Chapter Four
New Friendships
Jahita Krass walked down the corridor with the small stone in his hand, the selfsame stone that he had found last night. He was going to the landing area just outside the Great Temple. I can't wait to see her face when I show her the stone. He stopped and looked at it for a moment. A noise alerted him of the presence of other students. He quickly put it into his pocket. He walked nonchalantly pass them, but was polite enough to say 'hi' – he did not want to attract too much attention. As soon, he was clear he made his way to the landing area.
Shiala Meno stood outside the Great Temple, filled with excitement. She almost could not wait to show her friends what her father had finally sent her all the way from Corellia. Boy, this'll sure take some work, but it'll be worth it, all right. A smile went across her face.
"Hi, Shiala!" a voice interrupted, "What's the surprise?"
Shiala turned around and saw Tarrik Wend, Vrilas K'tor and Eyoul Gaad coming towards her. "I don't know how thrilled you will be, but I'm sure that I'll be smiling for the rest of the day," she boomed. "Come on." She led them to something covered by a very large blanket.
"Meno," another voice shouted. "Hey, remember what I found last night?"
The four friends turned heads to see who was shouting. It was Jahita Krass, who came running.
"For crying out loud," Tarrik muttered.
"Tarrik, be nice," Shiala rebuked. "He's new around here and hardly knows anyone."
"Very true," Eyoul said.
Vrilas chuckled. "He sure can run in this heat. C'mon, Tarrik. Let's cut him some slack, okay?"
Tarrik rolled his eyes. "Okay, okay. Whatever."
Jahita wondered if he ever had seen such a large blanket before, but then his thoughts were directed on what might lie beneath. "What is it?"
"Close your eyes," Shiala said to the four male Jedi that accompanied her. "And don't you dare look – any of you."
"As you wish," Jahita replied and closed his eyes. "I might as well turn around, just to be safe." And so he did. He could hear Tarrik sighing slightly and that Shiala pulled off the blanket.
"Okay, you may look."
Jahita, Tarrik, Vrilas and Eyoul either turned about or just opened their eyes. In front of them was a small star fighter. It was an older model, Jahita could tell. He knew it. It had been a favourite of his, but the name just eluded him for some reason. Perhaps it was the joy. "What was it they called that one?"
Shiala was about to answer, but another voice interrupted her. "It's a Z-ninety-five Headhunter. They sure kicked Hutt ass when they were at their highest," Vrilas said and chuckled. "Now they're antics at best."
"Aye, that's it. I just couldn't remember right now, that's all," Jahita said. He suddenly realised that he had tried to hide his lack of remembrance. Heck, I thought I was the modest chappy, who admitted any mistake. I had better practice that a little harder.
"You don't like it, K'tor?" Shiala asked.
Vrilas' face signalled indecision. "Well, I don't know. It was kinda interesting fighter back then, you know, but I'm afraid that it's somewhat obsolete now."
"So you are a spacer, then?" Jahita asked.
"Yeah, I'm kinda born with it, I guess." Vrilas walked over to the Headhunter for closer study. "Say, it doesn't look too worn out. Who did you buy it from?"
"I didn't buy it; my dad sent it to me from Corellia. He promised me a fighter for my birthday, and – well – here it is." Shiala padded the wing of the Z-95.
"What! It's your birthday? And you didn't tell me?" Jahita almost shouted. "Heck, now I have to spend all the day figuring what to give to you for a present."
Shiala smiled. "Ah, don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. Besides, I wanted to spend some of the day modifying the Headhunter."
Jahita nodded. "Well, perhaps I should lend you a hand, then."
"You read my mind, Krass." She turned towards Tarrik, Vrilas and Eyoul. "How about you guys? You want to help, too? Extra hands are always welcome."
Vrilas scratched his chin as if he was speculating. "Sure, why not, I'm not doing anything until a few hours anyway. Besides, I've got a little experience with the Z-ninety-fives."
"Really? What did you do before you got here? Smuggling?" Jahita said with big smile.
"Uh, no, no – ah, I've just tried a bit of almost everything, that's all," Vrilas said and took off his jacket. "Say, where are your tools?"
"They're right here," Shiala said and lifted a box filled with all kinds of working tools, which were ideal for almost any type of spaceship, it being a fighter or a shuttle.
"I'll be happy to give you some assistance," Eyoul said.
"Excellent. Happy to have you onboard," Shiala giggled. "Tarrik?"
"Sorry, Shiala, but I have to leave Yavin Four today. I need to get ready," he said and shrugged.
"What? Why didn't you tell me?" Shiala asked, apparently hurt.
"Oh, dear," Vrilas whispered. "Someone's about the get some Corellian irritation turned towards him."
"Huh?" Jahita uttered.
Vrilas took him by the shoulder and escorted him away from Tarrik and Shiala, whose conversation seemed to get a little heated. "C'mon, Krass. Can't you see two lovebirds even when they're right under your very nose?"
Jahita's heart sank. Great, he thought.
Jahita tried to follow Shiala's instructions, but he was still pondering on what Shiala and Tarrik's argument had resulted in. After a moment, he chose to discard his thoughts. He, Shiala Meno, Vrilas K'tor and Eyoul Gaad were currently modifying the old Z-95 Headhunter as best they could. Jahita was mainly there to learn, but to him, progress seemed so painfully slow.
"I was hoping to make it good enough for use in today's space faring," Shiala said while she was working on the engine. "It might come in handy if I ever should fight off some boogies. I could have the advantage of them underestimating me when they see me flying an old Headhunter."
"Smart move," Vrilas said, "I think I know some way to maximise the power-ups on this thing."
"Great, I was hoping for something like that." Shiala wiped the sweat from her face.
Jahita was sitting on top of the Headhunter and watched what she did to the engines. She continually told him what the things were and what she did to open them, repairing them etc. Vrilas, who had some first hand experience, also contributed some wisdom, while Eyoul remained silent, apparently content on letting Jahita get to know Vrilas and Shiala better. Jahita swallowed everything and was thankful for this opportunity. The Z-95 Headhunter was the only 'very complicated thing' that he had ever liked.
After two hours of discovering flaws and fixing them, the four Jedi sat down for a rest. Working outside in the warmth was not the smartest thing to do.
"Shiala, wouldn't it be a good idea if you talked to Master Solusar. Perhaps we could get it into the hangar and continue in there," Vrilas said and wiped the sweat off his brow.
"Good call, Vrilas," Shiala said and rose, "I'll go right away. You just stay put. I won't be long, all right?"
"Aye, no prob," Jahita said. "Oh, by the way, bring some water with you, okay?"
"Okay!" she shouted as she was running into the Great Temple.
"Oh boy, I'm so warm. I knew I should have put on the grey jump suit. Swisch, with this heat I wouldn't mind going turboskiing on Coruscant again." He sighed.
"Ah, Coruscant. Quite an urban world. Can't say I ever liked it there, though," Vrilas said calmly.
"Aye, I've never really liked it there either, but now I sure miss the temperate climate instead of this jungle heat."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. I often miss the cold of space. This moon is a bit too warm for my taste."
The three of them sat a moment quiet, not knowing what to say, though Eyoul still seemed content with staying silent. Jahita sometimes found the Bith to be a bit weird, but then again he did not know much about the species.
Vrilas coughed a little and ended the silence. "So, got a girlfriend on Coruscant?"
"No, only a few friends," Jahita quickly replied.
"Oh." Vrilas nodded.
The silence erupted once again. The two Jedi looked at the gas-giant that loomed over the temples.
"Say, have you ever found one of those Corusca-gems from Yavin?" Jahita asked. He had suddenly remembered the small stone in his pocket.
Eyoul shook his head whilst looking at Jahita.
"No, can't say I have, but I've seen a couple of 'em. Why?" Vrilas asked.
"Well, I got this stone, I think it's a gem, but I'm not sure." He took forth the small stone, which nearly landed on him last night. The stone was purplish and resembled a diamond in many ways. "I've never seen such a stone before." He looked at Vrilas and extended the stone to him. "Have you ever seen one of these before?"
Vrilas took the stone and looked closely at it. "I think, yeah, but can't say I remember what they were called. Eyoul, something you know?"
"No," Eyoul replied. "I'm afraid not."
"Where'd you find it?" Vrilas asked Jahita.
"On the top of the Great Temple. I was standing outside and looking at the stars last night and…" He paused.
"Yeah, and…?"
"Well, it sounds quite funny, but I felt a disturbance in the Force so I looked up. Suddenly this stone falls down from the sky and lands on top of the Great Temple."
"Okay… Funny."
Eyoul merely caressed his small chin with his hand in a thoughtful manner.
"You tell me. Anyway, this stone or gem, or what it is, was lying there. But what puzzles me even more is that it didn't break or was smashed into pieces by the impact."
"Yeah, that's odd." Vrilas lifted it up and tried to look into it. "Hmm, looks to me that it's quite flawless."
Jahita raised one eyebrow. "Flawless? What do you mean?"
"Well, gems tend to have a rate of flaws. The fewer flaws it has the more money you get for selling it." Vrilas handed back the gem to Jahita.
"How do you know these things? You've been a merchant?"
"Uh, no – not exactly, no, but something of that sort." Vrilas wiped the sweat of his forehead. "Sure is hot today."
Jahita looked more closely at the purple gem. "Hey, could I use this in a lightsabre?"
"Yeah, sure, but if you wanna double-check you can use the Force to check the gem's stability and stuff like that."
"All right!" Jahita boomed. After a second of silence he finally said, "How do I do that?"
Vrilas smiled. "Say, you're an honest guy, kiddo." He patted Jahita on shoulder. "I'll show ya. I have learned something at this Academy. Give me it to me again."
Jahita put the gem into his hand.
"All right, though this gem ain't a living thing, the Force can still tell you much about it. It probably came out of some planet and planets tend to be full of life in one way or the other. So gems are still kinda connected to the Force, if you catch my drift." He paused and thought for a moment. "Well, that ain't important. The Force can penetrate everything and it can reach out to you and tell you stuff about things. It's quite odd, actually, but it works. So, only thing you gotta do is to reach out with the Force and feel the gem. Examine it. The Force can show you if there are any flaws, which might ruin your chance for using it in a lightsabre."
Jahita nodded. "Sounds simple enough."
"Well, yeah, in some way it's simple, but it ain't just that easy always. That's why we practice, so that we can perform better in different things." He again handed the gem back to Jahita. "Try it, Jahita."
"Oookay," came the reply. Jahita closed his eyes and let the Force flow within him. He concentrated his thoughts on the gem in his hand and levitated it, so that it stood still right in front of his face. In his Force-vision, he could see the cloud of light, which penetrated everything – including the gem. The Force was binding the gem together, or so it seemed to him. Upon closer inspection, he could see every aspect of the gem. It was marvellous, since he had never seen what a gem looked like inside. Though one could look through it, it still was not the same as looking from within it. He looked at the 'walls' of the gem. No scratch at all. Wow! What kind of gem is this, anyway?
"Hey! I've got refreshments for you!" a voice interrupted.
Jahita was snapped out of his concentration and lost his invisible grip on the gem. It landed securely between his legs.
Shiala came running with some canisters, probably filled with water. "What were you doing?" she asked.
"Uhm, just checking my gem for flaws."
"Gem? What gem?" Shiala gave them a canister each and started to drink from her own.
"You know the little stone that fell down from space and landed on top of the Great Temple." Jahita picked it up.
"Oh, right. I remember." She crouched and looked closely at it. "But I only remember it being black."
"Well, I washed it and gave it a good polishing. This is the result." He handed it over to Shiala, who examined it closely.
"Sure is pretty. What're you gonna use it for?" She took another gulp from the canister.
"I could use it once I'll build my own lightsabre."
"Uh huh," Shiala said cheerfully and gave him the gem. "That would be a smart thing to do." She sat down beside them. "It's very beautiful."
Jahita only nodded and rested his head against the Headhunter. The four of them rested in the cool shadow of the Z-95. After a moment of peaceful silence, Shiala suddenly remembered what she had been doing in the Great Temple. "Oh, by the way, I talked to Master Solusar and he said that it was all right for us putting the Headhunter into the hangar bay."
"All right!" Jahita boomed and nearly smacked his head into the Headhunter's wing as he nearly jumped up. "Whoa! That was close."
Vrilas and Shiala grinned and Jahita joined their laughter, while Eyoul seemed to actually smile.
"So, tomorrow we'll put it into the hangar next to the Corellian Sparrow, and then we can really start modifying the Headhunter," Shiala said still with a very big smile.
"Corellian Sparrow?" Jahita asked.
"Oh, that's my ship. A YT-two-thousand. Old, but reliable," Shiala said as Jahita sat down again. "What? Did you think I came here flying without a ship, or what?"
"Well, thinking of how you been acting today, it wouldn't surprise me," Jahita said and grinned.
"You and your jokes, Krass," Shiala said whilst trying to suppress an upcoming laughter.
"Well, if you don't mind me helping out further, I'd be happy to oblige," Vrilas said and rose, thus ending the ship-issue.
"Thanks, that would be swell," Shiala said and likewise rose.
"Okay, it's a deal. I'll see you all later." Vrilas walked over to the temples nearby.
"Thanks for your help, Vrilas."
Vrilas did not turn around, but instead raised one hand as if to wave to them. After a few steps, he stopped and turned his head. "Hey, thanks for the water." He had remembered his manners.
"You're welcome," Shiala said and raised her canister in salute.
Vrilas continued on his path.
"Nice chap, wouldn't you say?" Jahita said and drank some more water.
"Yeah, always is. He knows a lot more about the Z-ninety-five than I do."
"You said it." He paused. "And that makes me wonder." He rose.
Shiala peeled her eyes. "What? You think he's a smuggler?"
"Well, I don't know, but he sure seemed to be one."
"That doesn't matter. When he's here at the Academy, he's a fellow student like everybody else."
Jahita nodded. "Aye, you got that right." He looked at the disappearing figure of Vrilas as he entered one of the temples. "He taught me how to use the Force to examine the gem. It was really interesting."
"What did you find out?" Shiala asked curiously.
"That I can use it for a lightsabre and one other important thing." He paused and waited for Shiala to ask.
"And that is…?"
"That you are perfect for ruining my concentration," Jahita said and started sniggering.
"What? Why, you!" Shiala tossed some water out of the canister at Jahita, but unfortunately, for her, he used the Force to send the water back into her face. She cried out in surprise.
"Gotcha!" he shouted and ran away.
"Come back here!" she yelled and ran after him. "Come and get what's coming to you!"
Jahita's only response was laughter.
This only left Eyoul behind, smiling and shaking his head a little until he started following them slowly.
Jahita was sitting at his table in his room inside the centuries old temple. The only light source available was the glowlamp fastened to his table. It gave excellent light in the room. Outside the usual sounds of predators looking for food could be heard, as well as the nightly songs of a particular kind of bird, whose name Jahita did not know. Occasionally Jahita's concentration would falter as he was almost captivated by the wonderful whistling of these animals. He wondered if there could be the possibility that the Massassi perhaps had a legend for the cause of these birds' fantastic songs.
The Force is surely magnificent, just like Tionne said.
His concentration returned and he turned his eyes at the small purple gem that lay on his table.
Aye, this gem is ideal as a component in a lightsabre, all right.
The thought of building a lightsabre had eventually gripped him entirely. He laughed quietly. All because of a little purple gemstone. Who would have thought? He lifted it up and held it in front of the glowlamp – rays of purple light shone on his face. So beautiful. He felt as if he could not wait until the day he would put it into the metal cylinder that would contain all the necessary components, which would bring the energy blade to life. With it, I could fight those destroyers of life. He swallowed hard; the image of the dying girl kept haunting him.
"Where's mother? I can't find her…" her voice suddenly echoed in his mind.
Jahita almost let out an outcry, but managed to restrain himself. He suddenly noticed that he was standing. The shock had made him jump up from the chair. He quietly raised the chair back on its four legs and sat down again. Sweat was pouring down his forehead. What the heck was that? He wiped away the salty drops. Just memories from the nightmare. Nothing to worry about.
His thoughts returned to the gem in an effort to forget – yet despair almost gripped him. It was very seldom that novices built their lightsabres after nearly a month's training – if ever! But there was an urge within him that cried out to every corner of his soul. He felt that he had to hurry, but he did not know for what purpose. He stood up and tried to walk the thoughts off him, but to no avail. The desire was still there, the passion…
There is no passion; there is serenity. The lines from the old Jedi Code echoed in his mind. They felt like raindrops on dusty ground, which was hungry for water after months of being dry. However, there was still a feeling of uneasiness. Calm, Jahita, calm.
Jahita frowned, closed his eyes and shook his head lightly. He tried to use one of the Jedi techniques to make himself relax, but even that did not help. He suddenly noticed that he had changed. He was no longer the same modest and nervous fellow, who hated flying. He was a Jedi, who knew of the existence of the Force and all its powers, which were meant to preserve life in every thinkable way. Through it, he had gotten a big interest in all living things, as well as plants of many sorts.
"Where's mother?" the voice echoed once more.
"No, stop it!" Jahita said aloud.
"I can't find her…"
"NO!" He put his hands to his ears. "STOP IT!" His voice grew in volume.
A sigh was heard inside his head – the same sigh he had heard from the girl in the nightmare, who died in his arms.
"STOP IT!" he screamed and ran out of his room. Some doors were opened as he ran past them. His screaming had alarmed some of the students. Jahita did not care. He just wanted the voice to stop. He could not take it.
He speeded outside and ran towards the Great Temple. He came inside and made his way to the Grand Audience Chamber. He did not stop until he reached the podium. After a moment of panting and trying to catch his breath, he looked around himself. What's happening to me? What's going on here?
A sudden commotion made him turn about. He saw a woman with white hair and almost shining bright eyes. A little outcry escaped him, but then he recognised her. It was Tionne.
"Jahita, what's the matter?"
He did not answer; instead, he fell to his knees and started to cry. Tionne knelt beside him and put her hands around his shoulders. She pulled him up a bit and hugged him. She put one hand on his head and stroked her fingers through his hair.
"Easy there now. Tell me, what has happened?"
"She keeps on haunting me," he sobbed, "I can even hear her voice…" A lump in his throat interrupted him. "I can't get rid of her voice."
"Shh, it's okay," Tionne said gently. "There was nothing you could do about it."
"Then why does the Force allow me to see her die? I don't know her! I don't know all the other people who died there! Why? Why did I have to see it?" He held his hands in front of his face and looked at them, but there was no help in covering his face with them – her face remains in my head.
Tionne sighed. "I don't know, Jahita. I can't say that I have great insight on why the Force does things the way it does, but I figure that the dream has a meaning or purpose."
Jahita frowned. "Meaning? The only thing I got from that dream was a lust for revenge." His tone was angry.
"Jahita. No. Revenge is not the Jedi way."
"How would you know! You're just an historian!" he snarled at her.
"Jahita!" Tionne said firmly. Her eyes shone with authority. "Just listen to what you're saying!"
Jahita felt the bitter feeling of being ashamed. He bowed his head and released himself from her semi-embrace. "I – I'm sorry…I, uh, I…" His voice faltered and faded. More tears ran down his cheeks. "I'm sorry," he whispered.
Tionne sighed and thought for a moment. "Let me tell you something more about the Jedi Knight Ulic Qel-Droma, okay?"
Jahita did not respond, but simply nodded.
"Four thousand years ago the threat of the Sith had begun to emerge once again. The Dark Side had new powerful servants, Aleema and Satal Keto, who were the heirs of the Empress Teta system. Along with some of their friends, the two heirs murdered their parents and took control of the system, which consisted of seven major planets. The spirit of a long-dead renegade Jedi, called Freedon Nadd, had instructed these two heirs, who called themselves the Krath. Exar Kun, who was the one that forced the Massassi to build these old temples, later destroyed this spirit. He too had been initiated in the ways of the Sith by Nadd.
"During these events the Old Republic tried stop the Krath's invasion of the last free planet in the Empress Teta system. They sent a fleet for this purpose and along went Ulic Qel-Droma and Nomi Sunrider. They were to battle the Krath, but unfortunately, they were overwhelmed by the Dark Side illusions, which tricked the fleet into a trap. The fleet was forced to retreat. During this engagement, Ulic was wounded, but survived. This event caused the Jedi Masters to convey many thousand Jedi on the planet Deneba, where they discussed how best to quench the Dark taint in the Empress Teta system, but during this meeting the Krath launched an attack. Deadly droids were unleashed upon the Jedi and Ulic's own Master was killed after having saved Ulic.
"Needless to say, Ulic was devastated by his Master's death and vowed revenge. The Jedi Masters warned him, his brother, Cay Qel-Droma, warned him, and even Nomi Sunrider warned him of the consequences, but he would not change his mind. He wanted to learn the knowledge of the Dark Side and try to destroy the Krath from within. It did not go as he had planned. After he had rescued Aleema from being murdered, he was interrogated and tortured by Satal, who wanted to be sure of Ulic's claims of his defection from the Jedi Order. For this purpose, Satal gave Ulic poison of Sith design, which in some mystic way enhanced the rage of its victim. Thus began Ulic Qel-Droma's path on the Dark Side. He eventually killed Satal, unknowing that it had been Aleema's intention all along. He had become her puppet.
"Other things occurred as Nomi Sunrider and Cay Qel-Droma tried to rescue him. He refused to come with them and they agreed to let him follow his own path, though they knew it could destroy him. After they had left, Exar Kun came. The two renegade Jedi allied along with Aleema. They waged a terrible war against the Old Republic and even attacked Coruscant. Ulic's tragedy enlarged as he killed his own brother, who tried once again to sway him from his path. This act struck into the very core of Ulic's soul and lifted the shroud of the Dark Side from his eyes. He finally understood his error. Nomi Sunrider was terrified by Ulic's murder of his own brother – she used a special Jedi power to make him blind to the Force for the rest of his life, but even after this, he betrayed Exar Kun and told the Jedi of where Kun had his stronghold." She finally paused and looked at Jahita. "Do you know where Kun's stronghold was?"
Jahita, who had been almost hypnotised by the sorrowful tale, cleared his throat and finally said, "Aye, 'twas here – on Yavin Four."
Tionne nodded. "Everything was wiped out. Every single Massassi was destroyed. Most of them by Kun's frantic ditch effort in securing his survival. The fate of the rest is not clear, but it is certain that they perished." She turned her gaze at the large window-looking openings in the walls. Stars were flickering in the distance. "Revenge is not the Jedi way. Ulic paid a high price for this lesson." She looked straight into his eyes. Her face was filled with compassion. "Don't follow Ulic's trail," she said almost whispering.
Despite this, her words seemed to cry out to Jahita. He could feel a chill running down his spine. "There is no passion; there is serenity," he said in a low voice, "There is no emotion; there is peace."
Tionne smiled. "I'm glad you understand." She rose. "I'll talk to my husband, he'll help you with the voices, okay?"
"Thank you," he merely said. He did not know how else to express his gratitude. He opened his mouth again, but only managed to say, "Thank you" again.
Tionne nodded to him and walked down from the podium. It was then that Jahita noticed Shiala, who was standing about five metres away from him.
"Hey," she said insecurely.
"Hey," he said and extended his hand towards her.
She understood and came over to him. He was sitting on the floor now. She knelt beside him and embraced him, holding one hand around his neck while the other pressed his head against her chest. "You okay?"
"No," he said.
"Oh…uhm…" She paused. She did not know what to say. After a moment of silence she finally said, "Can I help you in some way? Get you anything?"
"No," came the reply, "just hold me." He just wanted to feel the secure presence of someone he knew he could trust. He did not want to be alone.
She held him tighter. "Okay, Jahita." This sure is one peculiar guy, she thought.
Jahita closed his eyes and really hoped that Master Solusar would come soon, he hoped that the Jedi Master could help end the nightmare, which presented itself though he was awake. I wish that the images would go away. I wish that I never had this dream, he thought. Despite these wishes, he knew that the past could not be undone. What have I brought myself into? Did I make the right decision of joining this Academy? Was it at all a good thing to learn about the Force? He frowned at his own thoughts. What am I thinking? I've started a journey down a path, which enables me to help others. I can't back down now. Not just because I have a nightmare, which continues to haunt me. He suddenly shivered. The nightmare was not just a small obstacle on his path – especially not when it haunted him. Heck, I hope Master Solusar can help me on this one.
"Shiala," he slowly said.
"Yeah?"
"Thanks…for helping me."
She smiled. "No prob," she said, mimicking his abbreviation of the word 'problem'.
At the same time, Kam Solusar arrived. His mere presence gave Jahita a sense of his prayers were being heard. Shiala released Jahita from her embrace, but kept a hand on his shoulder. Kam walked up to the podium and knelt beside Jahita. A sigh escaped him. "You sure experience a lot of weird things, Jahita Krass."
Jahita smiled a little. It sure had been turbulent weeks and he had surely caught everybody's attention since the day he arrived, but he did not know whether to decide if that was a good thing or not.
"Tionne explained everything." He paused and his face became stern. "I would be lying if I told you that it didn't upset me, what you said to her, but I'm glad that you apologised."
Jahita felt sure that his size began to diminish, but he knew that it was not a fact. "I'm sorry, Master," he whispered filled with shame.
Kam's stern expression faded away and left only a concerned look. "It's okay, Krass. I'm glad that you realise that saying things like that can break down many things inside people. Luckily Tionne isn't as fragile as she might look; trust me, I know." Kam smiled a little. "Okay, tell me everything. What happened in your room?"
Jahita took a deep breath and told him all the details.
The next morning Jahita sat by the table again and looked at his precious gem. He had managed to get enough sleep, but inside he felt worn out and exhausted. He knew that this was not a physical tiredness. The nightmare and the haunting voice had taken its toll on him. Despite this, he was okay. Kam Solusar had helped him a great deal last night by letting peace flow into his mind. After this, he and Tionne had called upon the Force to encircle Jahita within a wall of light, which would protect him against nightmares for the time being. He would be a liar, if he said it had not helped.
A knock on the door was heard and Jahita turned around in the chair. "Come in. It's open."
The door slid open and a man stepped in. "So, this is your resting place," the person said humorously. It was Vrilas K'tor.
Jahita smiled. "Ah, a fellow joker." He grinned. "It's good to see you again, K'tor."
"Well, I figured you needed some company after what happened last night, so I decided to drop by." He sat down on the other chair. "You don't mind me sitting here, huh?"
"No, not at all. As I said, it's good to see you. I sure could use some company now anyway."
Vrilas chuckled. "Yeah, I know what you mean." He began fishing something up from one of his many pockets on the brown jacket. "Say, you like Corellian ale by any chance?" He placed a bottle on the table.
Jahita's smile grew bigger. "Sure do, Vrilas. And, boy, could I drink a glass of it right now." Jahita opened a drawer and picked up two cups. "I hope they're to your satisfaction."
Vrilas wrinkled his nose and had a curled grin on his face. "Well, I suppose these cups factor into the title 'a clean glass', so what the heck. Let's pour some ale into 'em."
"Best suggestion so far, K'tor." He handed him the cups.
Vrilas poured into the cups and put the flask back into one of his many pockets. He lifted his cup. "By the way, I'd appreciate if you wouldn't tell anybody about my having one of these things here."
"Oh, don't you worry about that," Jahita said and raised his cup as well. The two cups met with a small thump. "If you should worry about anything, it would be to keep that ale away from me." The two of them grinned and sipped from the cups. "Ahhhh, the Corellians sure know how to make some good ale."
"They sure do," another voice said. It came from the door, which the two chaps had not noticed opening. They both turned their heads and tried to hide the cups. "I know all about Corellian ale. You care to share some of it with me?"
"Meno." Jahita let out a sigh of relief as he recognised the young Corellian woman. "Heck, I almost thought it was one of the Masters."
"Well," Shiala said with a smile, which almost melted Jahita, "I intend to come that far one day."
"What? Exposing me while I drink some ale?" Jahita said.
"What? No, becoming a Jedi Master, dummy." Then she noticed his curled smile. Her face got an expression, which people put on when being had. "You got me again, didn't you?"
He nodded and sipped once more of his cup.
"You sure play a funny game," Vrilas finally said. "Perhaps I should join it some day."
"You're more than welcome to take over, Vrilas," Shiala smirked.
Vrilas grinned. "Thanks for the offer, but I think I'll pass on that one." He gestured to Jahita, "Hey, be a gentlebeing and give Shiala a cup so I can give her some of her home-world's precious drops of ale."
"Acknowledged," Jahita said and opened his drawer, he picked up another cup and handed it to Shiala. Vrilas fetched his flask of Corellian ale and poured some of it into it.
"Let's propose a toast," Vrilas said and rose. Jahita stood up as well. The three Jedi formed a circle. "To new friendships," Vrilas proclaimed and lifted his cup.
Jahita and Shiala followed suit. "To new friendships," they said in unison.
Three cups were lightly thudded together before three Jedi emptied them. The joy, Jahita felt of getting to know these fine people, multiplied by the Force, which penetrates, surrounds and binds all things together in the galaxy – and friendships as well.
Vrilas K'tor, Eyoul Gaad and Shiala Meno stood beside the Z-95 Headhunter. They were waiting for Jahita Krass to arrive. Today they were going to try working in unison with the Force, which had been a topic among the students at the Jedi Academy. The Solo siblings, who had successfully navigated through a very dangerous asteroid-field near Dubrillion in order to lure some Yuuzhan Vong fighters to their doom, had caused these intrigued conversations about this interesting option. They had used the Force to connect with each other and had functioned as a single body. This had of course caused much speculation among the other students, who were eager to try it. Shiala, Eyoul and Vrilas were no exception. They invited Jahita out of politeness, albeit they did not tell this to the Coruscanti lad.
"Shiala, may I ask you something?" Vrilas said, tired of the waiting.
"Sure, get it of your troubled mind," Shiala said with a hint of smile.
"Any particular reason we're bringing him along?" He paused.
Shiala turned her eyes towards him. Her face had a hint of concern. "What do you mean?"
"Well, he's an oddball," he said and brushed his hair into place. "I heard about what happened last night, but he acted like nothing had happened."
Eyoul nodded. "Yes, I know what you mean." He sighed and looked at the top of the Great Temple. "From what I have observed that's how he handles stuff he doesn't like. He ignores his problems in the presence of others, acts as if nothing has happened, but beneath his joking appearance, he's suffering. I can feel it, but I don't know how to help him." His gaze lowered to ground level. "I wish I knew what to do. A being in pain should be helped no matter what."
"Hmm," Vrilas said and turned to look at the old star fighter. "You sure haven't changed, Eyoul." He smiled to the Bith Jedi. "A good quality you have – always helping people."
"As is proper," Eyoul added.
"Well, all that notwithstanding, Krass's a nice guy," Shiala said and eyed Vrilas. "Despite him being an oddball."
He returned her gaze. "Okay, I'll grant you that."
Shiala said nothing and looked away.
Vrilas sighed. "Where is that guy? This heat is killing me."
"I don't know. He said something about talking to Master Solusar, but that's all he told me." She smiled. "And he told me he wouldn't be long."
Vrilas chuckled. "So much for being here on time, huh?"
Shiala grinned. "And men say women always take their time." She suddenly noticed a figure coming running out of one of the temples nearby. It was easy to recognise him as Jahita. He had a particular way of running. "There he is."
"Finally," Vrilas said glad.
"Hi!" Jahita said and panted. "Sorry I'm late."
"It's okay," Vrilas said. "We haven't melted yet anyway." He smiled.
"You're a fast learner," Jahita said and grinned.
"So, what were you and Master Solusar talking about, then?" Shiala asked.
"Uhm, nothing in particular. Just something about what happened last night." He walked over to the Headhunter. "Now shall we try it out, guys?"
Shiala smiled at Jahita and discretely elbowed Vrilas, who rolling with his eyes. "What say you, guys? Are you ready?"
"Sure thing. That's what we came for anyway," Vrilas said and caressed his side. He turned towards the Z-95 and stretched his arms in front of him as if preparing them for the task they would undertake, even though they would not use their physical strength at all. The others formed a circle around the ship and did likewise.
"Okay, the main thing is not to lose our concentration. If one of us falters, we may well all panic and drop the zee-ninety-five, which in my case isn't an option," Shiala said in all sincerity and added "or in yours, if you understand me. I don't wanna tell my dad that I accidentally trashed the ship before I ever flew it." She exchanged looks with the guys. "Of course, I could blame you for it, if necessary." She gave a curled smile and again looked at each of them in turn. "Got it?"
All of them nodded sincerely.
"Aye," came the reply from the Coruscanti boy.
"Understood," the spacer said.
"Of course," Eyoul said sincerely.
"Excellent," Shiala said. "Remember what they taught us: Size matters not."
The four Jedi stood concentrated around the Z-95. They closed their eyes and began bonding through the Force. Jahita immediately felt the familiar feeling of the Force filling him up inside. Sheer joy coursed through his entire body. The feeling he experienced by the flow of the living Force was almost overwhelming, but even though he was quite occupied by this, he managed to focus on his objective: to lift up the Headhunter. He reached out with his feelings and immediately felt how he joined with Eyoul, Vrilas and Shiala. Their presence in the Force made him see sparkling light where they stood. Through his Force-vision, he could see the features of the star fighter. The cloud of light was as usual present. It penetrated and surrounded the machinery. Jahita knew that their task of levitating the star fighter was possible, no matter size, weight, or anything else, which was humanly impossible. Size matters not. He could sense that the others stretched out and touched the ship with the Force. Their thoughts were fixed upon it. Jahita saw how the Force started to lift the old fighter up from the ground.
The feeling of unison made Jahita feel stronger than ever before. He could remember Tionne telling about how the Jedi of old joined forces to combat evil and conquering it together with the Light Side, with the Force as their friend and ally. He could remember how Master Solusar had told him about the great Jedi Master Yoda, who had instructed Luke Skywalker and taught him many valuable things.
'For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you, here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere. Yes, even between the land and the ship.'
He could remember it all. Yes, I'm a luminous being. I'm a Jedi. My ally is the living Force; with it, I shall conquer all evil – even the destroyers of life…
Jahita suddenly felt that his grip on the Headhunter was loosening – he had been too occupied by his speculation that the Headhunter was slipping away from him. He could feel the nervousness that came from Shiala as she noticed his loosening grip – it felt like a spike. From Eyoul and Vrilas he could only sense determination and resolve.
Sensing this, he made up his mind not to fail his new friends – his grip tightened. Quickly Jahita reassumed his concentration and strengthened his grip on the Headhunter, as well – at the same time he sent thoughts of peace towards Shiala and assured her in this way that he would not let go. He let out a sigh of relief as he could feel her invisible grip strengthening, too. Without further ado, the trio levitated the Headhunter into the hangar bay and let it land slowly and securely.
A sudden applause drew the five Jedi out of their concentration. Many students had watched their effort in lifting the Z-95 up and safely put it into the hangar next to the Corellian Sparrow. A sudden feeling of pride entered Jahita, but he pushed it aside. The accomplishment itself is our reward. Besides, I couldn't have done it without the others. Tionne suddenly stepped forward from the assembly.
"Well done. I'm so proud of you all. You did well in demonstrating how the Force can work through us when we act as a body in total unison."
Shiala sighed – apparently, she had the feeling of having failed.
The white-haired Jedi turned her head towards her. "Shiala, you did well, too."
"What?" Shiala had surprised look on her face. "What do you mean?"
"You didn't falter when you felt the confidence of your friends in you. Instead of letting go, you reassumed your tight grip on the plane and managed to keep it up." Tionne smiled. "Though you may think that you failed, you didn't. Your Headhunter has been landed safely in the hangar bay. No one helped you out. You five performed it yourselves."
Shiala began to smile. "Thanks, Tionne," she said and hugged her. The two women laughed cheerfully.
Vrilas came to them and patted Shiala on the shoulders. "Say, we sure did it, didn't we?"
"Indeed," Eyoul said.
"Aye," Jahita said and smiled widely.
Shiala laughed. "We sure did! The four of us! With no help at all!" She clasped her hands together.
"All right!" Vrilas said and laid his arms around the necks of Shiala and Eyoul. He whispered to the three of them, "Say, shouldn't we celebrate this with a few more drops of my Corellian ale?"
"Isn't it your last bottle?" Jahita asked.
"Yeah, but it's a good way of celebrating, wouldn't you say?" Vrilas chuckled.
"I'm all go," Shiala boomed.
"I may not drink, nonetheless I shall accompany you," Eyoul clarified.
"Well, let's celebrate, then!" Shiala gestured towards the temple, where they had their rooms.
"Okay, we will. Come on, fellas." Vrilas gave Jahita a gentle smack on the back as he started walking and the others followed suit.
With Vrilas leading the way, the four Jedi went laughing and happy about their successful task towards the temple.
It was time for celebration.