EPILOGUE

The flight to Ithor was relatively peaceful. Trevor got up from the chair as soon as the hyperspace jump was completed and started to leave the bridge, headed towards the small common area in back. Yendis quickly unbuckled herself from the co-pilot's chair, and jumped into the pilot's seat, continuing to keep busy with the ship's status. Trevor turned at the doorway, noticing that she continued to pilot the ship, even though E5 and the rest of the droids could certainly handle it. He walked back to her and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"You know, E5 could handle this."

"I need to focus on something different. You need to rest." She turned her face towards him, noticing the dark circles under his eyes.

"Yendis…"

"Go rest."

"Take a break."

"You got hurt worse than I did."

Trevor's ire started to push through his mental blocks. "Yendis,--"

Her eyes burned a hole through the rest of his defenses. "It's not gonna happen. Go rest." Trevor kept his head facing her, trying to 'stare' her down. A memory from his youth about the last time he argued with Yendis showed the same tick forming in her jaws. The muscles tensed, the eyelids flared back, and Trevor realized that he was not going to win the fight. He retreated from his position, with a bit of sly wit.

"Yes, Mother…"

"You'd better believe it…" She retorted, easing her clenched muscles. She knew he'd taken a beating, no matter what he would say. The strength of Viko took a toll on her, but certainly not as much as him. All the signs of fatigue were there and some people needed to be forced to recognize that fact. In fact, Trevor recalled that it would be easier to break a parasteel frame with his face than go against her when she was like this. He looked around the bridge and noticed an empty seat in the back. He moved to it, reclined the seat and began to perform some Jedi resting meditation. Yendis watched him, knowing that he was doing it just to get some victory. She allowed him to sit there, and the two began their recovery for the next five hours, in silence and meditation.

Trevor broke his meditative state just as Yendis guided the ship down professionally in the middle of the parked Jedi cruisers. E5 whistled and Yendis nodded, getting up from her chair. She glanced at Trevor, winked and moved past him to the rear exit. Trevor followed her out, a small smile on his face.

They exited the freighter just as a platoon of engineers approached. The head engineer nodded to Trevor, who he recognized as the technician from Coruscant who had done so much work on his Whitecloak over the last year. He nodded back, and approached the Crystal Phoenix, whose passengers were also disembarking. A tall hooded figure lead a floating platform with a body bag was just exiting the Crystal Phoenix. Trevor hurried over as quickly as he dared. His spare cape flowed out as he walked, and passers-by moved quickly out of his path, the brooding face enough to convince them that they did not want to be run over. Shudo's presense seemed to be muted, but what caused Trevor to stop and drop to his knees was the purple-blue coloring on Shudo's face, a sign of sadness. Trevor slowed down as he neared the now still Shudo Laan. The unanswered question still on his lips, Shudo shook his head in response, confirming what Trevor already knew: Kymber Thomree is now one with the Force. Yendis followed, barely noticing the crowd's reaction, feeling the deepening hole of sadness as they approached the body of Kymber Thomree. A small figure walked out last, the veil of Zao Chun covering her features. Large eyes and green skins showed under her hood, looking dazed and confused. She stood behind Shudo, expecting him to lead her, but not realizing what she should be doing. Trevor concentrate on keeping his voice low and steady.

"Master Shudo, I respectfully request to be allowed to… prepare the Rites of the Fallen."

"I believe that there are facilities here for that, on the surface."

Trevor's mind started to catalog what he wanted for her final Rites when he heard, in his mind, Yendis already getting on the com to the Ithorian authorities permission to perform those rites. He heard snippets of the conversation.

"…Jedi?…Thank you…Understood…"

Trevor realized that he had compartmentalized his feelings, but had inadvertently brought Yendis inside of those mental barriers, so she knew exactly what he needed and responded appropriately. Trevor pushed an image of what he wanted his 'big sister's' final arrangements and the funeral pyre to look like. Yendis pushed back a positive response, giving Trevor a chance to finish his conversation with Shudo. Trevor turned his vision, seeing Zao Chun's cowl covering her face, walked over to her. Her eyes registered astonishment and surprise at his approach.

"Padawan Zao, don't venture too far."

"Trust me, I won't," she replied, a soft voice emanating forth from the cowl. Trevor bowed slightly, and she responded. She headed back to the ship, overwhelmed by the loss of her master. Trevor watched her go, a feeling his soul warming him from his shoulders to his feet. He heard Shudo's footsteps coming up behind him.

"I need to gather a few things," and headed also back into the ship.

Trevor shook off his thoughts, and noticed Yendis wandering around the landing bay. She seemed to be having an in-depth discussion with a few of the port's personnel. He sidled over near to hear that the conversations were about the arrangements for Kymber and the rest. She negotiated, cajoled, bullied, sweet-talked, and flirted with anyone and everyone she could to get what she wanted. The Ithorian authorities did not back down from their position, but understood that lives were lost and that the Jedi did not want to disrespect their customs. Ithorians worship trees so much that no living being was allowed onto the planet's surface, without first going through particular rights. Yendis was able to talk them into a different herd-ship which would work perfectly for Trevor's vision. Knowing that she never experienced a 'family' such as this, it was her way of thanking Kymber, Shudo and Trevor for making her feeling like an extended member of that little group. She turned back once, nodded to him. He responded back in kind and headed to the communications center.

The only call he made was to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. The responder was none other than Mace Windu himself.

"Master, I respectfully request the Council's presence here on Ithor."

"We have received indications that there were casualties."

"Yes."

"Jedi?"

"Yes."

"We will be there."

Trevor signed off, thanking Windu for his prompt response. Knowing that the Council would attend the funeral made things seem more correct for the final good-byes for Kymber.

Kymber lay in repose on a stone funeral pyre. Her robes had been changed so that the burn mark would not mar the proceedings. The evening sun set upon the gathered Jedi for the final goodbyes. The Rites were performed by Trevor, with a eulogy by Masters Shudo Laan and Yaddle. Trevor never heard what Shudo and Yaddle said. He was too busy trying to keep his emotions in check. A ringing in his ear hounded him past the lighting of the funeral pyre and even into a small gathering Trevor organized as a way to finish the healing process and talk about Kymber in a way that would not hurt. Anecdotes, serious stories and other interesting tidbits about Kymber and her life as a Jedi came out. Those that had participated in the Battle of Ssureth stopped by, each enjoying the company of their fellow Jedi. Trevor stood off to the side for most of the night, just watching the crowd and allowing the life of the party feed his soul, and close down the grieving process.

Shudo noticed that Trevor had moved off to the side, and walked over, a plate of rich Corellian food on each hand. He offered one to Trevor, who took it politely and ate some of Kymber's favorites. During the two days between the second landing on the spaceport and the funeral arrangements, Trevor had found out that Kymber was a Corellian. So he ordered large amounts of rich Corellian foods and even a couple of bottles of Correlian red. A toast was made and the conversations turned to other news, stories of the battle, and other trivial topics. Trevor turned to his master, who was a blue-green color, calm, but still sad.

"Master, I have three questions for you." Trevor began, scanning the crowd. He paused, watching Windu and Zao talking to one another.

Shudo sensed the question, but allowed Trevor to complete his thoughts.

"What is going to happen to Zao, now that Kymber has passed?"

"Zao Chun will be assigned a new master, to continue her training as a padawan. All that remains is to determine a suitable master for her. I have contemplated it, but I don't know if I am ready at this exact moment with all that has happened."

Trevor pressed. "If the Council agrees to it, I would be willing to take her as my padawan, out of respect for Kymber."

Shudo's coloring added a slight tinge of yellow. "They have already agreed with what I have recommended."

"Due to the fact that Kymber was like a sister, out of respect to her memory. I would like to begin the process, if they agree."

"They will agree."

Trevor breathed a sigh of relief. He was not sure if he was truly ready, but when he heard that the Council already agreed to having Trevor as her Master, the feeling he had days earlier swept across his body, like a big hug. He smiled slightly, yet needed to continue on.

"Second: I would like to have Yendis tested and be allowed into one of the Corps." Those Jedi that failed the Trials were sent to one of a myriad of other portions of the Jedi Order. Viko had been assigned to the ExploriCorp, but Trevor wasn't sure if this would work. "She needs to have some direction, some path in her life."

Shudo's response was measured and stern. "If she requests it herself, it would be duly considered."

Trevor nodded his head. He was figuring on a much bigger argument, but her actions and her survival against Viko must have changed his mind somewhat. He took his leave of Master Shudo, and went to find Yendis. She stood on a balcony, looking out over the evening sky and the trees of the herd-ship.

"So, are you a Jedi Master now?"

"Not quite yet, but soon." Trevor's smile eased the tension in her face.

"Seems right." The compliment was not wasted.

"What are you plans?" he inquired. She turned around, leaned back against the railing, and folded her hands in front of her. Her long wavy hair spilled down her back as she shook her head.

"No." She had figured he would pull some fool stunt like this and try pulling her back into the Order, but not after this much time. Too many bridges had been burned, and too many prejudices had been learned to 'unlearn' them now.

Trevor's heart broke slightly at the simple word. He continued on.

"They'd consider it."

"I have… considered it. No." Her final word asking for argument, but Trevor did not push. It was something that he knew, from rumblings many years ago, that Yendis wanted to do things her own way, and she was free from the confines of the Order. Well, more power to her.

She walked over to him, placing her finger into his chest. "But I guarantee you I'll be in touch." A playful smile softened her features.

"You better." He chided.

"Don't worry about it. I plan on getting you into plenty more trouble."

"Same trouble as…before?" Trevor's eyebrows shot up, wondering what she was referring to.

"On our road trip?" She shrugged her shoulders. "We'll see."

"Keep in touch, trouble."

Yendis' sly grin widened to a bright smile.

"Count on it."

"When are you leaving?" Trevor inquired, turning his face to the stars.

"Probably when everyone else does. I'll stick around for at least that long. I'm going to try and pick up one of those beds."

"Oh, didn't I tell you? You have a room reserved." He handed her a keycard to the room she had checked out of a few days ago.

Her eyebrows raised up in surprise. "Nice, very stylish of you."

"You can be there for up to two weeks, as a little vacation for your help."

"I may do just that." She looked at him conspiratorially. "I hope that you are taking one too."

"Look at the names…"

A confused look sprang to her face, as she pulled the card back out again. Listed on it were Trevor Gul'dan and Yendis Arctell. She lifted her head back and laughed loudly.

"I don't know if I want to get you into that much trouble, a respectful Jedi Master and all," she purred.

Trevor never responded, turning around and leaving her perplexed at the suddenly roguish streak invading her friend's mind.

Yoda, Windu and the rest of the Council stood in a large mediation room, with Trevor standing in front of them. He stood standing only a moment before he asking for some time off. He was not in balance, he claimed, and he wanted to be sure he could deal with all that had happened. Yoda stared at the young man, and nodded once.

"Reward you well this does. Time to reflect and mediate it gives you. Use it wisely."

Trevor bowed. He then asked his second question.

"I request to take my leave effective immediately."

"For how long?" Windu inquired.

"No more than seven days, not including travel time"

Windu's right eyebrow raised slightly. "And after that?"

"I would request that my name be considered to take Zao Chun as my padawan learner with my continued training in my current path, If Viko Talaan was able to amass this much power, others of my training will be needed in the future."

"Master Shudo was very suggestive in this course of action. We have agreed that it would be for the best for you take up the position of Zao Chun's Master. Would you like to inform her yourself?"

Trevor thought a moment, and responded, "Yes, I would."

Windu nodded. "We will expect your full report immediately upon your return to Coruscant on the events at Ssureth."
"Thank you. May the Force be with you."

Trevor stopped by the Crystal Phoenix to ask Shudo to prepare his quarters for a new padawan and to watch over Zao during his vacation. Shudo nodded and wished him well on his vacation. The initial debriefing took approximately thirty minutes for everyone, including yendis. The next day, the entire Jedi convoy minus a large freighter took off for Coruscant. Trevor and Yendis spent the next week to act as tourists. She showed him the nightlife and they spent many hours in the gardens, talking of their history and their futures. They did not know what was in store, but the seven days passed quickly. E5 and the other droids had finished the repairs on the freighter and had it fully ready to return to Coruscant. Yendis did not see him off, as she checked out her own ship at the same time. Neither one said goodbye, as that would be too final. They expected to keep communicating, keeping tabs on one another. The flight back to Coruscant was actually rather busy. Trevor created a full report for the Council on the trip back and made up for his lack of discipline during his vacation by going through his advance mantras for hours at a time. By the time he landed on Coruscant, he had changed clothes yet again, clean, refreshed and ready to give his padawan the good news.

Trevor submitted the report immediately upon his arrival, and the Council discussed the points of the expedition with him for nearly two hours. Trevor stood stock still, answered the questions completely and held only a small amount of trivial information back. Yoda dismissed him and Trevor bowed to the council, now officially a Jedi Master. He inquired to the Jedi Communications Control to the location of Zao Chun. He took the turbolift down to the upper levels of the Jedi Archives to get a better picture of his new charge.

Zao sat with fifteen datapads surrounding her, reading as much as she could on different subjects including the Sith wars and Jedi battles. He stood against the back wall of an observation deck, masking himself in the Force so that she would not recognize him. She was so intent on her studies that when he did send a telepathic message, she first looked around, then realizing that his instructions were "look up", sheepishly turned her veiled face towards Trevor. The large eyes seemed less intense as they turned towards him. She waved to him, gathered up her datapads and walked up the stairs to sit down opposite him.

Trevor watched her walk, trying to get a good read on her. She welcomed him back, and they made small talk for a few moments before the first awkward silence invaded their space. He broke the silence by a very simple question.

"What are your plans within the Jedi Order?"

"I have been informed that I will be assigned a new Jedi Master and I'll continue my training."

"Have you been given any indication on who it would be?"

"No, but hopefully someone who can help me hone my combat skills."

"I may know who they assigned to you." Excitement lit up her eyes. Trevor wanted to gauge her skills with the saber. She certainly could emulate any species she saw, but as he had learned on countless occasions, in battle one's lightsaber is the only defense. "Follow me."

Trevor lead her to a training area especially used for sparing and lightsaber drills. They stored her datapads in a locker and proceeded inside. Other Jedi were sparing around the room. Trevor took off his cloak, and Zao took her cue from him. Trevor stood five meters opposite of Zao, turning his face towards her. She seemed to be a bit nervous, but he knew that those energies would go away.

"Show me what you know."

"Yes,…Master?" Trevor bowed to the title, acknowledging that this was the first test of the new Jedi master to his padawan. Lightsabers ignited and Trevor stood only trying to block and defend her advances. She was young, rough-edged and completely undisciplined. That aside, she certainly had skills that needed to be honed properly. Trevor was not sure he was the one for the job, but it made the most sense. They finished their duel, and Trevor spoke once again.

"Not bad, padawan. You have some skills, but we do have a lot to learn."

"Master. The Council has approved already?"

"Many days ago. I wanted to see for myself the kind of student you are."

"Well,…"

"Shall we begin?" he asked, rhetorically.

"When is our first mission?" she asked excitedly.

Trevor, sounding just like Master Shudo when he asked the question, answered, "Patience my young padawan. Patience."

He had barely finished his sentence when his comlink twittered.

- FIN-

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