o:o:o

Master Skywalker was giving a tour of the Academy to a group of politicians who had come by way of Denon with Cal Omas, so Phaelon wandered aimlessly until he was free of them. It felt odd to have nothing to do. With the classes in session, there were few Jedi in the halls, and she couldn't decide if she wanted company anyway.

Finally, she wandered back into the hangar with the thought of continuing her tinkering. With an undignified scramble, she managed to straddle the nose and lean back against the canopy, focusing her gaze on the ceiling. It wasn't the sterile quiet of one of the meditation chambers, and the sounds of droids, metal parts, and mechanics chatting echoed around her.

She was just dozing off when she sensed Master Skywalker approaching. Stretching, she slid off the side of the X-wing and landed gently on the duracrete just as he came up.

"Jedi Lei, walk with me if you would."

Nervously, she fell into step with him and they headed out into the gardens. Why did everyone want to walk with her? It wasn't like she was going to start throwing hydrospanners or something. Couldn't they just get to the kriffing point!

"I have a new mission for you," he continued as they skirted around a group of students. "Actually, it's diplomatic and should be fairly easy. The Jedi have been invited to a state wedding on Kiffu, and I'd like you to be our envoy."

She opened her mouth to reply, but he cut her off. – "I am well aware that you aren't on the best terms with your clan, but I think it would be for the best if you went."

"Of course," she replied with a nod. "You do know the Kiffar put great store in their families and clans. That I remain a loner may not bode well among them."

He smiled. "I am sure the matter will clear itself up in time."

"Yes, Master Skywalker," she returned with a short nod, though she sorely wanted to know what in the sith he had meant by that last comment.

Still wondering, she headed back into the Academy and towards her room to collect her things.

o:o:o

She was just finishing packing her small bag when her door chimed. "Enter," she called, not looking up.

An energetic Jysella Horn bounded inside as soon as the door slid open. "Dad tells me they're sending you on a diplomatic mission," she stated.

"Not even that," replied Phaelon with a half-hearted shrug. "I just get to go look pretty and put on an appearance for the sake of the Jedi."

"Do you think I could go with you?" she asked after a second's hesitation, revealing her father'a lack of tact.

No! was her first thought, but then rationality took over. It's only a diplomatic mission. Just a few hours of standing around. Do you really want to be surrounded by your clan all on your own?

She shrugged. "You sure you want to? It's not going to be anything exciting."

Jysella nodded. "Anything's better than being stuck here."

"Alright," Phaelon sighed. "Go pack up some decent robes. Meet me in the hanger when you're ready."

Beaming, the girl ran from the room.

When the door shut, Phaelon shook her head. What had she just done?

o:o:o