Chapter 2
Utasin and Blin were startled as they turned around in response to the voice behind them. There before them stood a yellow Twi'lek with deep purple eyes that reflected the smoke on the water ascending from the crashed swoop bike. He was wearing a tattered mechanic's jumpsuit, all covered in dirt and scorch marks. He grinned at them cordially.
"Had to jump out before something went really wrong. This is the first swoop I've tried building from scratch. Made a lot of progress, but I'm still working out the kinks," explained the stranger. "The name's Fen-dur. Fen-dur Stratoblaster. And who might you two fine gentlemen be?"
"We are Jedi, looking for refuge and answers. My name is Blin Krieg, and this is my partner, Utasin Finscar."
"My friends call me, Fin," said Utasin, reaching to shake the Twi'lek's hand.
"Finscar? Did you say your last name was Finscar and that you are a Jedi?" asked Fen-dur excitedly.
"Yes, that is my name," said Utasin. "Why do ask?"
"There's some people I think you'd be interested in meeting," said Fen-dur. "Around this time they're probably at the abandoned Republic base. They use it to train for the local dueling arena here on Telos. I can take you there if you're interested."
"I'm intrigued, but why are you so certain we'd be interested in meeting them so much? You don't even know why we're here," said Utasin, squinting his eyes.
"If you're looking for refuge, then I can guarantee half of what you're looking for. I may not have the exact answers you're looking for, but I have answers you'll want to know."
The two Padawans could sense no deception in him, but remained skeptical of the Twi'lek's mysterious offer.
"Tell us what you know," said Utasin.
"I could, but you wouldn't believe me if I told you," Fen-dur responded. "It'd be better if I showed you."
"How far is it from here?" asked Blin.
"Only about half an hour by foot," said Fen-dur. "We'd be there in no time if we had a speeder."
"What about the bike? Is it an easy fix or will it take a while?" Utasin inquired.
"Oh, we're going to have to leave it there. Too much effort to just get it outta the water," said Fen-dur.
Just after Fen-dur finished his sentence, Utasin turned towards the lake and outstretched his hand. He closed his eyes as he concentrated on the swoop bike. The bike started to wiggle, emerging from the surface of the water. Soon it was in midair with water running down the sides back into the crystal clear lake. Utasin began to levitate it over and finally gently placed on the shore.
Fen-dur clapped his hands steadily. "Wow, now that is impressive." The two Jedi weren't sure if there was a hint of sarcasm in his voice or not. "Now let's see what the problem is. If I fix it, I'm not sure how well we will all fit, since this was built to carry just one person," Fen-dur warned.
"We'll manage," said Blin.
Fen-dur got to work on the swoop bike. Utasin and Blin stood by helped when needed. It was a hot day on the planet Telos, not a cloud in the sky as the sun beat down on the wild green grass.
"That should do it, hop in," said Fen-dur.
The three of them squeezed into the cockpit of the swoop bike it was a tight fit, but the three of them were just skinny enough to make it work.
"I'm about to show you something that'll rile your emotionless heart, Jedi," grinned Fen-dur. "Next stop, the surprise of your life!"