Part 2: A strange union…
Jaina caught the tail-end of the conversation between the two Jedi Masters as they rounded the corner and paused before heading in opposite directions. Their words were cordial, but they were both broadcasting negative feelings through the Force; the strength of Luke's frustration and Kyp's irritation made Jaina wince before she quickly built up a barrier in her mind.
Kyp was halfway to his quarters before she caught up with him.
"So you're not even going to consider it?"
He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. "I did."
They continued on into his bedroom and Jaina leaned back against the now-closed door.
"How can you expect the next generation of Knights to be worth anything if they aren't trained properly?"
"They will be. . ."
"By someone other than you." Jaina finished his thought in a dull tone, making her disapproval clear. "I just thought that you were trying to be a team player for once, Durron."
"That's rich coming from you, kid."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Come on, Jaina. Do you honestly think you were treated like every other Force-sensitive child in the galaxy? At the Academy, in the military, just walking down the street? Did you ever think that your uncle's influence might have something to do with it, or maybe your mother's political connections, or your father's name?"
"Han Solo is twice the man you will ever be." She knew his weak spot: the one man in the galaxy that he admired and respected as a son would a father. She was surprised to hear his quick retort, which was reflexive, automatic and sincere.
"Do you think I don't know that?"
They stared at each other for several seconds, unwilling or unable to concede to the other. Finally, Jaina's eyes flickered in recognition, and her posture visibly relaxed.
"This is about Miko," she stated simply.
He swore and turned away, examining the distance to the doorway and calculating the amount of time it would take him to enter in the unlock code and escape Jaina's probing questions.
"This isn't about Uncle Luke, or my father, or me, or even the future of the Jedi Order. You don't want to take on an apprentice because you feel responsible for Miko's death."
"Well, I am. . ."
"No, you're not!" She was yelling now, yelling at him, trying to dissolve the self-doubt that had festered for years under a confident facade.
"Miko sacrificed himself for Jacen and Danni, who in turn have saved many, many lives. He died an honourable death. His sacrifice is not only a reflection of his character, it's a reflection of your character. Yes, you, Kyp Durron, the Destroyer of Worlds! You taught him to put what he learned at the Academy into practise, and you taught about what it means to be a Jedi, what it means to be a man."
Kyp swore again, and pushed past her to punch in the emergency unlock code.
Jaina let him leave.
She knew he wouldn't go far.