Chapter Eighteen

After her meeting with Luke, Michelle bade farewell to Deanna and went home with Ryu. Upon her arrival, she was told dinner would be ready soon and she was shown the guest room she would be sleeping in. After coming back out to the central living area, she looked around at her surroundings for the first time. Sparsely furnished yet still comfortable, she could see from the main room that the kitchen adjoined it with no dividing wall between the two and a dining table that could be adjusted to fit for any reasonable number of people sitting at it; a hallway led to Kenod, Gabrielle's and the guest room with a 'fresher station at the end of that hall. Across the main room was another hallway with Ryu and Shazi's bedroom, another 'fresher station and another pair of multipurpose rooms that could be configured for storage or more guest rooms. Each wall had sound-proofed windows that could be made opaque or clear at the touch of a button. Michelle could see it was nearing sunset as she glanced out the window. In the corner of her eye she saw a small table sitting next to the wall, just below another window. In a special slot of the table could be seen the box that Ryu had made that held his mother's lightsaber in it. On the surface of this table could be seen a small holo-crystal that lit up to show an image of Ronin Jayks and a woman that had to be his wife Gabrielle, standing together. Next to that was a scabbard with a sword, standing upright in a holder.

Michelle walked over to the table, looked closely at the holo-image and the sword in its scabbard next to it. At first she couldn't believe her eyes and the memory of Ryu saying to her, 'Your eyes can deceive you, don't trust them,' came back to her and she had to believe then. To her trained eye, the sword was a katana. An actual Japanese Katana. Ryu walked up behind her and said, "I see you've found another family heirloom. That sword was also my dad's only it was from before his Jedi training. He called it a Muramasa, whatever that is, and it was the only thing I was never allowed to touch. He told me that though the blade isn't sentient, it doeshave a spirit all its own. Of the few times I have touched it since my Father's passing, one was to set it there in that stand it's in when Shazi and I first moved into this place. Like my mother's vortex spin kick, I've only ever seen it used in combat once. I was still a kid at the time when some bounty hunters were hired to kill my dad, my mom and me." Michelle asked, "Uncle Ronin didn't use his lightsaber?" Ryu continued, "He tried, but the leader of this pack of hunters had learned of something called cortorsis ore. Cortorsis is a fairly unremarkable ore except that it has the ability to cause a lightsaber blade to short out. Not permanently burn out, but shut down. When my dad found this out the hard way, he had to draw that sword. My mom tried to cover my eyes at the time but using the Force, it was like seeing from all directions at once. My dad decapitated the leader of the hunter pack in a single stroke, almost like a lightsaber. Seeing the hunter become the hunted, watching his head part from his neck, and hearing the hiss of spraying blood, was a disturbing sight to behold. On the one hand, I knew what would happen as soon as my dad drew that fearsome blade but on the other, it was kind of traumatic for a kid to witness. My Father cleaned the blade and since then, it has remained in its scabbard, in a place of honor. I have no desire to even pick it up, let alone learn how to use it but since it was my dad's, I don't have it in me to get rid of it." Michelle nodded in understanding. Looking to Ryu for permission, he gave it and then she took the sword down and drew it from its scabbard. The blade glinted brightly in the fading light of day as she cut the air a couple of times with it. Though she couldn't explain it, she felt distinctly uneasy as she held it. Reseating the blade in its scabbard, she replaced it in the holder atop the table, bowed deeply to the blade and turned back to the main room with Ryu trailing her.

Later that night, over dinner, Michelle asked, "Ryu, if you don't mind my asking, how did you and Shazi first meet?" Kenod and his sister Gabrielle's eyes both lit up at this question. Kenod said, "Yea dad, do tell. You've never mentioned it before, now that I think about it." Ryu took a sip of water from the glass near his hand and said simply, "That's because you never asked son. Ask your mother, she tells a better story than I." Shazi playfully stuck her tongue out at her husband and said, "Nerf herder."

Everyone's attention shifted to Shaznia as she said, "If you're thinking it was some grand rescue similar to Leia's Organa's rescue from the first Death Star or some epic romance, you can jettison that notion right out the nearest airlock. Simply put, your father, before he was your father, kicked my sorry tail left, right and diagonally." Both teenagers' eyes widened again at this notion and in a flash of insight, Michelle said, "He defeated you in a fight didn't he?"

Shazi smiled and said, "Very good Michelle. Yes, he did defeat me. Not once or twice, but three times. After that third time we both knew it had to be love. The rest is history." Gabrielle snorted out loud as Ryu said, "That's a bit of an oversimplification, but essentially correct." Gabrielle finally spoke, "Come on dad; give us the details." Ryu took another sip of water and said, "Before I took my dad's place as constable of New Hope colony, but after I had completed my Jedi training, I was wandering the star lanes. I was exploring where the Force directed, looking for some kind of direction and more or less fell into the tournament martial arts circuit."

"Like I told Michelle shortly after she first came aboard the Redemption to come back here with me, I told her that my martial art, Teräs Käsi, had been around for centuries but only a trained Force user can tap into its full power." Kenod said, "I remember you telling mom, Gabrielle and me the exact same thing when you started training each of us in its use but how does this relate to how you two first met?" Ryu smiled and said, "Patience, young Padawan. The story is far from done." Kenod looked abashed momentarily as memories of his training with Master Anakin came to mind.

Ryu continued, "As I said, I fell into the tournament circuit. The first few tournaments I entered were strictly preliminary bouts and not very well organized, to cull the weakest of the competitors. When I finally got to the major tournament circuits, I informed the advisory board of the GFC, the Galactic Fight Commission, that I was a Jedi. At first it was thought I had cheated in the preliminaries but when I told them what I was I was shifted over into the special circumstances division. In this division were others, many of them Force Sensitive though few knew this at the time. Some, by virtue of species, were naturally empathic and so were able to see into each fight and by way of this sight, defeat normal sentient fighters. It may sound mean-spirited but I first saw Shazi at one of these special division bouts but I didn't really care at the time. I wasn't looking for a life-partner yet, so it was only natural that she stood out in my mind."

Michelle, Shazi and Kenod all chuckled at this comment but Gabrielle, being only 14, was only just discovering boys and was a little confused. He continued, "Anyway, these tournaments were broken down into weight classes like any other tournament but if there was no one else in that weight class, a competitor had the option of stepping up to the next heavier weight class or withdrawing from the competition. Shazi made quick work of her first couple of opponents but when there was no one else, she stepped up to my weight class. There were no other women so she chose to fight me."

Shazi spoke now, "I was pretty sure of myself after winning my first fights. I faced off with Ryu and told him not to hold back just because I'm a woman. He took my comment at face value and defeated me pretty quickly. I didn't know yet that his Father had trained him in Teräs Käsi. I had heard of the Jedi Master Ronin Jayks by this time but didn't know that he had a son. Ryu beat me pretty easily and since I was still an arrogant little nexu at the time, I lost my temper and tried to attack him after he had been awarded the win. He wrapped me up into a rear-naked choke so quickly; I didn't know what hit me. As I lost consciousness he whispered into my ear, 'A defeat learned from is more important than an empty victory'.

The teenagers' were visibly surprised at the thought that their mother could ever be so short tempered as Shazi continued, "Lucky for me, Ryu spoke up in my defense or I might've been banned from competing ever again. After I woke up I went looking for him because I wanted a rematch and so I practiced harder than before so that I might actually meet and defeat him. I chased after him for almost a year, always missing him by the narrowest of margins before I finally caught up with him again. We met again in the finals of the special division just like before. At first I was dismayed because I saw that he had gotten better since we fought. Funny thing, at first I went after him because I wanted my fighters' pride back, or so I thought, because I didn't know yet that I was Force Sensitive, but it was only later that I realized it was the Force prompting me to go after him. At any rate, he'd improved, but so had I, but he still defeated me, this time with his Rising Punch." This time the teenagers' looked at their father with a new light in their eyes as they digested the fact that their father had hit their mother with one of his more powerful techniques.

Ryu spoke now, "She's right, she had improved, as had I. It was a near thing a time or two in that bout. I think I only won because I was fully trained in the Force while she was still what's known as a wilder, someone who unconsciously uses the Force but doesn't realize what it is that makes her so strong. I was afraid I might have hit her too hard and so stayed with her until she woke up. When she did, I told her that she had fought well and that I felt honored. I left after that and didn't see her again for another year or so. Since I wasn't really concerned with winning any kind of title or recognition, I was kind of oblivious to my standings in the GFC rankings. I wasn't fighting for glory, honor or money; though some of those things came my way regardless of my intentions, but for the sheer experience and travel opportunities it was giving me. Don't get me wrong, I was meeting some very accomplished fighters and taking some pretty good hits in the special division bouts but somehow, I still came out on top each time. When Shazi and I met for the last time, we were evenly matched by this point. She wants to say that I defeated her but actually, I won our final fight only by virtue of remaining conscious a few seconds longer."

Shazi looked embarrassed this time as she conceded the point and said, "I remember that day like it was yesterday. We were both pretty well beaten and bloodied. Just before I passed out Ryu said to me, 'The Force keeps bringing us together and then we part ways. It is with you as strongly as with me though you need to be properly trained. Let us stop parting. Be with me and the Force will be with us both.' I wish I could say it was a romantic way of being proposed to but it was what it was. I said okay and passed out. Later when going over the recordings I saw that he had caught me in his arms and then managed to sit down against the wall of the arena with my head on his shoulder as he passed out too, only to be awakened seconds later with the news that he had won the special division title. After the awards ceremony that I persuaded him to attend, originally he would've walked away from it; we traveled together for several months as we got to know one another properly and he showed me the ways of the Force. By the time he officially asked me to marry him, I thought I would have to propose to him. We got married and went home to New Hope Colony where he took over from his Father as Constable and a few years after that you were born Kenod and three years after that, you were born Gabrielle. The rest you both know from there on." Kenod and Gabrielle were silent as they absorbed the story their parents had just told them.

Michelle said, "How long were you the Constable then?" Ryu said, "I stayed on for a few years. Shortly after my dad died, I wanted to be closer to the rebuilding of the new Jedi Order. Armis had already been trained by this time and was helping Master Skywalker, so Shazi and I talked it over and then decided to move here to Coruscant. I resigned as Constable but the Leadership Council of New Hope agreed to my recommendation of a replacement Constable, someone who had been trained by Master Corran Horn, himself a fully trained investigator from before he knew he was Force Sensitive, so that New Hope Colony could still benefit from a Jedi as its primary law enforcement officer. Until Master Skywalker had need of me, Shazi and I decided to use our combined tournament winnings to open a Teräs Käsi dojo here on Coruscant. Altruism aside, the galaxy in general and Coruscant specifically still runs on money. We earn a comfortable living training anyone who wants to learn. Most of what Shazi and I earn is invested back into our dojo as well as various donations to charity. For your future reference Michelle, the Jedi Order will pay your way during your training, apprenticeship and eventual Knighthood. Shazi and I started our dojo before Master Skywalker started sending us on assignments and never asks both of us to go offworld at the same time. He understands how much we enjoy teaching. This is how we've found a few Force Sensitive people that we were able to introduce to Master Skywalker and in doing so help bolster the ranks of the new Jedi Order."

Michelle cogitated this and then said, "Do you think Master Skywalker will promote you to Master like he did Uncle Ronin?" Ryu said, "Personally, I don't feel I'm ready for a Padawan Learner of my own but if he does, he does. I'll do the best job I possibly can. Until then, I'm content to train all interested persons either in the Temple or out of it, the ways of Teräs Käsi. When Armis came to me and asked me to accompany him to the Federation side of the rift, I wasn't sure that Master Skywalker would ever have need of me. I'm glad now, very glad that he did. Otherwise, we'd never have met Cousin. Now, tell us of your family."

After dinner was cleared away, Shazi, Ryu, Kenod and Gabrielle all went into the living room and sat around a low table as Michelle got out the pictures she brought with her from home. As she started to describe her family, she held out specific pictures and said, "My mom works for the Bureau of Energy which is responsible for finding more efficient ways of distributing power all over Earth, our moon and the various civilian facilities throughout the Sol System, what we call our home solar system. This includes observatories, other energy transmission facilities and scientific research stations as well. My dad works as a civilian attaché for the Diplomatic Corps. home office on Earth. He helps human, humanoid, and non-human diplomats settle into their duties with the Federation Council. This includes coordinating any special accommodations like atmosphere or gravity for the various Ambassadors as well as helping them find whatever recreational activities that might interest them. I have one older brother who teaches at Starfleet Academy and two younger sisters. I have a few aunts and uncles scattered around some of the oldest Earth colonies and two cousins who are also in Starfleet the same as me although we've never been posted to the same assignment."

Michelle laughed as she said, "Originally my parents, while not actively against my joining Starfleet, did try to direct my energies towards other pursuits. More out of fear that I might end up in the Security division, which has always had an unfortunately high rate of attrition, or that I might encounter the Borg somewhere in my travels aboard whatever ship I was assigned to. I was quite certain though, from an early age, that my path was offworld, in the star lanes somewhere. Which is why I always did the best I could in my classes in school and in my extracurricular activities. By doing well in my classes, I knew I would have a wider field to select my eventual job in Starfleet. I found that I really enjoyed working behind the scenes, fixing things and making things happen so I went into a branch of the Engineering field that specialized in general systems maintenance and the like. I found the niche that I fit best into and rose in the ranks fairly quickly for someone my age and until I met you Ryu, I would've stayed on for a full career and stopped only after Starfleet put me on mandatory retirement."

Shazi spoke now, "Did you ever think you might want to settle down, have a husband and start a family Michelle?" Michelle said, "Sometimes. Don't get me wrong, I like men just fine, I've had a couple of boyfriends over the years and have no problems with children especially because I helped to raise my two younger sisters but I never really felt an overwhelming sense of need for my own family. I guess I just kind of figured that if Starfleet wanted me to have a husband they'd have issued me one." Kenod spoke now, "Don't worry Michelle. Once you've finished your training, you'll find your soulmate." Gabrielle spoke now, "That's right. Even though I've only been actively training for a little over a year and a half, my Master, Mara Jade-Skywalker told me early on in my training that since life creates the Force, makes it grow, it would only be a matter of time until I meet my equal, but I'm in no hurry since I'm having a lot of fun in my training."

Turning his attention to his daughter, Ryu took a breath and said, "Speaking of training, I've spoken with Master Jade-Skywalker and she tells me that its time." Gabrielle said, "Time for what dad?" He said, "Time for this," and summoning the box that held his Mother's lightsaber in it from across the room with the Force, took it in hand and held it out to his daughter. Almost reverently, Gabrielle took the box from his hands, set it down on the same low table that Michelle had set her pictures on and opened it. She knew what was in the box, it had never been a secret but she was still taken aback a little by the gesture her father was making to her. Opening the box and setting aside the soft cloth that covered the weapon; she took it from its storage nook and held it in both hands. So many memories came to her as she held her grandmother's lightsaber; all the time they spent together, all the fond memories, that she couldn't restrain a tear from her eye. In a seeming daze, she stood up from the couch, walked to the center of the room and focusing the Force, activated it on the first attempt. The purple amethyst blade came to life in the trademark snap-hissof a lightsaber. Holding it in her hands, she executed a short kata from the First Form of lightsaber discipline flawlessly. Deactivating the blade she ran back to her father and gave him a tight hug and thanked him. Returning the hug and giving his daughter a kiss on her forehead he said, "Your welcome Dear Heart."

The next morning as Ryu was preparing breakfast for his family, the front door chimed to indicate that someone was requesting entrance. Performing a quick Force scan on the other side of the door showed two Master-level Force presences. Walking over to the door, he opened it to see who he expected, Jedi Master Mara Jade-Skywalker and her niece, also a Jedi Master, Jaina Solo. Out of reflex, he made a short bow at the waist and said, "Master Jade-Skywalker, Master Solo, welcome to my home. Please come in and know yourselves welcome to join us for breakfast." Mara turned her jade green eyes to Ryu and said, "Still as formal as ever I see, eh, Ryu? Jaina turned her coffee brown eyes to him and said, "I can't speak for Aunt Mara here, but since you taught me all I know of Teräs Käsi, to me, you're just as much a friend and teacher as she is. You don't need to address me by title. Soon enough, Uncle Luke will promote you to Master like he did me."

Ryu said, "Sorry Mas-- er, I mean Jaina, old habits die hard." Jaina chuckled and said, "No blood, no foul Ryu. Where's your cousin, my Padawan Learner?" Ryu offered the two women seats at the table and went back to his breakfast preparations and allowed for two more plates. He said, "Michelle is trying on some outfits that Shazi bought for her so that she'll have something besides an all weather cloak and the clothes she brought with her to wear; oh and Mara, I gave Gabrielle my mother's lightsaber last night just as you suggested and it was amazing the tremor in the Force that I felt from her when she activated it on the first attempt." Mara nodded and said, "That's good to hear Ryu. I knew she would take to it right away. Personally, I'm really looking forward to teaching her the lightsaber. She's going to start going on assignment with me and it will be nice for Ben, mine and Luke's son, to have someone his own age to train with as well."

As Mara finished speaking, the subject of the conversation came out of her room, her lightsaber hanging prominently from its hook on her belt, saw the two Masters, came over to them and respectfully bowed to both. Mara said, "Hello Gabrielle. Did you enjoy your holiday with your family?" Gabrielle said, "Yes Master, I did, very much; thank you for allowing me the time to see them all again." Mara said, "Your welcome. You'll be spending more time with me and you'll also start going on assignment with me but I'll see to it that you can still see them when time allows for it." Gabrielle said, "Yes Master."

About this time, Michelle walked out of the guest room wearing one of the new outfits that Shazi had gotten for her, lightsaber on her belt as well, carrying two bags, one in each hand. Setting her bags in the living room she came over to the kitchen area. Ryu said, "Michelle Karú, I'd like you to meet Jedi Master Mara Jade-Skywalker, my daughter's teacher, and your new teacher, Jedi Master Jaina Solo. Mara, Jaina, I'd like you to meet my cousin Michelle Karú." Michelle bowed to each woman as they were identified and said to Jaina, "It's a pleasure to meet you Master Solo. I look forward to my training very, very much." Jaina returned the bow her Padawan gave her and said, "I'm happy to meet you as well Michelle. I'm looking forward to completing your training as well. I'm between assignments right now so I've taken a pair of rooms in the Temple for us but you'll still be able to meet with Ryu and his family from time to time."

Shazi entered the kitchen area followed by Kenod and helped finish the breakfast preparations that Ryu had started. After breakfast was done and cleared away, farewells of the moment were completed. After a long hug with her parents, Gabrielle left with Mara, Michelle with Jaina and Kenod took the code cylinder for one of the family speeders and left to meet up with his teacher, Jedi Master Anakin Solo. Lastly, Ryu and Shazi left for the day to go to their dojo in the city to prepare for the next inter-dojo rank exam.