((I lay no claim to the Star Wars world, just an enjoyment in the worlds that George Lucus created. This story follows the adventures of Skye Organa within the RPG.))
Chapter 06 PreparationsFour Jedi in their respective ships wink into existence above the water world of Manaan, having made sure no trace of where they had left, nor of where they were going. They were back here on urgent business, and as Ben'a with Nahstaa, and Tares with Skye left their respective ships, they made their way quickly through the Eternal Vigilance to the Jedi Council chambers, sending a signal to all present to assemble.
Skye followed her master off his ship and back into the Eternal Vigilance. It was good to be back there, although she had enjoyed her time on Naboo, training with her master. As they left the hanger she linked arms with her brother, who had arrived with Ben'a and they both followed their respective Masters towards the Council Chambers.
She could sense just how nervous he was and sent him her love and support through their bond. She gathered that it would be difficult for him at first to be around so many Jedi, having not long defected from the Sith and she wanted to make him feel welcomed and of how much she cared about him, also that she would be the protective big sister if need be.
As they continued on she found herself wondering how Darex was and stretched out with the Force to find him, locating him in the mess hall. A smile crossed her face and she sent him a message, hoping that he was not too busy to hear her...
"I'm back Darex... I'll catch up with you soon... I have some news for you and someone that I want you to meet! We have to go to the Council Chambers now but I hope that we can catch up later...say hi to Ish for me..."
Having arrived with Tares, Nahstaa and Skye at the Council chambers, Ben'a picked up the pad left by BC in his hasty retreat. Feeling somewhat consternated that the Jedi Master had taken his leave for no apparent reason, Ben'a tuned his comm-link appropriately to send an encrypted message to him.
"Master BC, there are things that require your attention...and that of the Council as a whole. Where are you going?"
Switching frequencies, Ben'a comm-ed the entire ship, making sure that everyone aboard the Eternal Vigilance would hear.
"All members of the Jedi Council please come to the Chambers. There has been a disturbing development."
Ara sat up in her seat, still in the council chambers from a previous session. Her eyebrows arched.
"Disturbing developments? Of what nature?" She asked.
Ben'a looked to see Ara-Lai Kaipi, one of the Masters on the Council already there in the Chambers. It was odd that he hadn't seen her there before, he estimated that it was probably due to his momentary anger at Master BC leaving so suddenly.
"Forgive me, Ara, I did not see you," he said soberly. "There are dark things happening on the planet Arbra. The Dark Lord of the Sith, having been possessed, is looking to unleash a terrible darkness from before the Jedi and Sith came into being."
He paused for a moment, in case other council members were coming as well.
"Someone in the Sith contacted me while I was with Tares on Naboo, hoping to establish us as allies to stop the Dark Lord from unleashing this power. I did not sense any deception on the part of this being, but Master Tares thought it best -- and I do agree -- that we inform the Council first, before action is taken."
Tares stepped in, "Personally this doesn't sound too sith like, from what we have observed of them in the past. Yet the possibility remains that this Sith might be telling the truth. A decision must be made by the council as a whole, if we were all here that is...."
"From what I could tell about this being, he is not your run-of-the-mill Sith. Suffice it to say that the feeling I got from him could be roughly described as 'progressive'; like he wants to reform the Sith into something other then a world-conquering evilness. And if what he says is true, he has taken a risk by merely telling me about." Ben'a continued.
Ben'a looked from Tares to Ara-Lai, trying to sort out what could be done to speed up the decision process.
"I do not believe that the whole Order need go with us. The task we must do is thusly: we send a small force of Jedi to find the mines on Arbra where the crystals that the Sith are seeking are located. Once there, we place transmitters that will call down fire from Rebel star cruisers to collapse the mines. The native species, according to Ahriman's information, are being exploited to aide them, and they must be freed as well.
Once the mines are destroyed, I am not sure what will come next. But I do have faith that I'll find out soon." Ben'a then had to repeat what he'd already said as Master Blckclone returned to the Council Chambers.
"Like I told Hale in the past I approve any mission in which we can set back the Sith. Everyday they are allowed to prosper freely is another bad day for the galaxy. We must slow their progress, we must keep them under control. However, we cannot destroy them, for without them there is no light."
Master BC stroked his chin.
"Bring me those who wish to go on this mission. I may accompany you."
"It would be an honour to have you with us, Master. If he is willing, I would like to bring Master Tares with us, along with his Padawan. Also, I have a feeling that Keiran might wish to come as well... I'll send him a comm once we're away. And if he's around, I would ask Tristin Stellar to come as well." Ben'a added.
Ben'a looked around to the assembled group. It was good to know that these Masters were willing to risk going with him on this mission -- his mission. His gaze finally fell onto Skye, and a warm smile spread his lips.
"I feel we must leave with all possible speed, Skye. Time is of the essence, for the Sith may descend on Arbra in overwhelming numbers if we take too long in getting there. However, there is time to meet and give your compliments."
He looked up to Master BC then
"The Rebellion must be contacted at once -- their support is essential to this operation. We will need at least one capital ship to bomb and seal the mines. My Padawan, Nahstaa, has some information as well."
"I will be back momentarily, Masters...I promise you that. Nahstaa, please remain here, and relay that information you said you had."
Skye watched as Ben'a disappeared from the Council Chambers. She sat close to her brother, giving him support as she felt his nervousness. The Council members began to discuss some other matters and she softly whispered comforting words to her brother.
So lost in her thoughts she didn't realise at first that Ben'a had returned. When she looked up and saw his companion though she sucked in her breath, trembling slightly before she overcome her shock and slight fear. With him was the Sith who had attacked her on Hoth... the very one that her master had interrupted. Realising that her jaw had dropped open, she closed it, clinging slightly to her brother in an unconscious need for support.
Then she got to thinking, if her brother could defect from the Sith, so could someone else. She could confront her fear and find it in her heart to forgive him... she had not suffered any lasting injuries from him on Hoth, so she could treat that as a learning experience and move on from it. Looking up at him again she caught his eye, giving him a silent signal that if he wished to, he could sit with her and her brother.
Ben'a closed the door, and began introducing those in attendance.
"This is Nahstaa, my Padawan. Tares Vortex, a Jedi Master, and his Padawan, Skye. Master Blckclone here is the leader of the Order." Ben'a smiled at the assembled Jedi before continuing.
"I apologize for my sudden disappearing act. This is Neo, formerly of the Sith Order. He tells me that he wishes to get away from the anger, violence, and darkness of their kind, and I believe him. He also tells me that he has information for you in regards to the Sith as a whole. However, I wish to let Nahstaa speak first."
Skye looked back to her brother who had stood up to speak, sending him all the love and support she could muster. She knew how difficult this was for him, surrounded by people that were once his sworn enemies and she was very grateful that he had turned back to the light - and that they had found each other.
Standing up, Nahstaa felt a great nervousness. He had never been near this many jedi... after a moment, he cleared his throat, thought of his sister, and began...
"My name is Nahstaa... up until recently, I served the sith, just as Neo did... We have never met, but I'm glad there are more like myself... I served as an apprentice to the sith master known as Tarrian Skywalker. She brought me to their planet, and I was an attendant as Abaddon gave his first speech as The Dark Lord of the Sith.
Matters progressed slowly, until Bishop arrived. Bishop came, with another, who was known as the talker. I do not know the extent of this mans powers, as I only saw him once or twice briefly... anyway, when Bishop came, matters unfolded, and Bishop took over the throne of the dark lord, and Abaddon disappeared... Soon after this, my master took me to another planet, which I can only describe as evil... when we got here, she oversaw the construction of a training facility, a temple of sorts... this training facility was built by slaves... many slaves, all of whom were killed.
These are the key events I can tell you of. I have no co-ordinates, but I hope what I have told you is of some help... I am totally happy to share this information in greater detail, but I feel there may be much more pressing matters at hand."
Slowly, Nahstaa sat down next to his sister, and shuddered...
Skye put her arm around her brother to comfort him, thinking of what he had told them all. Her mind then started to wander and she wondered how Darex and Ish had been and what they had been up to during her absence. She also started to review all the training her Master had put her through in her mind, concentrating on the finer details that needed to be practiced and wondered when she would get the chance to. Soon she hoped. She wanted to be ready for whatever lay ahead of her.
She looked back up at Neo who was looking uncomfortable and patted the floor beside her. If she could be accepting her brother who had defected the Sith, she could accept another as a friend if he wished to be. Leaving him to decide what he wanted to do she looked towards her Master, wondering what they were going to do next. She turned her attention back towards Neo then as he began to speak.
"Yes, I have heard of Nahstaa, but just briefly."
He looked over to Skye, he could feel her reading over his body with the force.
"They are getting many, many members inside the Sith Order. I am afraid that this will even be harder than the previous wars were."
Neo nodded his head, it was going to be almost impossible to do this.
"The Sith Academy is on Byss, and that's where they train and stay. Other than that, all I know of is Mimban, but that doesn't get much action anymore."
He looked around to all the council members
"I have only heard whispers of Arbra, other than that, all I know is that it is another planet in the universe."
He slowly nodded and looked to the ground, indicating that he was done. He looked over to Skye and Tares, feeling the warm connection, both Neo had tried to kill. He walked closer to Skye, and whispered into her ear.
"I am sorry for hurting you."
He gave an honest nod to Tares, and walked back to his spot
Skye watched as Neo moved closer to her after speaking with the Council Members. Taking a deep breath she faced her once enemy and relaxed, listening as he whispered into her ear. Hearing Neo apologise for hurting her on Hoth she stretched out with the Force to ensure that he meant what he said, finding no hint of deception. She found herself smiling at him and let him know that she was willing to be his friend. Skye turned back to her Master as he spoke.
"I am willing to join in on this mission. My services are yours. As for my padawan, I feel this only a decision she can make if she wishes to attend." Tares said, looking back to Skye....
Skye looked up at her Master. She felt that she would like to be a part of stopping the Sith. She had learnt a lot in the time since the Battle at Hoth and felt ready to do whatever was required of her.
"I would certainly like to do whatever I can Master. When do we leave?"
Then quietly for her Master's ears only "Will I have some time to catch up briefly with some friends before we go?"
Tares returned the nod, "Well if everything is in order, I suggest we prepare." He turned to Skye.
"I will be in my quarters getting ready. Prepare your things and don't forget to say hi to your friends."
With that he made his way out of the chambers....
She followed her Master out of the Council Chambers and then headed in the direction she felt Darex and Ish to be... the mess hall, her bag with all of her possessions within, was still in her Master's ship and she had nothing else in her room on the Eternal Vigilance so she thought she'd see her friends for a while before finding her Master again. Wandering in, she quickly grabbed a bite to eat and headed over to their table, saying hello to the others at the table before focusing on her two friends. Putting her tray down she threw an arm around each of them, giving both a quick hug.
"Hi Guys... did you miss me?"
Skye gave a little laugh and squeezed in between the two of them on the bench seat. "I've only got a short while to catch up before I'm off again but I wanted to see you both before I left. I've got some terrific news!!"
She grabbed a bite to eat while bubbling with the suppressed excitement her news brought her. She wasn't sure where Nahstaa was and stretched out to find him. He seemed busy so she just sent him a supportive feeling through the force, letting him know where she was if he had the time to try and find her. Finishing her mouthful she turned again to her friends.
"I found my brother!! I didn't even know I had one until we got to Naboo... I have a half brother... isn't that so great!!"
She found herself a little unwilling to tell them straight out that he was an ex-sith, instead deciding to bide her time until they had caught up properly first. She looked from one to the other to see how they would take her news.
Ish was elated to see Skye back though he sensed a small amount of hesitation within her. "Well isn't that convenient going out, and finding your half brother. It's fun when that happens isn't it?" said Ish with a sarcastic voice. "Small world eh?" he chuckled.
"Sarcasm doesn't become you Ish..."
Skye answered him as she gave him a small belt in the shoulder that certainly wasn't the first and wouldn't be the last. Ish hunkered away snickering. He smiled over at Skye and then took a sip of his fourth or fifth juri juice as he had lost count.
Darex was listening to the conversation around him when suddenly he felt someone grab him from behind. "Hi guys. Did you miss me?" came a voice.
"Skye!" Darex whirled around and gave her a hug. He listened to her gush about discovering her half brother and chuckled. "That's wonderful news. But calm down a little before you have a heart attack!"
Ish spoke up. "So how has your training been going?...I can sense that you are much stronger than you used to be."
Darex turned, interested to hear the story as well. "Yeah, you're the only one of our little group that has taken steps toward knighthood. What's it like?" He couldn't resist throwing a pretend microphone in her face and turning to Ish. "Get your datapad ready! This will make the headline of the nightly holo-news!"
Ish gave a snicker at Darex's' interviewing of Skye. She glanced back at him which was enough to make him quite before he received another shot to the shoulder. He and Darex seemed like partners in crime; annoying Skye like they were. It was truly good to see her back, if ever for such a short time.
Skye laughed again at Darex's 'invisible' microphone... brushing it away.
"You guys ..."
Turning back to Ish she gave him a look that quelled his next comments. She was abit concerned at how sarcastic he was getting. As she gave thought about how to answer Ish's question she looked at her friends other companions. Not wanting to exclude them she gave them all a wide smile, catching sight of another as well.
"I'm Armiena Draygo, and very new here." The newcomer said.
"Pleased to meet you Armiena, I'm Skye Organa..."
She included the other new faces as she stated her name, noticing how uncomfortable the Caamasi was looking and sending soothing thoughts his way. She looked closer at him as he got up and hurriedly left. He was looking rather ill.
She held her hand up to still comments from her companions momentarily and closed her eyes, using some of her new training in healing she concentrated on the Caamasi, following him with the force to his quarters and sending healing thoughts his way to reduce the urge to throw up. She reduced the discomfort in his stomach, easing the need to heave and gently soothed the rawness of his throat where the acids had reacted. With an invisible hand she smoothed his brow, encouraging him to go and rest.
Opening her eyes again she turned back to her companions.
"I may have begun my training but it is more like crawling than walking. It's progressing well though. There is a lot to learn. I'm sorry that I won't have much time with you guys... as I said before, I'm heading off again soon... I can't say much about it, but I'll be accompanying my Master on a mission, along with some others. My brother and his Master, Ben'a will be going also. Speaking of my Master, I have to go find him now..."
She gave both Darex and Ish another hug before standing up to leave, telling them that she hoped they both got masters of their own soon and waving to the others at the table. Just before she headed off she asked them to check on the Caamasi for her, to make sure that he is alright. Turning again she silently made her way through the Eternal Vigilance to her Masters Chambers, waiting at the door for him to acknowledge her presence.
After getting his things prepared, Tares made his way out of the door where he saw Skye. With a smile, he motioned for her to join him as he make his way to the Rector where we awaited for the others. In his mind, he knew the path ahead would be a difficult one. Yet he also knew this mission would bring alot of hope to those who needed it.
Warming up the ship, he looked to his padawan, "Do you feel ready for this mission?"
Skye returned her Master's gaze and thought about his question. Was she ready? It was a good question... she thought she was but until the mission truly got underway she wouldn't know for certain. Whatever happened she was going to do her best. She'd used the skills she had been taught and try and keep herself out of trouble.
"I think I am Master. I've learnt a lot since Hoth and don't intend to make any of the same mistakes again. You've taught me so much, I only hope that I don't disappoint you." She pauses for a moment. "Is there anything else I should know to prepare myself?"
Tares shook his head, "For this mission, the knowledge you have learned will serve you well. I feel like there isn't much more I can teach at this level that may be helpful to you."
"Is there anything you wish to learn?"
Skye fingered the lightsaber hanging from her belt. It was a borrowed one, the one that Orrick had given her back on Hoth and while she had practiced with it, she didn't feel a connection to it that she felt she should. She knew she needed more practice with it although that would come with time, but that wasn't what she wanted to ask about. Looking back up at Master Tares she answered him.
"I would like to know how to make my own lightsaber Master..."
With a smile Tares said, "I hoped you might say that. The art of creating a lightsaber is a skill that tends to be passed on from generation to generation of jedi. The key components of a lightsaber requires three major things, the hilt case, the inner workings, and a gem. Everything which we have onboard."
Moving to the other side of the room, Tares activated a computer interface. On the screen appeared a program, "You will need to find all the different inner components in the supply bay located on deck 2. Before this though, you may design the layout of your hilt. This program will let you design how the hilt will look, creating a personal touch to it. Once you are done, the ship will forge the hilt while you look for the components. Any questions?"
Skye followed her Master over to the computer, giving thought in regard to questions for him about the construction of her saber. None come straight to mind but she did get a vision of how she would like the hilt to look. Glancing at her Master first Skye gave him a quick smile before putting her ideas into the program, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she entered her requests.
Firstly she wanted it to look very streamline, having small hands she wanted something that she could hold comfortably, something that would fit perfectly in her clenched hand. The lightsaber she had been using was too wide for her palm and she often felt as if she would lose her grip on it.
She designed the hilt wide at the top with a slight narrowing down to the base, with a handgrip made for added comfort. It would be silver in colour with black markings along the side. She added that she wanted the symbols for the runes of protection, defense and strength along the top of it, level with the activation plate.
She looked back up at her Master, getting the nod to go for the other components. Letting the ship begin the construction for the hilt she used this as an opportunity to exercise as well, breaking into a sprint on her way down to the supply bay on deck two. Arriving there only slightly out of breathe, she took a moment to refocus before being her search.
She wanted this saber to be like an extension of herself so wanted a connection to every part of it. She stretched out with the Force to locate the first of the inner workings of her saber. She was drawn in the direction of a large cylindrical container along the far wall. Jogging over to it she let the force surround her as she opened the container. Inside she found various power cells, letting the force guide her to the right one.
Carefully she placed it in the bag she had brought with her and stretched out with the force again, this time being drawn over to the right corner of the storage bay. It was not a container that drew her but an item on it's own, lying on the floor... a belt ring. This too was added to the bag and she concentrated through the force for her next item, being drawn to a medium sized crate.
The only problem with this crate was that it was stacked up high on several others. Not seeing an easy way up to it she took a run up, using the force to jump three parts of the way up the stack, making herself lighter and climbing up until she reached the top crate.
Skye balanced herself carefully while she removed the lid, again using the force to locate the right power conduit for her lightsaber. Replacing the lid she sent another force feeler out to locate her next item... it also was up high on another stack of crates but instead of jumping to the floor she looked up to the rafters. She leapt up, catching hold of one of the beams and swung herself up to a sitting position on top of it.
Getting to her feet she carefully balanced her way across the beam to the next stack, lightly dropping down onto the center of stack. In this create she found her emitter matrix, she carefully placed it with her other items and looked around again. Stretching out she sensed where her next item lay.
Dropping lightly down to a lower stack Skye paused, being drawn in two directions. She decided on the stronger pull first, turning to her left. Right beside her was a small brown box. Opening it she found several assorted switches. Concentrating further she lets the force guide her to the safety switch. Smiling she turned to the other box that drew her, finding both the blade-length adjuster and the recharge socket within.
Now all she needed was her crystal. Stretching out she found that what she wanted was not near, not in the storage bay. Dropping quietly and lightly to the floor, Skye headed in the direction of an inner beacon, finding that she was retracing her previous steps and found herself back in the computer room with her Master.
As Skye returned, Tares smiled at the sight of the components she had collected. Waiting in his hand was her brand new hilt, simply an empty shell. He sat the hilt on the table then made his way over to a wall.
From a hidden panel slid out several different gems of different colours and properties, "You now must select your gem. From there we will begin construction."
Once she had selected, he began to guide her through the process of building the saber....
Skye's eyes lit up at the sight of the lightsaber hilt. She slipped the bag of components carefully onto the work bench and picked it up, turning it over in her hands, examining it carefully. Reluctantly she placed it onto the bench top next to the bag and turned to her Master.
She felt an almost overwhelming sensation, drawing her to the hidden panel her master had opened. Looking inside at the crystals within she drew a sharp gasp.
"You now must select your gem. From there we will begin construction."
There could only be one that she could ever consider choosing as she looked upon them. The strong urge to reach out caused her to do just that, her hand guided to a crystal the exact same shade of amethyst as her pendant. Picking it up she felt a warm sensation flow through her, as if the pairing was meant to be. A wide smile crossed her face as she turned back to her Master.
"This is the one Master Tares. I don't think there could be any other."
She moved back to the work bench and carefully laid out all the parts for her lightsaber. Focusing through the Force, letting it guide her with the delicate constuction, she started with the switches, inserting the safety switch and the blade-length adjuster into the activation plate and carefully locking them into place, the belt ring was quickly attached on the end of the hilt.
She carefully picked up the emitter matrix and placed it within the hilt. The power conduit and power cells went in next, followed by the recharge socket. Lastly she picked up her crystal, holding it up to the light first and letting it's warmth again flow through her.
The amethyst crystal seemed to pulse in her hands and she felt the crystal at her neck growing warm also, as if the two were communicating with each other. She felt envoloped in the warm glow and felt as if this was very right. Carefully she inserted her crystal into the hilt, making sure it fitted snuggly and carefully locking it in place. Closing the hilt up she then turned back to her Master.
"Now I guess the final test..." she softly murmered to herself.
Facing the blade in a safe direction, she lightly pressed the activation switch. With a soft hiss, the blade hummed to life. A beautiful deep amethyst coloured blade pulsing with life. She closed the blade down reluctantly and handed it over to her Master.
With her new lightsaber in hand, Tares gracefully observed the saber with detail. All the components were in place, the gem well fixed to the hilt. Everything was in order.
Slightly uncomfortable to handle for himself, he smiled at the praise he held for his padawan. She knew what she wanted in a saber. Shutting the saber off, he handed it back to Skye, "One of the finest sabers I have ever seen...."
"Thankyou Master" Skye softly replied, returning his smile as she fixed her saber onto her belt, feeling it belonged there. Removing the loaned saber she handed it back to her Master. "Someone else should use this one now..." Her voice trailed off. Looking at her Master she asked, "What's next?"
"Now we wait for the others."
Placing the lightsaber down onto the table, he smiled to Skye. They headed back to the Rector. From there, they waited....
Skye waited beside her Master, watching as Ben'a and Nahstaa arrived. She silently moved over to her brother, giving him a quick hug before moving back to her Master's side. With her brother at her side she took comfort from his presence, but wanted to further her knowledge.
"Master... have you any more holodisc's that I could study on healing aboard the Rector? I suddenly have a bad feeling about all this and I want to be as prepared as I possibly can"
She looked up at her Master waiting for his answer.
Looking to BC as he approached, Tares nodded, "Everything is ready. The ship has been set to pass for a supply frigate, and everyone is getting on board as we speak. We have left enough knights to stay behind I believe."
As he finished, the question from Skye took his mind. Turning to face her, he smiled at the thought that even in facing danger, she still wanted to learn. "I downloaded the medical database of the Vigilance in the Rector. All those files will be free for your use...."
Skye smiled back at her Master when she heard about the downloaded files. Giving him a nod she turned, heading into the Rector and to the terminal where she can access the files. She quickly logged in and accessed the relevant files, immersing herself with her studies. She wanted to be prepared for whatever was up ahead of them. Skye still couldn't shake the feeling that they might be heading into a trap.
Taking a break from her studies, Skye decided to freshen up. Her bag was next to her bunk and she made her way over to it, searching though it and pulling out her change of clothes – her black shipsuit. Showering and changing into it, she cleaned her other clothing and placed it into her bag. Heading back into the common area of the ship she set about preparing a meal for all that are accompanying them on the mission.
Onboard Tares began to warm up the engines in preparation for the long flight ahead. All the main systems registered readiness. From this point on, there wouldn't be any turning back.
Waiting for the last of the group the get aboard, the Rector began to come to life....
As the smells from Skye's cooking wafted through the Rector, Ben'a realised just how hungry he was. Eventually, the food was served, and the Jedi Knight sat down to savour the fruits of the Padawan's labours; the meal was excellent. With his stomach thus filled, Ben'a rose from his place at the small dining table, and ambled over to give Skye a gentle peck on the cheek in thanks.
"That was an excellent meal, my friend."
As Tares warmed up the engines in preparation to leave, Ben'a begun to sense something odd. A realisation of sorts, was the only way he could describe it. Thinking quickly to himself, he walked up to the Jedi Master, and whispered to him so that only he will hear.
"I'll be back on the ship momentarily, don't take off without me..."
Skye had moved back into the galley, tiding up after having finished her meal and to allow for more room at the table for the others to have theirs. She glanced back at the table as Ben'a rose, bringing his dishes over to her, placing them down on the bench top beside her. She gave him a shy smile before reaching for the dishes. Noticing that he hadn't left her to it, she picked up a drying cloth to hand to him when he surprised her, catching her off guard as he leaned over and kissed her cheek.
"That was an excellent meal, my friend."
She felt herself blushing, her eyes following him as he turned and walked over to where Master Tares was and then left the ship. Her hand unconsciously went to her face, her fingers brushing lightly over her cheek he had kissed. Now she felt confused. She didn't know what to make of his actions, if anything.
Sighing, Skye finished up the dishes and moved over to where her brother was sitting, sliding onto the lounge chair beside him. Her thoughts roamed back over the last couple of months as she tried to make some sense out of her emotions. She hadn't really gotten 'close' to anyone in that time, although Darex had shown interest. There hadn't been much time for a relationship to develop though, what with all the happenings on Hoth and then her training firstly on the EV and then at Naboo. She'd only seen him twice since they'd been at Manaan and now she felt that he and Ish had left for the new Jedi Dojo on Borealis. Who knew when they would meet up again.
Master Blckclone's message came across to all of the Jedi involved with the mission then...
"We leave tonight, everyone prepare yourselves accordingly!"
His message sent, Ben'a made his way back to the Rector, and once again sat with Skye and Nahstaa, his Padawan. Mentally, he began to prepare himself for what lay ahead; there was little more he could to physically, at this point. Trusting that he would be awakened if he were needed, he began to meditate, advising his Padawan to do the same.
Skye was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice until he'd sat down with them that Ben'a had returned. She felt herself blush again and silently started to recite the jedi code to control her confused emotions.
Gently, Nahstaa put his arm around his sis, feeling her confusion through their bond... he sent her love, and warmth, and everything he could think of that would make her feel better... he sent her a force message, carefully masked from everyone else, and sent down their bond...
"Do you want to talk about anything sis, you seem in turmoil..."
Skye looked at her brother, shaking her head ever so slightly as she felt his support. She took firm control of her feelings then, determined that nothing would distract her from this upcoming mission. She was nervous enough about that without worrying about something else that may or may not have any relevance. She'd take it one day at a time and see where it led her. Glancing out of the corner of her eye she decided that she'd just been imagining things after all.
She'd just relaxed again, closing her eyes and focusing inwards when she heard Ben'a moving. Opening her eyes she noticed him head towards the cockpit, along with her Master and heard his message about getting underway. She prepared herself for the take off. Once they were above the planet, she decided that she would head to her bunk and get at least some rest – she had a feeling she was going to need it.