I don't own anything that doesn't belong to me ::insert fancy disclaimer
here::
Chapter 3
As space travel most often is the journey was completely uneventful. They passed the time it in hyperspace talking or playing cards but talk of her future or her past did not come up again.
When finally the planet came into view she relieved to see it was the same green and blue as her home world but with only 2 giant landmasses where her world had 5 medium sized continents. As she stared entranced at this new planet she heard a voice click in over the COM system "Welcome to Yavin lV Please identify your self and await clearance."
"This is Chade Narseaa in the starship Raven 321567-9 requesting permission to land." A few moments past and the voice came back over the radio. "Starship Raven you have clearance to land sector 25 bay 4. Enjoy your stay" Chade turned off the COM and turned to face her, "Well we're here." Those few certain words seemed little comfort in her suddenly tilting world.
A few minutes later they had docked and where preparing to disembark. Tess swung her belongings onto her back and picked up the complacent Millow. "I'm ready when you are." She stated. He promptly started off the ship with her on his heal. She stepped out of the landing bay and stopped gaping in surprise. They were in a huge city bigger by far than any she had ever worked in. Chade stopped and turned when he realized Tess was no longer following him. He walked back the few paces to where she stood gape mouth staring at their surroundings. "There is nothing like this where I came from," she whispered. "Come on" he urged gently "we're going to be late. I'll take you for a tour once you've settled in."
Turning he continued on with her following at his side. As they walked toward their destination he briefly explained the buildings as they passed barely paying any attention to what he said. He was concerned about their upcoming meeting. The news he sent ahead was all the vitals but he had much more to tell about their discoveries than could be trusted to paper and pen. And then there was Tess he had to find a place for her. Stealing a sideways glance at his walking partner he sighed. The academy would be the best place for her even if it meant becoming janitor staff it was at least a place to start. They approached their destination a large old building on the edge of town surrounded on three sides by forest and, he knew from experience, training grounds. The planet had really grown up quick since Luke had made this the home of his new order, much to the master's chagrin he suspected.
Silently, since by now Tess was long since unable to speak, they climbed the steps leading to an archway and door, which stood open into a corridor where a robed figure stood waiting.
"Numiar, old friend," Chade and Numiar grasped arms.
"Welcome back." Numiar greeted turning towards Tess he added "both of you. What a pleasant surprise to see you hear my dear." said in the same fatherly manner she had noticed in him before. "As a matter of fact that is one of the things I would like to talk to you about." said Chade. "Tess here needs a place to stay until she can get back on her feet."
Tess blushed very prettily at that. Oh how she hated being indebt to a man or any person for that matter but this man especially. "Well of course. Our doors are always open to you Lillianna Kattan. Please if you would come this way we will find a room for you and your fury friend." " I will leave you then to Nuimar's capable hand for I have business of my own which I should attend" with that Chade turned and left her alone with another man in another strange place. This seemed to be the new pattern to her life she though sarcastically to herself as she hurried to catch up with the retreating back of her new companion.
She followed the robed figure down a confusing maze of hallways occupied by other strange men and women in similar robes stopping occasionally as Numiar exchange pleasantries. Was she in some kind of monastery? The robes seemed to suggest it. She determined to as Numiar when they arrived.
Many twist and turns later they came to a halt in front of a door. He took out a key and opened the door to reveal a medium sized room blessedly clean and free of filth. As she stops at the entry way he bowed and said "Your rooms. If it is ok with you I will leave you to unpack and settle in. I will come by at dinnertime to show you around. She stepped thought the door into her new surroundings as the door closed behind her leaving her alone.
All this change. How did I ever get here? She put down Millow and began unpacking her bags as she reviewed the changes that had brought her to this place, whatever this place was. When she was done she began exploring her new living quarters, a bedroom, bathroom, and even a little kitchen she was pleased to see with a breakfast nook and small living room. It was all so luxurious compared to what she was used to. She decided to see if the bed was as pleasant as the rest of the surroundings, it was, and she settled down for a little nap before dinner.
************** Chade entered the small chamber used as a meeting hall for the more secret meetings and settled into his empty spot. He was introduced and introduced in turn to all the people setting around the table although they all knew each other well and settled down awaiting Numiar's arrival. He had apparently decided to show Tess to her rooms personally. When finally the empty chair was filled by Numiar's form they got down to business. He recited all he had learned once, then again, and answered all the questions to the best of his ability.
Nobody brought up his strange companion to his immense relief. When the group was satisfied with his answers Luke raised his voice "I believe there is one more issue to discus. The lady Lillianna Kattan."
He knew what it was before the name came out of Luke's mouth. She was a mistake he should not have made and he was a fool for believing he could avoid this. "What about her." he asked carefully. "How much does she know?" He prepared to give the same answer as before. But before he had finished Luke interrupted. "I didn't mean how much you told her but how much would she know of renegade movements."
This question startled him; he had not been expecting it. He gathered breath and said, "I don't know I never asked her." "So you don't think she would know anything of use" Chade thought for a moment then replied, "Not necessarily as far as I can gather she was a barmaid down on her luck before we met. Barmaids almost always hear something but do you trust her?" ************
Tess woke to Millow's persistent meowing. She walked over to where the cat sat and opened the door wondering if someone was there, instantly the cat took off. "Millow come back here!" when the cat gave no sigh of complying she went out after him and he bolted. "Come back here you naughty cat! Come back here right now!!" she yelled taking off after him but she was no match for him. Every time she would get close he would bolt again.
Silly cat what ever had gotten into him? As she turned down yet another corridor she looked up and realized she was now completely lost. Oh well she though, first I'll get that stupid cat and then I will worry about where we are. Making a sudden lunge in his direction the stray cat once again bolted but she was determined and when he bolted through a cracked door she didn't even hesitate before following.
As she entered she heard a familiar voice saying, "Barmaids almost always hear things but do you trust her?" The entire room looked up at her unexpected entrance as Millow came up purring at her ankles. She stood stunned. Surly they were not talking about her. Where was she? She bent down picking up the stray cat; she intended to have a long talk with him when they were again alone. Muttering something about cat and just leaving, she tuned on her heals to leaved very quickly when a stern "Wait." found her frozen in place.
She turned back to the waiting crowd slowly meeting their variety of amused, curious, and outraged eyes. The speaker stepped forward. He was of medium height, blond, blue eyed and intimidating. "Please sit down. You can Sit there" he pointed to a chair. She thought about disobeying but found herself walking over to the chair her body working independently of her mind. She sat.
Chade stepped forward but the strange man held up his hand and he stopped. Another, a woman, came forward. "How much did you hear?" She demanded. Once again she thought about not obeying but found herself saying "something about barmaids hearing things and not trusting." she shot a heated glance at Chade who looked away. Why wasn't he doing anything to help her? Cowardly male, she though angrily, while fighting the restraints that did not hold her in the chair. She wanted to bolt like Millow. Where was he? She spotted the traitorous cat sitting under the table cleaning himself. Then her attention was jerked back to current matters when another asked "What were you doing over here." another demand no question in the voice. "I was trying to catch my thrice damned cat." "He doesn't look very troublesome to me." The voice challenged.
She hated being treated like this. She had to get out of here. She though about fighting, screaming, anything to win her free but her body would not obey and her mind had suddenly stopped working. She couldn't stand it she was totally at their mercy she was getting frantic now, near panic. Suddenly a wave of calm washed over her. She could still tell what was going on but it was in a distant disconnected way. Then she became aware of the forces restraining her. Forcing her calm, violating her. She panicked, anger flashed over her she started fighting with everything she had. A voice "She's fighting me." Another surprised voice "How? I thought you said she was not sensitive?" "She isn't"
For an instant she broke free still in a panic she scream "NO!" and jumped to her feet. More invisible hands reached to restrain her pushing her back into the chair. Real hands reached to restrain her shoulders and the calm came again but it was not complete this time. She still fought furious now at being so utterly controlled by these people, who she didn't even know but the calm held this time. To make it worse he was touching her now physically.
As the blond man kept his hands on her shoulders a short brown haired man asked, "What are we going to do with her? Chade didn't know if she could be trusted and she already knows too much." Her fear increased and she fought harder without moving. What where they going to do to her. Surprisingly Chade spoke up. "If you release her she might be more corroborative. She is apparently not responding to this."
Then even more surprisingly the pressure released and she was free. She turned to run but people surrounded her on all sides. Then the blond stepped forward, she had to refrain from flinching "We deeply apologize for frightening you. We handled that badly." behind him Chade snorted. "I'm Luke Skywalker and this is my sister Leia," he pointed to the woman who had questioned her earlier. The names blew by in a haze. She never had been good with names but the faces she remembered. When introductions where done she had clamed herself enough to think rationally again. After making introductions and apologizing once more he excused himself and the crowd followed him out.
She found herself alone in the meeting hall with Chade and Numiar. She turned on the former stunned. "What just happened?" she demanded harshly. "Lets get you back to your room." he said "then maybe some dinner, I think." "No, please tell me what just happened. Chade they had me controlled they could have done anything to me. Please tell me what they did." Numiar not Chade was the one who answered. "What you just experienced was the force. Luke was trying to use it to calm you and allow you to leave without remembering you had been here but it didn't work."
Remembering made her furry raise once more. "No shit!" Numiar moved to put a soothing arm on her shoulder but she quickly shrugged it off. Numiar continued. "He is never that clumsy and it should have worked." he said slightly defensively "you must have done something to prevent him. He said you fought?" "Yes I fought, Of course I fought!" her voice rising with each word. "What did you expect me to do? Just let him violate me like that!" This time Chade reached to place a calming hand on her arm. She jerked back as if burned. "Don't touch me! Don't you ever touch me!"
Seeing disaster looming Chade corrected himself quickly. "You haven't had dinner yet why don't we go down and get a quick byte to eat and continue this after dinner." She shot him a heated glance and look which reminded him of a mare trying to decide which would do better, a bite or a kick, for an annoying stallion, but in the end she acquiesced. Seeing his chance to escape Numiar made an exit bowing and making the excuse of being late to a meeting.
Chade walked with Tess in silence toward the cafeteria where both student and teachers ate.
Once both had gotten their meals Chade asked to be excused and headed toward a man on the other end of the eating hall. Feeling abandoned but relieved that she would not be forced to be the odd one out; she sat down at the closest unoccupied table.
"Hello" she looked up to see a woman standing over her. "May I sit here or is it saved"
"Um.Sure"
As the girl sat down Tess noticed that she was an age with herself although the look in her green eyes spoke of things witnessed that no one should have to see. "Hi, I'm Nmi. Are you new here?" "Yeah, you could say that" she replied wryly "I've been here a few weeks so I'm pretty new myself." Suddenly the question Tess had been meaning to ask all afternoon popped back into her head, "What exactly is this place?"
Nmi gave her a strange look. "You mean they didn't tell you?" at Tess's head shake Nmi continued, "your at the Jedi Academy."
"The what academy??? Jedi? Who??" Nmi chuckled "You know Jedi.the force.." And thus launched into an explanation. After this revelation the rest of their meals past in cheerful companionship. She wasn't sure why she liked this girl but for some reason she felt as if they had been old friends.
When they finished they got up together and Tess looking for Chade but not finding his form anywhere in site. "Anything the problem" asked Nmi
"Actually yes, I can't find the jerk I came here with and I don't know how to get back to my room" she said oscillating between anger and distress. "I can't believe he just left me and after that to."
"Well I can help if you would like. Can you remember which room you where in."
"Yes, that would be great and I think it was something like 125B but I'm not sure." Nmi looked thoughtful for a moment "I think I know where that is but I'm kind of new here myself." "Well what do we have to lose" Tess asked and they left. After about an hour of searching they finally brought themselves to admit they where lost. They agreed that they where asking the first person they saw where 125B was and set of once more.
Giggling together at there own fallacy they turned the next corner and almost ran into the blond man Skywalker and his companion Numiar before they stopped. Tess immediately took a step backwards not knowing what to expect but Nmi seemed to have no such reservations, "Master Skywalker, Master Numiar, good evening, I'm afraid we're a bit lost we were looking for 125B, we think, but we cant seem to find it." she looked back at her companion who had retreated yet another step. "Master Skywalker, Master Numiar, May I introduce you to Ms. Kattan"
"We've met," Tess said coldly at the same time Numiar replied, "I believe we've already had the pleasure of meeting. Thank you Nmi. As for the rooms, I just came from there. Chade is quite frantic as to where you are. Its 3 halls over second door on the left." "Thank you, Master Numiar. Master Skywalker." Nmi intoned and bowed, Tess copying her reluctantly. When the masters turned to leave they also left to find the missing rooms.
When they reached her room they both entered and sat on the small couch. Putting the disturbing meeting with the blond man, Skywalker, out of her mind she asked Nmi if she would like a cup of coffee and left to make it. As they sat and drank their coffee they chatted like old friends. The more they talked the more she grew to like the dark haired girl, Nmi.
They where well on their way to finishing their second cups when there was a knock on the door followed by the entrance of Chade. The sight of him brought back the memory of his abandonment and her anger rose. "Fell free to come on in" she said dryly.
He ignored her tone and demanded, "Where have you been? I've been looking all over for you. I had to call the masters to help find you." He snorted disdainfully as if she had insulted him.
Not at all liking his tone she countered. "Where have YOU been? You just left me alone in the dining hall."
"I've been looking for you! We had thought you had left the temple! Do you have any idea what time it is?"
Hearing their tones and seeing where this was going Nmi excused herself and left, although neither of the combatants noticed.
"What?" Tess continued enraged, "Am I no longer free to leave? A few hours ago you where trying to get rid of me!"
"It's not safe out there," he said softly. "There are those who would take advantage of young women alone on the streets." His softening did not spread to her.
"And what it's safe here!?"
"Yes" he said simply. Then "Here we can protect you."
"Protect me." she said with dangerous calm "That's what you call protecting me? Ah, I get it, so it's not ok to rape my body but it is ok to rape my mind. Thanks for clearing that up." she was shouting again.
"You don't understand" he said his own calm breaking.
She wanted to yell at him don't tell me I don't understand you haven't worked it bars all your life! Instead she went completely still "No, I believe it's you who doesn't understand." she said barely over a whisper and turned her back to him. Fuming he stalked out of the room. She flopped on the bed and after a time fell asleep.
Chapter 3
As space travel most often is the journey was completely uneventful. They passed the time it in hyperspace talking or playing cards but talk of her future or her past did not come up again.
When finally the planet came into view she relieved to see it was the same green and blue as her home world but with only 2 giant landmasses where her world had 5 medium sized continents. As she stared entranced at this new planet she heard a voice click in over the COM system "Welcome to Yavin lV Please identify your self and await clearance."
"This is Chade Narseaa in the starship Raven 321567-9 requesting permission to land." A few moments past and the voice came back over the radio. "Starship Raven you have clearance to land sector 25 bay 4. Enjoy your stay" Chade turned off the COM and turned to face her, "Well we're here." Those few certain words seemed little comfort in her suddenly tilting world.
A few minutes later they had docked and where preparing to disembark. Tess swung her belongings onto her back and picked up the complacent Millow. "I'm ready when you are." She stated. He promptly started off the ship with her on his heal. She stepped out of the landing bay and stopped gaping in surprise. They were in a huge city bigger by far than any she had ever worked in. Chade stopped and turned when he realized Tess was no longer following him. He walked back the few paces to where she stood gape mouth staring at their surroundings. "There is nothing like this where I came from," she whispered. "Come on" he urged gently "we're going to be late. I'll take you for a tour once you've settled in."
Turning he continued on with her following at his side. As they walked toward their destination he briefly explained the buildings as they passed barely paying any attention to what he said. He was concerned about their upcoming meeting. The news he sent ahead was all the vitals but he had much more to tell about their discoveries than could be trusted to paper and pen. And then there was Tess he had to find a place for her. Stealing a sideways glance at his walking partner he sighed. The academy would be the best place for her even if it meant becoming janitor staff it was at least a place to start. They approached their destination a large old building on the edge of town surrounded on three sides by forest and, he knew from experience, training grounds. The planet had really grown up quick since Luke had made this the home of his new order, much to the master's chagrin he suspected.
Silently, since by now Tess was long since unable to speak, they climbed the steps leading to an archway and door, which stood open into a corridor where a robed figure stood waiting.
"Numiar, old friend," Chade and Numiar grasped arms.
"Welcome back." Numiar greeted turning towards Tess he added "both of you. What a pleasant surprise to see you hear my dear." said in the same fatherly manner she had noticed in him before. "As a matter of fact that is one of the things I would like to talk to you about." said Chade. "Tess here needs a place to stay until she can get back on her feet."
Tess blushed very prettily at that. Oh how she hated being indebt to a man or any person for that matter but this man especially. "Well of course. Our doors are always open to you Lillianna Kattan. Please if you would come this way we will find a room for you and your fury friend." " I will leave you then to Nuimar's capable hand for I have business of my own which I should attend" with that Chade turned and left her alone with another man in another strange place. This seemed to be the new pattern to her life she though sarcastically to herself as she hurried to catch up with the retreating back of her new companion.
She followed the robed figure down a confusing maze of hallways occupied by other strange men and women in similar robes stopping occasionally as Numiar exchange pleasantries. Was she in some kind of monastery? The robes seemed to suggest it. She determined to as Numiar when they arrived.
Many twist and turns later they came to a halt in front of a door. He took out a key and opened the door to reveal a medium sized room blessedly clean and free of filth. As she stops at the entry way he bowed and said "Your rooms. If it is ok with you I will leave you to unpack and settle in. I will come by at dinnertime to show you around. She stepped thought the door into her new surroundings as the door closed behind her leaving her alone.
All this change. How did I ever get here? She put down Millow and began unpacking her bags as she reviewed the changes that had brought her to this place, whatever this place was. When she was done she began exploring her new living quarters, a bedroom, bathroom, and even a little kitchen she was pleased to see with a breakfast nook and small living room. It was all so luxurious compared to what she was used to. She decided to see if the bed was as pleasant as the rest of the surroundings, it was, and she settled down for a little nap before dinner.
************** Chade entered the small chamber used as a meeting hall for the more secret meetings and settled into his empty spot. He was introduced and introduced in turn to all the people setting around the table although they all knew each other well and settled down awaiting Numiar's arrival. He had apparently decided to show Tess to her rooms personally. When finally the empty chair was filled by Numiar's form they got down to business. He recited all he had learned once, then again, and answered all the questions to the best of his ability.
Nobody brought up his strange companion to his immense relief. When the group was satisfied with his answers Luke raised his voice "I believe there is one more issue to discus. The lady Lillianna Kattan."
He knew what it was before the name came out of Luke's mouth. She was a mistake he should not have made and he was a fool for believing he could avoid this. "What about her." he asked carefully. "How much does she know?" He prepared to give the same answer as before. But before he had finished Luke interrupted. "I didn't mean how much you told her but how much would she know of renegade movements."
This question startled him; he had not been expecting it. He gathered breath and said, "I don't know I never asked her." "So you don't think she would know anything of use" Chade thought for a moment then replied, "Not necessarily as far as I can gather she was a barmaid down on her luck before we met. Barmaids almost always hear something but do you trust her?" ************
Tess woke to Millow's persistent meowing. She walked over to where the cat sat and opened the door wondering if someone was there, instantly the cat took off. "Millow come back here!" when the cat gave no sigh of complying she went out after him and he bolted. "Come back here you naughty cat! Come back here right now!!" she yelled taking off after him but she was no match for him. Every time she would get close he would bolt again.
Silly cat what ever had gotten into him? As she turned down yet another corridor she looked up and realized she was now completely lost. Oh well she though, first I'll get that stupid cat and then I will worry about where we are. Making a sudden lunge in his direction the stray cat once again bolted but she was determined and when he bolted through a cracked door she didn't even hesitate before following.
As she entered she heard a familiar voice saying, "Barmaids almost always hear things but do you trust her?" The entire room looked up at her unexpected entrance as Millow came up purring at her ankles. She stood stunned. Surly they were not talking about her. Where was she? She bent down picking up the stray cat; she intended to have a long talk with him when they were again alone. Muttering something about cat and just leaving, she tuned on her heals to leaved very quickly when a stern "Wait." found her frozen in place.
She turned back to the waiting crowd slowly meeting their variety of amused, curious, and outraged eyes. The speaker stepped forward. He was of medium height, blond, blue eyed and intimidating. "Please sit down. You can Sit there" he pointed to a chair. She thought about disobeying but found herself walking over to the chair her body working independently of her mind. She sat.
Chade stepped forward but the strange man held up his hand and he stopped. Another, a woman, came forward. "How much did you hear?" She demanded. Once again she thought about not obeying but found herself saying "something about barmaids hearing things and not trusting." she shot a heated glance at Chade who looked away. Why wasn't he doing anything to help her? Cowardly male, she though angrily, while fighting the restraints that did not hold her in the chair. She wanted to bolt like Millow. Where was he? She spotted the traitorous cat sitting under the table cleaning himself. Then her attention was jerked back to current matters when another asked "What were you doing over here." another demand no question in the voice. "I was trying to catch my thrice damned cat." "He doesn't look very troublesome to me." The voice challenged.
She hated being treated like this. She had to get out of here. She though about fighting, screaming, anything to win her free but her body would not obey and her mind had suddenly stopped working. She couldn't stand it she was totally at their mercy she was getting frantic now, near panic. Suddenly a wave of calm washed over her. She could still tell what was going on but it was in a distant disconnected way. Then she became aware of the forces restraining her. Forcing her calm, violating her. She panicked, anger flashed over her she started fighting with everything she had. A voice "She's fighting me." Another surprised voice "How? I thought you said she was not sensitive?" "She isn't"
For an instant she broke free still in a panic she scream "NO!" and jumped to her feet. More invisible hands reached to restrain her pushing her back into the chair. Real hands reached to restrain her shoulders and the calm came again but it was not complete this time. She still fought furious now at being so utterly controlled by these people, who she didn't even know but the calm held this time. To make it worse he was touching her now physically.
As the blond man kept his hands on her shoulders a short brown haired man asked, "What are we going to do with her? Chade didn't know if she could be trusted and she already knows too much." Her fear increased and she fought harder without moving. What where they going to do to her. Surprisingly Chade spoke up. "If you release her she might be more corroborative. She is apparently not responding to this."
Then even more surprisingly the pressure released and she was free. She turned to run but people surrounded her on all sides. Then the blond stepped forward, she had to refrain from flinching "We deeply apologize for frightening you. We handled that badly." behind him Chade snorted. "I'm Luke Skywalker and this is my sister Leia," he pointed to the woman who had questioned her earlier. The names blew by in a haze. She never had been good with names but the faces she remembered. When introductions where done she had clamed herself enough to think rationally again. After making introductions and apologizing once more he excused himself and the crowd followed him out.
She found herself alone in the meeting hall with Chade and Numiar. She turned on the former stunned. "What just happened?" she demanded harshly. "Lets get you back to your room." he said "then maybe some dinner, I think." "No, please tell me what just happened. Chade they had me controlled they could have done anything to me. Please tell me what they did." Numiar not Chade was the one who answered. "What you just experienced was the force. Luke was trying to use it to calm you and allow you to leave without remembering you had been here but it didn't work."
Remembering made her furry raise once more. "No shit!" Numiar moved to put a soothing arm on her shoulder but she quickly shrugged it off. Numiar continued. "He is never that clumsy and it should have worked." he said slightly defensively "you must have done something to prevent him. He said you fought?" "Yes I fought, Of course I fought!" her voice rising with each word. "What did you expect me to do? Just let him violate me like that!" This time Chade reached to place a calming hand on her arm. She jerked back as if burned. "Don't touch me! Don't you ever touch me!"
Seeing disaster looming Chade corrected himself quickly. "You haven't had dinner yet why don't we go down and get a quick byte to eat and continue this after dinner." She shot him a heated glance and look which reminded him of a mare trying to decide which would do better, a bite or a kick, for an annoying stallion, but in the end she acquiesced. Seeing his chance to escape Numiar made an exit bowing and making the excuse of being late to a meeting.
Chade walked with Tess in silence toward the cafeteria where both student and teachers ate.
Once both had gotten their meals Chade asked to be excused and headed toward a man on the other end of the eating hall. Feeling abandoned but relieved that she would not be forced to be the odd one out; she sat down at the closest unoccupied table.
"Hello" she looked up to see a woman standing over her. "May I sit here or is it saved"
"Um.Sure"
As the girl sat down Tess noticed that she was an age with herself although the look in her green eyes spoke of things witnessed that no one should have to see. "Hi, I'm Nmi. Are you new here?" "Yeah, you could say that" she replied wryly "I've been here a few weeks so I'm pretty new myself." Suddenly the question Tess had been meaning to ask all afternoon popped back into her head, "What exactly is this place?"
Nmi gave her a strange look. "You mean they didn't tell you?" at Tess's head shake Nmi continued, "your at the Jedi Academy."
"The what academy??? Jedi? Who??" Nmi chuckled "You know Jedi.the force.." And thus launched into an explanation. After this revelation the rest of their meals past in cheerful companionship. She wasn't sure why she liked this girl but for some reason she felt as if they had been old friends.
When they finished they got up together and Tess looking for Chade but not finding his form anywhere in site. "Anything the problem" asked Nmi
"Actually yes, I can't find the jerk I came here with and I don't know how to get back to my room" she said oscillating between anger and distress. "I can't believe he just left me and after that to."
"Well I can help if you would like. Can you remember which room you where in."
"Yes, that would be great and I think it was something like 125B but I'm not sure." Nmi looked thoughtful for a moment "I think I know where that is but I'm kind of new here myself." "Well what do we have to lose" Tess asked and they left. After about an hour of searching they finally brought themselves to admit they where lost. They agreed that they where asking the first person they saw where 125B was and set of once more.
Giggling together at there own fallacy they turned the next corner and almost ran into the blond man Skywalker and his companion Numiar before they stopped. Tess immediately took a step backwards not knowing what to expect but Nmi seemed to have no such reservations, "Master Skywalker, Master Numiar, good evening, I'm afraid we're a bit lost we were looking for 125B, we think, but we cant seem to find it." she looked back at her companion who had retreated yet another step. "Master Skywalker, Master Numiar, May I introduce you to Ms. Kattan"
"We've met," Tess said coldly at the same time Numiar replied, "I believe we've already had the pleasure of meeting. Thank you Nmi. As for the rooms, I just came from there. Chade is quite frantic as to where you are. Its 3 halls over second door on the left." "Thank you, Master Numiar. Master Skywalker." Nmi intoned and bowed, Tess copying her reluctantly. When the masters turned to leave they also left to find the missing rooms.
When they reached her room they both entered and sat on the small couch. Putting the disturbing meeting with the blond man, Skywalker, out of her mind she asked Nmi if she would like a cup of coffee and left to make it. As they sat and drank their coffee they chatted like old friends. The more they talked the more she grew to like the dark haired girl, Nmi.
They where well on their way to finishing their second cups when there was a knock on the door followed by the entrance of Chade. The sight of him brought back the memory of his abandonment and her anger rose. "Fell free to come on in" she said dryly.
He ignored her tone and demanded, "Where have you been? I've been looking all over for you. I had to call the masters to help find you." He snorted disdainfully as if she had insulted him.
Not at all liking his tone she countered. "Where have YOU been? You just left me alone in the dining hall."
"I've been looking for you! We had thought you had left the temple! Do you have any idea what time it is?"
Hearing their tones and seeing where this was going Nmi excused herself and left, although neither of the combatants noticed.
"What?" Tess continued enraged, "Am I no longer free to leave? A few hours ago you where trying to get rid of me!"
"It's not safe out there," he said softly. "There are those who would take advantage of young women alone on the streets." His softening did not spread to her.
"And what it's safe here!?"
"Yes" he said simply. Then "Here we can protect you."
"Protect me." she said with dangerous calm "That's what you call protecting me? Ah, I get it, so it's not ok to rape my body but it is ok to rape my mind. Thanks for clearing that up." she was shouting again.
"You don't understand" he said his own calm breaking.
She wanted to yell at him don't tell me I don't understand you haven't worked it bars all your life! Instead she went completely still "No, I believe it's you who doesn't understand." she said barely over a whisper and turned her back to him. Fuming he stalked out of the room. She flopped on the bed and after a time fell asleep.