I can feel now the void he left after him.

Idriss Rehyu.

It is an unfamiliar sensation, it's heavy, sad and yet almost… pleasant.

After the violent pain and anger I experienced when he died, it seems that I did not take time to simply miss him. I was so determined to push him out of my mind to go on and I realize that today, I can't quite remember his voice.

He was a man of few words anyway, swift and practical. And noble too, something he did try to pass on to me without seeking to erase the first part of my life. One day it was as if the veil had been lifted from my eyes, I was standing in the blue, well above the fog, my whole existence in perspective.

But it took time, for I cannot say that I considered my arrival at the Temple as a salvation of any kind.

At the precise moment I passed the gates, all those years of exhausting training to make myself a name among my clan were reduced to ashes. Once again, someone had decided that I had to start all over and I was tired of it.

A healer came to me, pleased to announce that a blood sample had revealed that I was Force sensitive. I held her gaze until she looked away, flummoxed and uneasy.

I smiled thinly. There was no way I could go back to the Family now, but I would not give in to anyone without a fight.

I put my resolution to action right away with some serious struggle at the sickbay. The healers had to bodily remove my arms clutched to my chest and hold me down so they could get me out of my clothes and carry on their check up. The Togruta healer who was murmuring soothing words stopped cold when my tunic tore up and revealed my arms. His eyes followed the tell tale bruises and tiny scars lacing the bend of my arms and he shook his head of deep scarlet sadly.

I started to feel sick. It was suddenly too hot and those quarters seemed oppressively cramped. The healers kept their voices low. I only made out the words 'withdrawal' and 'Rehyu.' Perspiration was trickling down my brow as I shifted restlessly on the narrow cot. I rubbed the bend of my arms where my scars were starting to burn. I needed to get out of here.

The chief healer rushed back to my side as I managed to rip one of my IV off. She was the human woman I had seen at the Saarliaban the night before and bore the same golden adornments as the knight who had taken me there. She calmly told me her name was Depa Billaba and stilled my bloodied hands now weak and trembling.

"We can help you to get rid of the poison they injected in your system all those years, child. But only if you decide to fight it with us."

Above her shoulder, I saw Idriss Rehyu leaning against the doorframe and looking straight at me. I held that gaze intently, searching it for answers and guarantee. His eyes did not waver. I stopped resisting and let the healers proceed.

Odd decision…

The following weeks went by in the haze of sickness and pain. But any time I would open my eyes, Idriss would be there, quiet and watchful, undergoing the ordeal with me. He was the only company I tolerated.

Later, when I started to recover, we began to talk very little at first as neither of us were the conversational type then his daily visits gradually prompted longer discussions. He spoke about the Jedi and the ancient religion binding them to the Force. He also told me of his missions and particularly the one which had caused our encounter how Nasrin had accepted to work with them to see his rival fall, and how Santillian had managed to escape. A link built, slow but strong and years after his death, I think I can tell for sure that it never faltered once in the eleven years that our partnership lasted.

The young knight he was at the time was dedicated to what the Order called the Unit a special detachment of Jedi whose task was to monitor the various activities of the Families from the inside, break off their different networks in the city and foil their operations. I saw where he was getting at but I could not help myself, I was fascinated by him, by his tales, by this unknown sense of greatness. So when he said that I would probably be able help them in the future, I felt my heart glow.

I remained isolated for an indeterminate amount of time until I was judged healthy enough to explore the sanctuary while Knight Idriss was meeting the Council to discuss my case. I spent the day gawking at the long galleries topped by heavy arches where beams of light poured down from the high windows. Padawans and knights draped in ample cloaks seemed to float rather than walk, lost in thought or discussing peacefully with a fellow.

'Out of place' hardly covered the way I felt. But I deemed myself rather cunning and was certain of my superiority as far as dealing with the reality of the world was concerned. I have to confess that I still do. Rather immodestly…

Idriss came to my room after the audience, looking strained and tired. I had not made too good an impression.

Although the Seven Masters had acknowledged my knack for survival and my fighting skills, the greater part of them still deemed preferable to send me to the Agricorps once my initiation would be over.

"Too many restrictions, too many risks," reported Idriss dejectedly. They had spoken of their concern about the way I would use the Force in the future and my potential bad influence on the other trainees. Of course, they were acting for my own good and the Order's one etc.

The Agricorps! Spending my life nurturing vegetables in some gods' forsaken place!

This new rejection hit me a lot harder than in the past but I was not about to admit that aloud. I had not asked for anything and I was furious against Rehyu for bringing me at the Temple.

But he did not give up.

For the time remaining before my thirteenth birthday where my fate would be settled, he tirelessly argued with the Elders. He was sure I was a blessed source of information for the Unit.

However, Master Billaba who sat among the members of the Council, had another opinion on the matter.

"She is violent, Idriss. She has been conditioned to be this way since she was a child. And do I have to remind you she is already twelve years of age?" she stated, observing her compatriot and dear friend. "Considering those facts and her recent past in the Underworld, how can we allow her to become a Padawan? Logically, she should not even be trained."

"Nila will behave, Master," asserted Knight Rehyu in his usual concise manner. "May I remind the Council that there have been precedents? Some children older than the usual required age have been trained to become knights."

The Elders shrugged, some even voiced their protests. Master Yoda lifted a hand to silence them and turned toward Master Windu.

The leader of the Council sighed wearily; those incessant negotiations had to reach an end.

"You know that the Unit is not a suitable place for a trainee or a padawan."

Idriss raised his calm black eyes on the elder Jedi and played his last card. "I'm ready to answer for her in front of this Council."

The leap of faith.

The Chamber fell completely silent.

"Well… " started Master Windu, slightly taken aback. "You do realize what you are implying by that, don't you?"

Rehyu nodded.

Windu briefly exchanged a glance with Master Yoda then made a weary gesture with his hand.

"Very well, let us imagine that under certain conditions we allow her to become an apprentice as you just requested…"

The young knight had won. After a few minutes, the assembly was dismissed and every one trailed toward the exit.

Master Billaba caught up with her newly promoted compatriot. "Be careful, Idriss. I fear there might be some consequences you and I cannot even fathom," she whispered.