Chapter 2
COUNCIL CHAMBER
DANTOOINE ACADEMY
"With the Council's permission, I'd like to take Padawan Jaelyn Vallore as my apprentice." Revan stood in the center of the Council chambers, addressing the four masters that made up the Jedi Council on Dantooine; Master Vandar Tokare, a diminutive biped of unknown species, Masters Vrook Lamar and Dorak, both human, and Master Zhar Lestin, a Twi'lek.
Master Vrook was the first to speak, his stern face wrinkling further with disapproval. "Padawan Vallore has a master, Jedi Revan, Master Kavar-"
"Master Kavar," Revan interrupted smoothly. "Is in the Outer Rim fighting Mandalorians. Padawan Jaelyn needs a master present to prepare her for her trials. This is a most critical time in her training and she shouldn't be without the full attention of a master."
"You speak truth, Revan." Master Vandar nodded, gesturing with a three-fingered hand. "But are you the right master for young Jaelyn?"
"She is impetuous, stubborn, a mediocre student at best, it is my opinion she'd be better served by an older, more experienced master." Vrook interjected.
"Are you volunteering, Vrook?" Asked Master Zhar, his lekku twitching subtly in an expression of amusement at the sour look on Vrook's face. "I don't see any reason to deny Jedi Revan's request."
Master Dorak spoke up, a contemplative look on his face. "It has been nary a week since you were last in these Chambers asking us to sanction a Jedi taskforce to meet the Mandalorian Invaders and yet here you stand asking to take on a Padawan learner. Why the change in direction?
"I have come to see the wisdom in your advice." Revan answered carefully. "The Jedi are peacekeepers. I see we can better serve the people at this time in other roles."
Master Vrook glowered at her. " Convenient."
Revan paused a moment, reining in the angry retort poised to escape her lips. "Believe what you will, Master Vrook, but I am sincere in my desire to train Padawan Vallore." Revan held her breath waiting the Council's response, trying to calm the emotions raging just beneath her calm could get under her skin like no other being in this universe. Well, besides Alek.
"We will consider your request." Master Vandar's gentle voice broke the awkward silence, dismissing her.
Revan bowed, moving toward the door. "Then I will await your decision."
DORMITORY
DANTOOINE ACADEMY
Jaelyn sat on her bed, leaning against the wall, a datapad in one hand, a cup of stimcaf in the other. A familiar presence caught her attention and she glanced up, grinning, before the door chime sounded. "Come in."
The door slid open with a soft hiss as Adon stepped into the room. His handsome features lit up with amusement as he took in the sight of her tangled up in the blankets, datacards littering the bed. He climbed onto the bed, settling himself next to her, glancing at her datapad in curiosity. "Recent Galactic History? Did Dorak saddle you with extra work? I thought we were in the Jedi History module."
Jaelyn sighed, shutting off the pad and dropping it amid the cards. "We are. I'm finished with my essay." She drained her mug and sat it on the bedside table, gesturing at the datacards. "Those are reports on the Great Sith War. I was analyzing the Mandalorian's involvement, trying to find weaknesses that can be exploited." She shook her head, yawning. "I know I know, I'm crazy. So what brings you here at this time of night?" She changed the subject, avoiding any further questions about her voluntary studying.
Adon raked a hand through his sandy blonde hair and shrugged. "Do I have to have a reason to visit my best friend?"
She raised a skeptic eyebrow. "You risked being caught in the girl's dormitories past curfew just to visit?"
"Maybe." He shrugged again. "Or maybe I came to find out if the rumors were true."
Jaelyn frowned. "What rumors?" The question came out sharper than she intended.
"Hmm. Maybe not."
"Ugh! Adon, if you don't tell me exactly what you are talking about this second, I swear I'm gonna do something horrible to you."
"Oh no! Not something horrible! Please, Jae, spare me!" He chuckled, leaping off the bed as she took a swipe at him. "Hey! Hey, I'm sorry!" He threw his hands up as datacards and pillows flew with uncanny precision at his head. Using the Force, he deflected them harmlessly back onto the bed before collapsing on the floor, laughing uncontrollably. "I am sorry." He repeated a few moments later, sobering up. "You're just so adorable when you're angry."
Jaelyn groaned. "Am not. Now what about those rumors?"
"Well, I heard that Revan is taking you as her Padawan." He said, rejoining her on the bed.
She shook her head in confusion. "I don't think so. Kavar is my master. Besides, I'm almost finished with my training, I think Revan would want a younger apprentice."
He shrugged. "That's just what I heard from Henton, I figured he'd know since he's Vrook's Padawan."
"Weird." Jaelyn murmured, her eyes distant, analyzing the possibilities.
Adon studied her surreptitiously as she contemplated, her slender fingers picking at a loose fiber in the blanket. He looked away, not wanting to be caught staring. "So, what do you think?"
"Think about what?" She asked absently, then caught herself, shaking her head ruefully. "You mean Revan?" She shrugged. "I don't really know what to think." She glanced at her chrono and groaned. "It's late, you'd better get going before you get caught. I'll let you know when I find out what's going on."
"You'd better." He grinned, springing off the bed. "Goodnight, Jae, sweet dreams." He blew her a kiss and disappeared, the door hissing shut behind him.
"Sweet dreams." Jaelyn repeated, shivering. The things of which she dreamt were rarely sweet.
Jedi Academy
Dantooine
"Master Revan." Jaelyn bowed, her voice formal.
Revan shook her head, holding up one manicured finger. "Rule number one, Jae, unless we are in the presence of stodgy old Jedi, you are to call me Rev or Revan." She smiled. "Understood?"
"Yes Mas- Revan." She grinned. "What's rule number two?"
Revan shrugged. "I'll let you know when you violate it."
"Translation: 'I haven't thought that far ahead'."
"Rule number two, keep those cheeky retorts to yourself." Revan teased, tossing a datacard at Jaelyn.
Jaelyn inserted the card into her datapad and gave it a cursory glance. "These are specs for a Republic Light Freighter." She glanced quizzically at her new master.
"Well I figure if you're going to be flying it you'll want to familiarize yourself with its specifications." Revan replied nonchalantly.
Jaelyn suppressed a delighted squeal as she examined the data more closely. "Where are we going?" She couldn't quite manage to keep the excitement out of her voice.
"Taris. Refugees have been pouring in from the Outer Rim worlds recently conquered by the Mandos. I took the liberty of volunteering us for the relief effort."
Thoughts of the war tempered Jaelyn's exuberance, she shut off the datapad. "When do we leave?"
Landing Pad
Dantooine Academy
"You're leaving?" Keeda cried out in dismay. "Now? Why?"
"Because Revan wants to take me with her. And I have to admit I'm excited to be getting some real experience, to help those poor people." Jaelyn hugged her friend. "It's not like I'll never see you again, Kee."
"I knew it." Adon grumbled, shoving his hands in his pockets and stalking toward the fountain. You're acting like a child. An inner voice admonished. I don't care. His face reddened as he stared at the rippling water. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to rein in his emotions as he felt Jaelyn's gentle hand on his back.
"I'm sorry, Adon."
His stomach tightened at the sound of her voice, the way she spoke his name. He sighed, shaking his head. "What do you have to be sorry for?" He asked, turning to face her.
"I'm sorry I made this harder than it had to be." Her forehead creased as she reached out to take his hand, rubbing her thumb over the raised veins.
"Don't, Jae." Adon warned, pulling his hand back. "We've been over this. I don't care what you think you overheard the masters saying, you haven't done anything wrong. We want to be your friends, and not because of some crazy Force bond, okay?" He sighed, his face softening. "Or did you think your beauty turned my brain to mush?" He teased gently, pulling her into an embrace.
Jaelyn buried her face in his neck, his familiar scent comforting her. Finally, she pulled back, reaching to include Keeda in the hug. "This is just temporary." She insisted, glancing from one to the other, memorizing their faces, their presences. "I'm sure I'll be back soon to take my trials."
Keeda offered a tremulous smile, her bulbous eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I'm going to miss you, hoo-man."
"I'm going to miss you too, greenie." Jaelyn picked up her small pack, absently adjusting the straps. "And you, Adon." She smiled faintly. "Try not to get into too much trouble while I'm gone, I'd hate to miss out on all the fun."
THE SANDPIPER
EN ROUTE TO TARIS
The gentle hum of The Sandpiper's engines soothed her, helped her focus as it always did. Jaelyn loved the long hours spent in hyperspace, there was something quietly exhilarating about traveling at faster than light speeds. She focused inward, drawing on the Force as she tried to follow Revan's instructions.
"Imagine you are building a wall, Jae, each block must be carefully set in place, cemented so that it does not fall. Shielding is something everyone can learn but few can master." Revan reached out to place a hand on Jaelyn's knee. "You must master this ability if you want to be able to keep those to whom you are bonded out of your mind. There may not be a way for you to keep from forming unwanted bonds, but you need to protect yourself, regardless."
She reached out, probing her Padawan's mind, looking for a weakness in her barriers. Jaelyn's strength surprised Revan, but she could still see places where the walls were thin. She pushed gently, demonstrating just how easy it was for a trained Force user to gain access to her mind.
Jaelyn gritted her teeth, pushing back and sealing the holes. Sweat beaded on her forehead as she raced to reinforce her defenses. Revan smiled and withdrew, pleased with her progress. "Very good." She encouraged, standing and reaching down to help Jaelyn to her feet.
"You're faster than I would have expected, I'm confident you'll be able to keep even me out in no time at all. Now, get some rest, I'll baby sit the autopilot." Revan brushed a hand over her perfectly tailored robes, smoothing them into place. "I'd like you fresh so you can land this pile of scrap."
Jaelyn grinned. "You only picked me as a Padawan so you'd have a decent pilot, didn't you?" She teased.
Revan grinned back. "Ah, you've guessed my true motives." She bid her new Padawan goodnight and headed for the cockpit.
TARIS
Jaelyn maneuvered the small freighter onto her assigned docking pad and began powering down to standby mode. She ran a systems diagnostic on the repulsors while she was waiting, the whine of the engines had sounded high. She downloaded the diagnostic report to her datapad and joined Revan by the loading ramp. "So, what are we doing on Taris?" She set the security system and lowered the ramp.
Revan shot her an amused look and exited the ship. "As I've already explained, we are assisting with the recent influx of refugees."
"That's what you told the council, I want to know why we're really here."
"In addition to providing humanitarian assistance, we're meeting a friend of mine."
"Alek?" Jaelyn guessed, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Yes, Alek." Revan confirmed, giving her a look that clearly read, 'not another word'. She led them out of the spaceport and across the main plaza to a large cantina, the glowing sign advertising one free Tarisian Ale between 1200 and 1600 hours.
Jaelyn snorted and glanced at her wrist chrono. "Well shucks, we're not in time for the free alcohol." She grinned sardonically. "Why are we meeting your 'friend' here? Why not meet him in the Jedi Tower?"
"Who says we aren't here for the ale? We have plenty of credits." Revan teased, leading them through several smoke filled Pazaak lounges. "This is a secret meeting, the Tower would draw too much attention."
Jaelyn raised an eyebrow. "Yes, three Jedi in a cantina is just so inconspicuous."
Revan chuckled. "Three Jedi in a cantina. That sounds like the beginning of a really bad joke." She reached out to steady an inebriated Kubaz who was in danger of falling into one of the Bith musicians. "You'll find I can be quite inconspicuous when I want to be."
As they came to a small private lounge in the back, Jaelyn had to admit that they'd drawn very little attention in the short journey through the cantina. Normally, Revan's stunning beauty turned heads no matter where they were, she must have been doing something to dampen the perceptions of those around them. Jaelyn made a mental note to ask her about that later.
The door swished open to reveal a tall dark haired man in civilian attire. Jaelyn felt Revan's emotions spike momentarily before she brought them back under control. "Revan." The man smiled warmly, his emotions an easily read maelstrom beneath his calm exterior.
"Alek." Revan returned his smile and gestured to Jaelyn. "My new apprentice, Jaelyn Vallore."
"A pleasure to meet you Jaelyn." His voice was smooth, resonant.
"The pleasure's mine, Revan talks about you often." She grinned mischievously.
"And how often would that be?"
"Incessantly."
Alek's laughter was as rich and pleasant as his voice. "Well, since the skifflin's out of the sack..." Alek pulled Revan into his arms and proceeded to kiss her in a very
Non-platonic manner.
Revan was the first to break the contact, glancing at her amused Padawan.
Jaelyn shook her head. "Don't worry, Master, I seem to be suffering from temporary blindness." She teased.
"Oh, then in that case," Revan turned her attention back to Alek.
Jaelyn cleared her throat uncomfortably. "I'm not that blind, unfortunately, and I'm certainly not deaf. Would you mind continuing this activity elsewhere? Preferably somewhere very, um, isolated."
Revan chuckled. "Hmm. We seem to be corrupting my Padawan's innocence." She sighed, stepping out of the warm comfort of Alek's arms. "Didn't we have another reason for meeting like this? I seem to have forgotten." She teased.
Alek glanced at his wrist chrono. "I contacted Zayne. He should be here any minute now."
Right on cue the door hissed open to reveal a Padawan of medium stature. Alek grinned widely and reached out to embrace the apprentice. "It's good to see you, friend. How is Taris treating you?"
"Very well. I take my trials soon though I doubt I'll pass." He replied, smiling ruefully. "Hello Revan," he said, clasping her hand in greeting. "And it's Jaelyn, right? I think I recognize you from the academy on Dantooine."
"Yes," Jaelyn affirmed, accepting the proffered hand. "It's nice to see you again. How is your master, Draay, wasn't it?"
"He is well, thank you." Zayne's eyes took on a more serious expression. "What did you need to speak with me about, Alek? Force knows you didn't fly out here to meet me in this dive to exchange pleasantries."
"Correct. I wish I had contacted you to catch up but the reality is we are putting together a group of Jedi to assist the Rim worlds and we need your support."
Zayne winced. "I was afraid of that. You haven't exactly been subtle, Alek, about your feelings on the border skirmishes. I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you. My master feels like the Jedi have no place in this war and I'm inclined to agree with him."
Alek opened his mouth to press the matter but Revan stilled him with a hand on his arm. "We appreciate your candor, Zayne. Please do let us know if your feelings on the matter change but for now you must catch us up on all the Taris academy gossip over some ale."
Zayne visibly relaxed, "now that is something I can do," he said, standing and ushering his fellow Jedi back into the main room of the cantina.
Jaelyn wondered why Revan had given up on the recruitment so easily but she pushed the thought to the back of her mind and settled in to enjoy the antics and laughter of the three friends.
Author's Note: I realize my paragraphs are not indented and instead spaced. I'm not crazy about how it looks but whatever I guess it gets the job done. If anyone has any insight I'd appreciate it. My files are .docx if that makes a difference. This is another replacement chapter but with some new content and some old content moved to the next chapter which I will also post today. Like my previous replacement I am including the original A/N. Thank you for reading!
Original Author's Note: AN- Well, that took a while, didn't it? I'm afraid I have this slow updating disease... but don't worry, it's not contagious... where are ya'll going?
Thank you Jen DeClan for catching my mistakes and encouraging me and just being fantastic in general. And for writing such amazing stories. Like I Am Vasa... *sigh*
Thanks also to Faithella... I appreciate you reading this even though Star Wars really isn't your cup of tea... or cappucino...
Thanks Super Sniper Kitty, Dusel, 6TailedNinja, and JediMan for reviewing, you guys are awesome!
