Mos Eisley

The Mos Eisley cantina had not changed that much in the many years of its existence. Just moved. The original was bombed out many years ago in a terrorist attack during the Desert Wars. After that it was declared a historical monument, and a new one was built across the street.

It had many of the old amenities of the original, dancers, exotic music, fine drink, food, and a wide assortment of patrons.

Many of whom, at that point in time, were females of various species.

Many of whom heads swiveled around at the whooshing of the main door at the front of the place.

They admired the appearance of the young man, checking him out, looking him over. He was dressed in the robes of the Jedi, had a crop of shiny brown hair cut short and even, and was athletically maintained.

John stepped through the threshold of the bar and gulped. It was dark and smoky, with rays of light coming down through windows in the top, and the lit up tables casting a pale glow on the patrons.

His eyes were drawn to the five women 'checking him out', and he gulped again.

"Hey John, over here!" A female voice called to him, and then waved at him from the back of the bar.

John smiled thinly and proceeded over to her, he noticed out of the corner of his eye that the five women looked crestfallen before turning back to the bar and ordering another round.

He grinned when he was able to get to her, and recognized her.

"Sora." He greeted friendly.

"Long time no see." She responded, smiling at him and her eyes were sparkling.

"Yeah." He downcast his eyes guiltily.

She instantly countered the awkward silence by, swinging her legs off the stool. "Come on lets go for a walk."

He nodded, as she put her arm through his and hung off of his side. He started to walk out of the bar, and noticed that the five women were shooting daggers at the two of them as they left.

As they entered the bright sun and the whirling sand, he spoke "What was that about?"

"Oh those girls are giving me crap ever since I got here, the precious little Jedi brat. This outta shut them up, me leaving on the arm of a cute Jedi with a Lightsaber." She curtsied to him and giggled a bit.

He looked at her before musing "that's true I suppose."

Then he really looked at her, now that they were out in the clear daylight he could make her out clearly. She was in a loose fitting, sleeveless robes, and her hair was in a bun.

"So why are you here?" He asked her.

"About six months ago a viral infection broke out on the planet, its stumped all the local doctors, so they called in outside help, including the Jedi, we have been about here for two months." She explained, and then turned to him, "I have missed you, it's been awhile."

"Yeah three years, since the battle of LJ-115." He muttered. "Sorry that I have not been keeping up with you." He blushed.

"Hey it's OK, I know the life of a Jedi is a busy and complicated one, especially for Padawans." She smiled at him. "We are here now that is all that counts."

"Yeah. So not a Knight yet?" He asked.

"Nope, not a Knight yet, going to be taking the trials soon." She responded.

He looked at her again. "You look," he cleared his throat, "nice."

"Thank you." She beamed at him. "But you are not just saying that because you have not seen me in a while." She winked.

He blushed slightly. "No you look really nice, you have grown up."

"So have you." She murmured getting a bit close to his face and studying him.

He cleared his throat and they both looked away.

"So what are we doing, not just walking are we?" He asked.

"What you don't like walks or you just don't like the company?" She responded in mock hurt, and then winked at him.

"Sorry." He asked, after she rib digged him in response.

He looked up at the sky. "It's awfully hot out, perhaps we should find some shade or some cover."

She sighed, "Alright," She conceded, "the space port is this way and maybe we can find a restaurant or eatery of some sort."

He nodded, "sounds like a plan. Race you there," he winked at her.

"Now you are talking." She giggled as they both ran into the cool building, startling a bunch of small creatures.

Other side of the Planet

Galen Zaun was sitting down in an over plush dining room. He was looking around trying to hide his surprise and his wonder at the hanging ornaments, the chandeliers and the rich strips of gold.

The table was simple and wooden, but the room and area around it was small and cluttered.

The princess sat down.

"Is this really how the royal family says thank you on Tatooine?" He asked her cocking his head.

"No, we say thank you, this is for gratitude and to get to know my savior better." She smiled.

"Ah I see," He smiled thinly, entwining his hands together and interlinking his fingers.

The meal was served by a young assistant, she had her blond hair cut remarkably short and was wearing tan colored sleeveless tunic and pants.

"Thank you." She nodded to the assistant who laid out the local delicacies on the table.

"So, what is your name?" Galen asked, trying to keep his voice neutral.

She laughed. "Well until you get to know me better, and vice versa, my title will suffice."

"Very well Princess." He nodded to her before picking up his eating utensil and began to shovel the food into his mouth.

A long silence passed as they both ate their food, it began to get uncomfortable.

"You know for us to get to know each other requires us to speak." She smiled at him prodding him on.

"Yes I know." He said guiltily. "Look it's been a…while." He muttered quietly.

She twisted her neck to look at him sideways, "a while since what?"

He felt at a loss of words, he fluttered around slightly, and shifted around in his seat. "Since any of this. By the Force it's been a while."

She waited for him to continue with the thought.

He nervously continues, "Yeah it's been a while," he sighed. "Since everything like this. I have been so busy fighting wars, training my son and Death, and fighting. Kept myself busy with one thing or another. Too much going on to really pause and think."

"Of what?" She asked him, hoping he would continue.

"Arkadi, her name was Arkadi. We were close." He sighed and looked at his food that was barely touched. "Too close. I got trapped on a planet in the New Galaxy, for years and years, while we were gone and while I was training Death, someone invaded her home and killed her. You know what the economy is like."

"Oh I am sorry." She tried to comfort him, but was unsure what to do, so she brought up a sympathetic smile and looked at her sadly, hoping that he would continue speaking and she would be able to help.

"Nah don't be, not your fault, but the saddest part of it is that I barely remember this. I barely remember her much these days," he sniffed and wiped his nose with a cloth, "always too damn busy. Playing with the Jedi."

She sighed, then bought up a slight smile, "you should probably finish your food before it gets cold."

He chuckled, "Yeah that is probably advisable. I guess you truly never get over anything like this." He picked up his utensil and then began eating his food, anew, but this time slower, taking more savory bites and enjoying the meal to the fullest.

He finished several minutes later and then stared at his host, then out the window, his brows furrowed, it was getting late.

She followed his gaze out the window.

"Look it's getting late, I should probably get going, hunt down my son. We can find somewhere to stay." He got up.

She stood as well, joining him. "No stay here, I insist. Most of the hotels around here are overly priced and I know the Jedi are too stingy and do not have a lot in the way of funds."

He considered it by stroking his beard intently. "Why?"

"Because you have had a rough night, and I have a feeling the second you go through that door it will be back to a life of duty and sacrifice. Grieve a little." She smiled down at him.

He sniffed and rubbed his nose again. "Thank you."

"You are welcome." She responded rubbing his shoulder.

They set up the room together, pulling out the bed and the sofa, and placing blankets and pillows on it.

"Good night Galen." She bowed before leaving the room.

"Good night Princess." He whispered to the door, smiling to himself before lying down.

Mos Eisley Spaceport.

John was sitting eating with Sora. She had a plate of a local delicacy, he had Spaghetti, which told her he had simple tastes. She was dressed in more casual attire.

They were enjoying their company and eating their food, though John's was hardly the best. For his dish being his favorite they had to ship this in and freeze it, it tended to lose its taste after being in storage so long. Especially since it was not favored on Tatooine, or ordered by many of the visitors that came here.

"How is it?" She asked.

"Fine." He responded absentmindedly, poking his food trying to see if it was dead. "You know I have never met your master." He brought his head to look at her.

She chuckled, "no you have not had the opportunity. She gives me my freedom and lets me do my thing. Including seeing you, nothing much to do at this stage. We have tried all the tests that we can on the virus, and nothing is working."

"I see." John responded, shaking his head to clear it.

She laughed. "Not your favorite topic?"

"Nope" He blushed.

"All sword fighting and starships?" She teased at him winking.

"Something like that." He smirked.

"Well we all can't be perfect." She snickered getting back to her food.

"No we can't." He replied contemplatively.

The Princess's Apartment.

Galen stirred as he woke. He heard a noise but was not sure what it was. He stared blearily through the darkness trying to pick out the source, he clutched his Lightsaber at the side of his belt.

"Hello anyone there?" he queried the darkness, his eyes were finally starting to adjust.

No answer. He sighed and shook his head, trying to go back to sleep.

Someone in a blur popped up next to his bed making him yell in shock.

"Oh it's just you," he sighed, relieved to see the house keeper.

"I am sorry about this." She moaned sorrowfully.

Galen arched an eyebrow at her before a shockwave of apprehension flooded his body.

He tried to reach for his Lightsaber but was met by a thin white spray to the face from a cylinder, he was knocked out cold.

He woke up what seemed like a few seconds later, he jolted out of the bed, it was daylight burning fiercely through the windows. He moaned as he got out of bed.

He heard a beeping from his coms, he slapped it active. "Master Zaun?" He heard the voice of his son. "Dad?"

Galen moaned again, scooped up the device and stumbled out the door.

"Galen, you're up late, did you have a nice rest?" The Princess greeted cheerily.

"You're aid, where is she?" Galen responded sternly.

"I don't know, I have not seen her. Had to make my own caf this morning." She giggled.

"Father?" John's came again sounding perplexed and worried.

"She tried to poison me." Galen shouted at the Princess.

"She did?" The Princess asked quizzically.

Galen nodded.

"I will start a search at once, but you can understand this is a local matter." She explained.

Galen nodded bitterly. "Yes I understand."

"Galen you there?" An unfamiliar, female, voice drifted over the com.

"Yes I am here, what is it damn it!" He barked into the device.

"Father!" John sounded surprised and relieved. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing…we are not sure…what is it?" Galen asked.

"Nothing, just checking in." John replied.

"Alright," Galen sighed. "Pack things up, order us tickets, we are leaving."

"If you say so." John's disembodied voice sounded disappointed.

"I know son, I will see you in a little while." Galen briskly signed off.

"You are leaving? Now?" The Princess asked in shock.

"Yes we are." Galen shot back bitterly.

"Why?" She asked full of concern.

"Because I was betrayed, maybe not by you, maybe not by anyone but I let my guard down and I trusted and that trust was violated." Galen pledged coldly.

The Princess's eyes teared up, and Galen abruptly headed out, hastilly fastening his swishing robes to his shoulders.

Mos Eisley spaceport.

John was standing outside the Starliner that would ferry them to Fondor. They were to join up with a ship that was heading back to the New Galaxy, the price was quite expensive.

Galen was already onboard checking their tickets against the roster and checking their seats.

John was outside staring at Sora, who was staring right back at him. He was not sure what to say, this parting was difficult for him. He had treasured getting caught up with her again over the last couple of days. Seeing her again was like seeing a long lost friend. And indeed that is what she was.

His first real friend since he got kicked out. Since his life had changed, and the first girl that he had really gotten to know. Their correspondence was probably a saving grace for him, that and his father, his training to be a Jedi, and Death, who was now missing.

"So I guess this is goodbye then." John waved.

"For now." Sora smiled thinly at him.

She ran over to him and they embraced each other closely, holding each other for a long while.

"Take care of yourself John." She whispered, as she quickly wiped a lone tear from her cheek.

"Yeah," he released her and held her by the shoulders looking into her eyes and smiling warmly. "the same goes for you."

They parted company and he marched up the ramp into the waiting space ship, looking back at her at her retreating form as the ramp closed, he was the last passenger.