out of habit, here's the second chapter. hope you enjoy!

same warnings & disclaimers apply.

Chapter 2: Life anew

"My head has never felt so empty, Master," Katarin, exhaustion laced in her voice admitted as they awaited the arrival of the transport, "I hear nothing."

"That is how it should be," Setti said almost disinterestedly, "fabricate only what the Jedi wish to hear and you will go undetected. Let down your guards or call upon powers beyond that of a Padawan learner, and you will be found out. Master Gitan can only do so much for you." She nodded, trying to hide a yawn.

The last two weeks had been incessant meditation and reading and preparing. She had become familiar with every Jedi tradition, custom, almost all their teachings, all while learning to mask everything her training with Setti had given her. Her mind felt empty, to say the least, devoid of every thought, which left it wide open to think. To think of things to say, to create memories and feelings and thoughts that would not betray her.

But projecting a nondescript force aura had proved to be the most difficult of everything. Melting the ice field she had built around herself by focusing on false memories that never even existed had been so taxing on her, physically and mentally. In a way, it helped to empty her head more and reinforce the mental shields.

Setti glanced back to Katarin. She looked awful. As a Jedi Padawan learner, she could no longer wear the dark eye makeup she was so fond of, but the dark circles under her eyes from late night, grueling meditations were serving as a natural form of eye makeup that shone out from underneath her glass lenses. In the process of modifying her aura projected by the force, her eyes had lightened from their usual dark-olive green to a pale, almost opaque green. Her now pale eyes, coupled with her pale skin and light-colored Jedi clothing—Setti almost felt sorry for the girl. There was nothing distinct about her anymore—she looked every inch the humble servant—save for those glasses of hers.

Her vision was not perfect. Far from it actually, and it required correction by lenses. Most unfortunately, when lenses to go inside her eye were created, she had a most violent reaction to them and so alternate measures were taken. In the end, she found the only effective way to wear them was to attach them directly to her face. And so she did—a metal rod permanently resided in the skin on her nose which held the lenses over her eyes. He'd seen her many times without the lenses on and felt the bar between her eyes only lent itself more to her intimidating appearance. But now, dressed as she was, not even her unusual glasses were enough. Yes, much to Setti's approval and somewhat disappointment, she at least looked the part.

The hum of the transport's engine as it landed swiftly on the pad stole his attention from Katarin as he felt an increase in nervousness shout out from her.

"Rest on route Coruscant, Katarin. Your training will only be in vain if you arrive at the temple weak minded." Setti said, as they approached the transport.

"Of course, Master. That was my plan." She said hoping she sounded more confident than she felt. She hated herself for feeling nervous about the mission. Nervousness would only cloud her mind and make her forget some integral part of her training, increasing the risk that she would blow her cover. And she hated that she had gotten even more nervous now that the transport was here…and knowing that Setti could sense every ounce of her self-doubt. She hated herself for it…but couldn't for the life of her shake it. 'A simple mission reduces all that power to nothing…,' a dejected voice in the back of her head whispered. 'What good is power if it is never tested or tried?' Setti's voice echoed in the back of her head. Instantly she wished he was going with her. It would make the mission so much smoother.

"I will not disappoint you, Master." She said, finding the confidence and will to make her resolve here and now.

"Of that, I have no doubt." Setti smiled a small proud smile as he rested a hand on her shoulder. "May the force be with you."

"May the force be with you." She bowed respectfully before turning from Setti and walking up the gangplank, sighing the deepest sigh of her life.

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No sooner had she removed her lenses and let her head fall back against the headrest did she fall into a light, restless sleep. It hadn't lasted long, much to her disappointment, so she resorted to creating memories instead. Since she was sure she would have to be watching her step enough as it was, the last thing she needed was for her mind to be spinning on every question asked.

Fake memories were easy enough to come by, but fake feelings were something else entirely. She could only imagine what it felt like to be loved, as she had no memory of ever feeling loved. Nor would she ever. Love had no place in her life—and it wouldn't as far as she was concerned. Just the mere thought of it was enough to make her laugh disgustedly.

She brought a hand to rest on the bridge of her nose, her index finger toying with the magnetized end of the bar for her lenses. She glanced around the transport's cabin, noticing how the fuzzy-rimmed objects were most appropriate for her empty state of mind.

As the transport lowered and skimmed through the traffic lanes of Coruscant, she knew it would only be a matter of minutes before they would dock at the Temple. Sighing determinedly, she picked up the individual lenses and listened to the magnetized ends snap together, watching the world around her become sharply defined once again. The transport slowed to a stop and she left the cabin without so much as a backwards glance or stray thought.

"Welcome young Katarin Atrides." She recognized Master Gitan from years ago. Last she'd seen of him, he was cloaked in heavy black, but now, he looked quite the light-side scholar in his brown and beige robes, his thin mouth smiling almost happily, but his eyes revealing a whole other side to him. A side, that like Katarin, he had to hide and conceal.

"Master Gitan—it is good to see you well." Katarin said, fully assuming the role of a Padawan learner who had been separated from her master for some time.

"And you—you've grown quite a bit since I've last seen you." He commented, forcing a warm smile on his face. To those around, it would look real—but between him and Katarin, it meant nothing. She nodded quietly, not too sure what to say in response. Masters never openly complimented or praised their apprentices as far she knew. Maybe the Jedi were different and slightly more nurturing…? 'But of course they are—don't forget everything you've just learned,' she mentally scolded herself.

"Well let us be off." Gitan turned without waiting a second and Katarin followed dutifully behind him. The door from the pad to the temple slid open and Katarin instantly began to marvel at the interior of the Temple. But quickly she chased those thoughts away, focusing on Master Gitan.

"Master Gitan—I was wondering—"

"Do not be so impatient, Katarin. Do not think I have not been hearing your questions as is," Gitan said sharply and instantly she stiffened, cursing herself for giving in to her curiosity. "You have the afternoon to wander the corridors of the Temple and become familiar with it—I strongly suggest you do so. Seek me out afterwards and you will know the location of your quarters. From there, we will talk more of the future."

"Yes sir—"

"Master, Katarin." Gitan sharply corrected.

"Yes Master." Katarin said, already realizing how much a change this was going to be, and how much she still had to work on.

"Very well then." Gitan said quietly before nodding quickly at her and ducking down a side hallway, leaving her to herself. A part of her was surprised that she would be left alone, unaccompanied in the Jedi temple so soon, but another part of her felt justified and proud that she was trusted so much. Fighting back a triumphant smirk, she continued her walk through the temple.


well there ya go. ...arrival at the Jedi temple. we'll see how things go from there (if not too unbelievable). review if'n ya want! next chapter should be up soon.