Chapter 2

Several weeks later, Zeek walked out of the Jome, crutch-free. He was told to go meet Kam at the spaceport, and that he should get there before they arrive.

What did she mean by they Zeek pondered Tahiri's words as he jogged across the open grassy area between the Jome and the spaceport.

Kam had decided to go back to hauling cargo and passengers for a living. After Cordell cut off his right arm on Myrkyr, Kam had deemed his old job "more appealing", if not safer. Zeek, however, did not think Kam was out of the adventure business yet.

Zeek reached the hangars and inquired as to where Kam's ship was scheduled to land. When Zeek finally reached his destination, he was pleased to find that he had indeed arrived before "them".

Zeek sat down and waited. Growing more and more curious about who Kam was bringing with him.

Tay Norat'k finished removing the bandages that covered the entire left side of Jyo Durron's face. As the cloth fell away, Tay smiled. "Good as new." She stated.

Jyo reached up and tentatively touched his left cheek. Though still tender, Jyo held his hand there as he worked his jaw for the first time in almost a month. He finished his self-examination satisfied that everything worked correctly.

Both he and Zeek had decided to let their injuries heal naturally instead of using a bacta tank. Besides the fact that they were not life threatening wounds, neither was in a hurry to be put in a bacta tank after they heard what happened to Denz.

"Here."

Jyo had come to recognize Salah's voice and felt something being placed in his hand. All Jyo could see was a blur of light and color, but he recognized the feel of what he was holding.

"I figured you might need these."

Jyo brought the object up to his face, hooked the arms around his ears, and let it rest on his nose. He felt for a button on the side and pressed it. Jyo's vision cleared in an instant, and he was able to actually see Tay and Salah.

"How did you know I had a spare?" Jyo asked Salah.

Salah shrugged. "I didn't know. I just kind of wondered out loud one day about how you were going to see without your glasses. Zeek heard me and said that you had a backup pair in your room. I guess you never took the time to encode your door, so I simply peeked in and saw them lying on your desk. I decided to come back for them when the day came for your bandages to come off."

Jyo smiled and simply said, "Thanks."

They sat in silence for a moment, and then Tay cleared her throat. "Well, despite your refusal to use bacta, your wounds healed nicely. There won't even be any scars from the blow you received. Other than your jaw being a little tender for a few days, you should be ready to go."

"Thanks, doc." Jyo said with a grin as he rose from the hospital bed. Realizing he was still wearing a hospital gown, Jyo asked for some real clothes, which Tay promptly pulled from a drawer and placed on the bed. Jyo gestured at the door and said, "Do you mind?"

Tay and Salah got the hint and left the room. Moments later, Jyo stepped out clad in white T-shirt, brown pants and black sneakers.

"So, what would you like to do now that you can talk again?" Salah asked.

Jyo frowned slightly. "I think I need to have a chat with Cordell."

Kam Twoplintor walked down the landing ramp of the Twilight Trekker and waved to Zeek. Kam's right arm was no longer flesh and bone, but a biotic replacement. After Cordell had severed Kam's arm on Myrkyr, he had actually chosen to have it replaced by a robotic arm instead of reattaching his real one. "Hey, Zeek!" He called.

Zeek waved back and started toward him.

"How's the leg?" Kam asked.

"I walked over here didn't I?" Zeek said with a smile.

Kam laughed heartily and clapped Zeek on the back with his real hand. "That you did, little guy. That you did."

As Zeek struggled to keep his balance, he asked about Kam's mystery passenger.

Kam slapped his forehead. "Oh, yeah! I almost forgot." He turned and gestured at the landing ramp. "Zeek Solo, meet Kamino Jedi Knight, Din Holnt."

As Kam said his name, Din Holnt, a tall, slender creature, walked down the landing ramp. He wore a long black cloak that greatly contrasted his pale skin. When he was clear of the bottom of the ship, Zeek realized just how tall he really was. Din Holnt stood to his full height, which was about nine to ten feet tall.

Zeek, not having had his growth spurt yet, was only as tall as the Kamino's upper leg.

Din Holnt bent over slightly and extended his fragile-looking hand. "Pleased to finally meet you." He said in a smooth rumbling voice.

Zeek reached up and shook Din's hand. He did not respond as he gazed into Din's eyes, which were like pools of dark blue fluid.

Din's pale hand released Zeek's, and he asked, "What do you mean 'finally'?"

Kam broke in and answered. "I told him all 'bout how you created that rock storm that saved that feller Jyo's life."

"Yes, you seem to be greatly developed in your knowledge of the Force." Din added.

Zeek blushed. Should I tell him that I was only half trying because Cordell was my opponent? He thought.

Din's small mouth formed a smile as if knowing what Zeek was thinking. "I think I would like to see what you could really do before I take you on as my Padawan."

"Y…You're…You're Padawan?!" Zeek exclaimed.

Din's long, slender neck bent slightly as he nodded. "Were you not told?"

Zeek shook his head in awe.

"If I deem you ready for the part, you will be leaving Jedron with me with the title of Padawan within the next couple of days."

Zeek thought he would faint. "But Tahiri was talking about almost two years of training before anyone became a Padawan!"

Din nodded again. "This is true. However, after hearing of the skill you displayed on Myrkyr, as well as how you aided in the care for Denz when he was injured by Cordell; Tahiri and even Master Skywalker commented on how advanced your abilities have become for someone of your age. In fact, they are the ones who suggested that you become a Padawan immediately. They believe that your abilities will continue to develop and at a greater rate if you go out on missions then if you were to train here at the academy."

"What kind of missions?" Zeek asked.

"We will do whatever we are assigned to do. But for now, let us get something to eat and get to know each other a little better."

Zeek nodded in agreement. He needed to sit down anyway.

"Hoo boy!" Kam said. "Now that you mention it, I am downright starvin'. Let's chow down!"

Jyo entered the Jome followed by Salah. Several students who were glad to see that he was okay greeted him enthusiastically. He did not stop to chat, though as he made his way out of the lounge and into the hallway.

Todan, in his traditional spot in front of Denz's door, flashed Jyo the peace sign as he walked past. Jyo responded with a thumbs-up and a nod.

Before Jyo and Salah reached the end of the corridor, a frustrated-looking Luke Skywalker stepped out of the last room on the right. When he saw Jyo; however, he smiled. "Jyo! How are you feeling?"

"Good as new, Master Skywalker." Jyo answered, but then jumped right to the point. "I'd like to speak with my brother."

Luke pointed at the door he had just come out of. "Try as I might, I cannot get Cordell to see what he did on Myrkyr or figure out why he did it. Hopefully your sibling link will allow you to get deeper than I could."

Jyo nodded determinedly as he entered the room and shut the door before Salah could follow him in.

"Hey!" She said.

Luke placed a hand on her shoulder. "I think it would be best if Jyo went one on one with Cordell. It is not necessary for you to be involved."

Salah sighed and nodded. She knew Master Skywalker was right, but she could not help feeling that there was a special connection between her and Jyo, ever since that time in the forest when he cared for her wound. All Salah knew was that she would always be there for him.