard way about the salvation part. Thanks for reading and commenting! Enjoying our PMs!!!
######
Menaria flinched for the fourth time within an hour as her Master hissed once more from the slight burn resulting
from her saber.
Lindoro sighed heavily as he stepped back and deactivated his saber. "Enough, Menaria. I'm not helping with your
katas today obviously. Do the next sets without me." He then turned around and headed to the bench that held their
overtunics and boots.
Menaria felt nothing through their bond since he shielded himself earlier. She turned her saber off and hastened to
the bench. "Master, would you like to talk about it?" She asked quietly as she took a seat next to him as he began to
put his boots back on.
He paused for a split second before putting on his other boot. "I just over reacted on a matter that happened earlier."
After saying that, he snorted and leaned back against the wall while closing his eyes. "It was a foolish thing really. A
man reacting due to his credibility that was being held in question. And being watched like a child." He stated as he
sighed once more. The weight of the last few years seems to pull him down.
"I…don't understand Master. What happend? Being watched? By whom…the Council?" Menaria was puzzled but
she figured it probably dealt with the things that dealt with his last mission.
"Yes, Menaria. They have had a Knight following me every time I sat foot outside the Temple. As if I was some
criminal." He opened his eyes to observe his Padawan's reaction from what he just revealed. What he didn't expect
was the awareness she exhibited.
"You knew?" His black eyebrows knitted in confusion.
"Not directly, Master. Only a rumor had mention that said you were supposedly being…um… well tested." She said
the latter part quietly not wanting anyone to overhear. She blushed slightly and looked down at her hands.
A spark of fury raced through him as he heard her speak. "Are you embarrassed to have me as your Master? If so we
can end this if you want." Though he hated to say it, but he knew he had to offer the suggestion. He also knew that
their relationship wouldn't work out if either one of them had any hesitations.
Menaria's head shot up so quickly that her braid flopped over her shoulder. Her eyes widen in shock and horror at
his questioning. "No! I mean…no Master, please. I am not embarrassed. I am just shocked that you had no idea of
the rumor." She reached out and gently took one of his larger hands into her own smaller ones. "Please, I am
honored to be your Padawan and I could care less what others say. I believe in seeing things before judging them."
Her green eyes bore into his pain filled blue ones.
A weak smile slipped on to his face as he squeezed her hands.
"Remember Master, we will get through this together." She smiled back at him.
"Yes, and I thank you young one. Though there will be times that you won't be able to. But the other times you do, I
thank you immensely." His eyes lit up once again with warmth.
Menaria nodded. "That's what we Padawans are supposed to do." She chuckled as she stood back up. "Now come on
Master, let's see you strut your stuff like yesterday." Her eyes twinkled with mischief.
Even though he had only known her for a few days, Lindoro recognized that look. "Now hang on. I do not 'strut'!"
He stood back up, crossing his arms over his chest and eyed her warily.
"Then I challenge you to not strut while we spar then Master." She raised her chin slightly in a haughty manner.
Lindoro smirked as he sat back down to remove his boots once more. "Then my very young apprentice, prepare
yourself for the most challenging spar that you have ever had!"
The Master immediately flew into action as soon as his boots were removed. Menaria never saw the saber leave his
belt as it some how mysteriously appeared fully activated in his hands.
'Master Lenart's tests were never this heated!' She thought as she barely recovered from the shock in time to parry
the blows that rained down on her.
Menaria did remember the next three hours as the most vigorous training ever in her memory.
Menaria came out of the shower and pulled down her tunic a little bit while observing her Master at the doorway
leading out of the gym. She reached for their bond and felt it still closed off. Using the Force, she looked on her
Master. His aura was slightly obscure. Crinkling her eyebrows in puzzlement, she headed toward him.
'He must be upset still about earlier. I wish I could ask more…but I don't want to bring it up.' She sighed quietly as
she walked up to him.
"Ready to go and eat? That workout was a hearty one! Don't know about you, but I'm starved." He chuckled as he
put an arm around her shoulders and led the way to the cafeteria. 'I'll meditate later…I have to keep these feelings in
check for now.'
Menaria smiled and nodded as she looked up at him. "Of course Master. And you are right. That was a great
workout!"
Lindoro chuckled as the two entered the cafeteria. "Well I am glad I provided you the challenge you wanted."
Each took a tray, a plate, a glass, and some utensils to eat with then joined the serving line with a few other Jedi. At
the approach of the Padawan and her Master, several of the Jedi stopped talking for a few seconds to eye the two.
Lindoro felt waves of disgust filtering through the Force for a brief moment then it faded as quickly as it had been
sensed. The smile that had been playing on Lindoro's lips vanished as he looked away.
Menaria was oblivious to the sensation due to the arrival of her friends.
"Menaria!" Nania called out happily as she waved at the Padawan.
Menaria smiled widely and waved back.
Seriu and Kork waved as well while getting the eatery items and stepping up behind her. The Master and Padawan
were the last ones so far to have joined the line.
"I can't wait for tomorrow! I think it's going to be fun working on those banners. I'm glad we don't have classes
tomorrow and how I love the fact we get one day off a week from them." Her eyes shinned with excitement.
"You're always ecstatic about the day off!" Kork chuckled. Then he and the other two initiates bowed a greeting to
Lindoro and also to Master Delak as the Mon Calamari joined them in the line. Menaria bowed a greeting to the
approaching Master as well.
"Aww come on, Kork! You're worse than she is and you know it!" Seriu laughed as he gently punched his blue
furred companion on the shoulder. The other two along with Menaria joined the laughing.
Delak had nodded in return to the four bows. He smiled at the children's enthusiasm while he glanced over at his
friend.
Lindoro nodded automatically at the three initiates and then looked away after nodding a greeting to Delak.
The aquatic Master could tell his friend was still troubled. 'I'll ask him to talk after evening meal. Something happen
for sure with the Council and it appears whatever it was it wasn't good. Master Windu was distracted at the meeting
for some reason. I wonder if it was related to Lin's incident?' He walked passed the talking four and came up to
Lindoro who had turned slightly away from the happy children.
"Lin…" Delak laid his webbed hand upon the tall Knight's shoulder.
"I'm fine Delak." His voice didn't echo the words, as they were slightly hoarse and full of emotion.
Delak looked at the man's face. Though it reflected a serene outlook, the eyes betrayed the façade.
"And a Wookie fathered me." Delak commented under his breath as he crossed his arms over his chest. "We will
talk after evening meal. Do you hear me Knight D'Lockens." He stressed the man's title. He had never pulled his
rank on Lindoro before, but the man was proving to be too stubborn for his own good. 'I have tried to corner him for
these two months he's been back, but I either got called away or something else came up. Not any longer.'
Lindoro's head snapped up further as his pain filled eyes turned cold as ice. "Of course Master Delak." His voice
dripped with sarcasm, which drew the attention of the Padawan and the initiates.
Menaria and the others had been discussing what colors to use for the banners when Lindoro's voice reached them.
All four exchanged startled looks and concentrated on the Master and Knight.
Lindoro turned around and followed the line to get his meal. 'Damn him!' Lindoro's eyes threaten to mist up, but he
swallowed the anger and pain, shoving it further into the darken hole of his being. 'He's only concern. Be glad he
cares because no one else obviously does…' His thoughts once more slipped back to the Council's earlier
'sentiments'. 'Why couldn't they just leave me alone? As if I am going to do anything…' His breath caught as he
thought of what he had done for the Order and all he had sacrificed for them. 'And this is what I get in return?
Ridicule? Detest?' He paused in mid thought as he glanced at a few passing Masters who immediately looked away
and greeted those behind him. He sighed quietly as he got a small slab of nerf steak. 'But I do deserve their
reactions, don't I? I deserve everything they dish out to me. For I have done wrong…a great amount of wrongs. I
don't even deserve Menaria.' At his Padawan's name, he glanced her way and caught her observing him. Concern
was evident upon her face.
Opening his bond after realizing he still had it closed off; Lindoro sent an assuring feeling her way and smiled a
weak smile. 'For her…'
Relief flooded Menaria as the feeling coursed through the bond that she shared with her Master. She smiled widely
in return as her eyes shined once more. She sent an answering warm feeling tinged with relief back his way.
Seriu watched the exchange, deep in thought. 'The two are working out great it looks like. Maybe our suspicions
were not merit. Which would be great itself, a definite relief.' Seriu smiled as he looked at Nania and Kork. When
the two looked his way, he nodded slightly at Menaria then at Lindoro.
The other two caught on to what Seriu was motioning about and glanced at the Padawan then the Knight. They saw
the open affection that the two were sharing. A smile formed on both Nania's and Kork's faces.
The meal's conversation was all about the banners. Both Master and Knight listen to their talks of colors and sayings
that would be used.
Delak finished his meal first followed by Lindoro, since the two barely spoke at all due to the banner ramblings.
"Shall we then, Lindoro?" Delak asked as he eyed his friend carefully.
Lindoro sighed and glanced over at Menaria who had stopped talking to see what the Master was inquiring.
"Padawan, you go ahead and spend some time with your friends. But don't forget our evening meditation. Meet me
back at our quarters in a couple hours. All right?"
Menaria smiled and nodded. "Yes Master, see you then." She got up as well as the initiates to bow their good-byes.
Delak and Lindoro took their items to the tray table. "We'll use one of the close meditation rooms." The aquatic
Master said as he led the way out of the cafeteria and went to the third door down the hall. Once Lindoro entered
and the door closed, Delak then programmed the room reflecting it being in use. Turning around he eyed Lindoro
worriedly.
Lindoro was dreading this moment. He had known sooner or later that Delak was going to ask him, he had presumed
sooner but things kept coming up. He felt his hands begin to tremble slightly so he clasped them in front of him.
He looked around the room prior to making eye contact with his friend. There were several paintings similar to the
ones that were in the room that he and Menaria meditated in each day.
"Lin…tell me what has happened. But first, have you heard the rumors about you? You need to bring a stop to
them." Delak said concern reflected in his voice and on face.
"Why? How can I?" Lindoro asked as he put his hands inside the sleeves of his robe to keep them from shaking.
"Because you have to. They are wrong and need to be straightened out. Just…" The Mon Calamari stopped as pain
crossed the tall man's face. "What is it?" Delak narrowed his silver eyes.
"You think that they are not true?" Lindoro asked as he eyed his companion carefully. He knew this would do more
than just challenge their long-standing friendship.
Delak opened his mouth slightly, closed it, and then reopened it once more. His eyes widen with disbelief. "What?
Are you saying that they are?"
Lindoro closed his eyes and turned away to look at one of the pictures on the wall. His eyes locked on the one that
had a flowing waterfall. It looked similar to the one on Naboo that he and his Master stood by for a holopic.
Sighing heavily, his shoulders slumping as he bowed his head in shame. "Most of them are true, Delak. I've yet to
hear one that does not have some truth in it." His voice drifted through the silence of the room.
Delak was glad that Lindoro was not facing him. Shock, revulsion, surprise, pain, fear, shame, and compassion stole
over the aquatic Master. He strengthened his shields in order for his friend to not pick up on his feelings.
"They can't all be true. You would never do over half the things that have been stated. No, I can't believe it. I know
you have been rebellious at times and have been depicted as Master Jinn's shadow when it comes to the Council's
wishes. But killing innocents? Come on Lin! There is no way I can believe it! The Council would never sanction
that! Let alone allow a Jedi to do those things. It isn't possible and it is against the Code."
Lindoro listened to his friend's words. A Chuckle escaped him causing the Mon Calamari to stop talking.
"What Lin? What has happen to you?"
Lindoro turned around; a sad smile was on his face. His blue eyes filled with pain and sorrow.
"The majority of it is true. And the Council didn't care. They followed what the Senate wanted. The Senate wanted a
Jedi to do their dirty work and guess who got picked?"
"But…the Council would not allow innocents to suffer! The Code explicitly forbids murder!" Delak stammered still
in shock.
"Damn the Code! And damn the Council! Sithing hells, Delak!" Lindoro shouted as his patience left him. His anger
from before threatened to engulf him in its fiery embrace once more. His breaths quickened as a thin of sheen of
moisture glistened on his forehead.
"Lin…" Delak started but stopped when his friend raised his hand. 'I can't believe this! He's never been this upset
before…or even cursed the Code.' The shock could not be held back from Delak's face.
"They are the reason why I am this way. They are the reason for what has happened! They don't even have the gall
to stand up against the Senate. All they do now is serve, serve, serve. They are not 'seeing' what is going on! They
sent me to hell! These last 6 years have been just that and more!" His voice was getting hoarser under the pressure
of his rising emotions.
Delak saw the flickering expressions on his face as well as the feelings of pain, fear, and anger laced through the
Force before the Knight slammed his shields. Delak then could sense no more from his friend.
"Lin…" He tried once more but was stopped by the rising hand.
"I can't talk about it…" Lindoro shook his head. "Most of it is confidential to the Republic. What the Council did
today…It was a slap in my face, Delak. They had the nerve to have me followed! Me! And a Knight at that! I could,
perhaps, understand if I was a mere Padawan, but I have been a Knight for well over 10 years now." He shook his
head once more and glanced back over at the waterfall picture. Not wanting to see the pain and disappointment that
was on his friend's face. "They don't trust me…"
"They have been tailing you? When?" Delak couldn't believe what he was hearing. Too much information to take in
all at once. The fact that the rumors were not just rumors any more was unnerving. Now to hear that the Council
suspects his friend to have fallen… 'Well that is one of the rumors as well…is that what they think?' "Lin…you have
not fallen to the Dark Side. Because if you had you would not be feeling remorse or sadness over what you have had
to do. The Council knows this."
Lindoro's shoulders shook slightly with the rage that he was feeling. "They had me followed every time I left the
Temple. They think I've fallen! I have asked myself and them why they allowed me a Padawan then. But their
answer was that she will be good for me. I…I…do not think it was right." His voice lowered and deepened with
twisting of his emotions. They had switched from the building rage to a smothering sadness. "I acted rashly and did
not realize what type of consequences could result from me taking her. I may have now forever damned any chances
of her becoming a Knight. She…she deserves better." His voice caught in his throat as tears began to blur his
vision, causing the waterfall picture to look almost life like.
Delak came up behind the tall Knight and laid a webbed hand on his shoulder.
"Think back to what you told me in the stands when we watched her spar with the kata instructor. You said the
Force was guiding you. You told me you always listen to it. Are you going to stop listening? She is right for you!
I've seen how your eyes light up when she's around. How your whole demeanor changes. I've seen how you kid
with her. The little things like when you elbow her at meal times. You were not wrong in choosing her. Believe me,
my friend. You are right for her as she is right for you. Don't let the past mistakes cause this opportunity of a life
time slip through your fingers. Live the moment, Lin! Embrace what you have now."
Lindoro looked back at his friend and saw not detest not anger, not disappointment, and not even pity. He saw
compassion; compassion of a friend for another.
He smiled weakly as he fought the tears that tried to spill from his eyes. "Thank you, Delak. To hear those words…I
just wish I could get it through my mind." Shaking his head, he embraced the aquatic Master. "You are like a
brother to me, always remember that."
Delak smiled and return the hug. "Your stubbornness is the problem, Lin. But you will in time." Delak nearly
choked on his own voice at the man's declaration of brotherhood. "You are like a brother to me as well." He then
drew apart from the tall man. "When is your Master due back?"
"He'll be here in a few days. I got a message from him. He said that the negotiations would be over sooner than
originally thought. Actually I personally believe that he's rushing it so he can come and see his first grand
Padawan." A slight twinkle lit up his dark blue eyes.
"He also wants to see you. It has been 6 years now, Lin." Delak paused as he eyed his friend seriously. "You will
talk with him won't you? I mean about what has happen?"
Lindoro's smile faltered and he glanced at the waterfall once more. "I…I…don't know. I know I need to talk to
someone, but there is so much I can't talk about because of the confidentiality of the situation. But I will talk of
what I can. I do need to get this resolved. I have to find closure."
Delak nodded when Lindoro looked back at him. "I am sure he'll be able to help you. You two have always been
close." Delak smiled warmly. "Then again there is always the Soul Healers."
Though Delak meant it as a joke, Lindoro did not respond in turn. The man paled causing his black goatee and
mustache to stand out on the paled complexion. "No…absolutely not! I will not allow them to go and excavate my
mind." The vehemence behind his voice startled Delak.
"I was just joking, Lin." He raised his webbed hands slightly in defense.
Sighing, Lindoro shook his head. "I'm sorry. I should have known you were kidding. Well I better get back to
Menaria. We're to meditate before calling it a night." He stopped as he remembered Delak being called at mid day
meal to see the Council. "What did the Council want earlier?"
Delak sighed as he punched the buttons to show the room was open once more. "The delegates have been pushing to
get the negotiations bumped, so I have to leave first thing in the morning. I guess our spar will have to wait until I
get back, eh?"
Lindoro quietly sighed with relief. He had feared it was because of his earlier outburst with the Council and had
thought that maybe they thought he needed yet another babysitter.
"Then we'll make time upon your return. That is if I'm not gone by then." Lindoro smiled.
"Oh? Think they'll assign you a mission soon?" Delak asked.
"Well I met this Senator from Naboo and he is requesting Jedi assistance on an upcoming convention. He has asked
for me." Lindoro stated as he leaned back slightly on the doorway.
"Really? I thought you weren't like your Master in that aspect? You got a Senator friend now?" Delak chuckled as
his eyes had widened in surprise.
"Well I'm having lunch with him tomorrow. Guess I'll find out whether or not I'll truly get along with him. With the
few run-ins I've had with him, he seems sincere enough. More than most politicians I've met."
"Well do be careful. Some Senators like to have Jedi as friends only to use them." Delak warned.
Lindoro nodded as he pulled back up to his full height. "Believe me Delak, I know about being used…all to well."
He said sarcastically.
Delak let the subject drop as he smiled. "Well, take it easy until I return or if you are gone then we will when you
get back. Guess I'll go and pack. Do tell your Master hello for me." He embraced the tall Knight one more time
before heading down the hallway.
Lindoro watched his friend leave. As the Mon Calamari vanished around the corner, a hollowness filled him. 'I
should listen to what he said. But these feelings won't leave me. The anger is building as well as the darkness.' A
chill filled him as the revelation of what he had just thought hit him fully in the face. 'I will not fall! I cannot! I
must hold on for her sake. Master Yoda was right. I must work this out for her.' He sighed and leaned heavily
against the doorway.
'I can't talk with anyone because of the classification of the missions. The Council members have clearance…but I
can't talk to them…because of what they are. The only few others that I could talk to are Senators and there aren't
any that I…' He paused as he stood back up quickly. Palpatine's name came to his mind. 'He has clearance…but I
don't know him well enough. Maybe after lunch tomorrow I can get a feel on whether or not I can talk to him
openly. It would be nice to get this off my chest. Master always told me that talking about things can be such a great
help. I just hope the man doesn't get appalled by all that I have done. Well maybe I won't tell him
everything…some things are just not to be told.' He shuddered at some of the past moments that flashed through his
mind.
He walked away, heading for the quarters that he shared with his Padawan.