Chapter: 54 The Objector

"Dying and killing for a cause are two very different things."

Dark forces are on the rise! The Republic capital of Coruscant has received shocking news from Alderaan. During a dire refugee conference, an assassination attempt was made on Naboo Senator Padmé Amidala. While Amidala survived and her assassin was apprehended, there are those in the Senate who remain on edge. The people of Coruscant look to their Jedi protectors and question their abilities...

The wide rooms of the Vica Foundation Shelter teemed with weary citizens. But amidst such trying times, faith and spirituality kept the people of Coruscant united through their struggles. Exhausted, elderly Ithorians huddled together and practiced prayer to Mother Jungle. A Sullustan family gave thanks to Triakk for the roof over their heads. Sahira cradled her baby and practiced Master Yelena's meditative, stress-release techniques. Even Hoff and Datya Vica took a moment to pray to the Moon Goddess. They asked her to watch over Tori and called for strength as their shelter's capacity increased.

"Oh great Scorekeeper," an old Trandoshan prayed from her bed. "I know I have fallen on hard times...but I will rise from these ashes. And when I do, I will quench your celestial bloodlust with many kills in your name. Amen." The Trandoshan opened her eyes to see her human bunkmates cautiously scooting away from her. "What?" she hissed. The clink of a certain tray had her scarlet, reptilian eyes widening. She turned with a razor sharp, toothy grin as Kristoff and Sven approached.

"Good morning, Miss R'Dan." Kristoff said and extended his tray. "Would you like some caf?"

R'Dan scratched at her bronze, scaly skin. "Would I? Bring it here, kiddo." She slurped up a mug while Sven tended to other nearby patrons. "Riddle me this," R'Dan inquired. The S's in her words stretched when she hissed. "How's a young fella like you end up in a place like this? You've got your whole life ahead of you."

Kristoff simpered. "There's no easy way to answer that," he said. "Sven and I aren't originally from Coruscant. While this planet isn't the kindest, it still beats our homeworld. But that doesn't make the memories any easier to forget."

"Why are you trying to forget them?" R'Dan asked. Before Kristoff could answer, she directed a claw towards her neck. A set of deeply-embedded scars lined her scales. "See this?" she said. "Got these in a fight with my ex. The maniac tried to claw my throat out, but I drop-kicked his drunken behind out the window. Did I loathe him for leaving me with scars so deep that no amount of shedding can rid me of them? Sure. Do I want to forget what happened? Not in the slightest."

"Why would you ever want to remember something that terrible from your past?" Kristoff asked.

R'Dan scoffed as if reliving the incident all over again. "Terrible or terrific, all history is our history. You can either lie to yourself and pretend it never happened...or embrace it all and realize the truth." Even in her age, R'Dan could still heftily punch Kristoff in the arm. "You're still alive and that alone is a triumph. Every choice you've made has led you here and every day above ground is a chance to be better. You're stronger than you think you are, kiddo. And damn...can you brew some good caf."

"Thanks," Kristoff chuckled until he felt Sven nudge him from behind. "Nice talking to you," he said before setting off. "What's going on?" he asked his Cevrian friend.

"Kristoff!" a noble voice echoed from the shelter's upper level. Hoff Vica leaned against a balcony and beckoned them to join him upstairs. Sven nodded as if the Vicas had told him to retrieve Kristoff. The duo entered an elevator and made their way to the Vica's office. While Datya was busy calculating funds on her datapad, Hoff was ready to greet their companions. Buthri, their aide, remained stern-faced. "How do you like working here, boys?" Hoff asked.

"It's a pleasure, sir." Kristoff said and Sven mooed in agreement. "It's really nice to feel like we're actually helping people here." Kristoff sighed yet forced a smile. "The homeless helping the homeless." Datya and Hoff exchanged puzzled looks until he elaborated. "Let's just say Coruscant didn't serve us the nicest deal when we first arrived. We couldn't pay the rent and were evicted soon after."

Hoff's mustache rose with a lighthearted grin. "I'm so sorry to hear this, you two," he lamented. He glanced towards the window and observed the countless people below. "You'd be surprised at how many people here share a similar story."

"This city has its cruel way with the newest inhabitants and we're working on changing that," Datya said. "But it's a group fight on multiple fronts. Members of the Senate need to approve spending for more affordable housing. Instead, they spend their days dumping the Republic's funds into the war effort. It's just a very messy situation."

"But every mess can be cleaned," Hoff assured in a positive tone. "All we need to do is be patient, have faith, and keep helping as many people as we can. The rest will sort itself out."

"Kristoff and Sven," Datya began. "You two are welcome to stay here at the shelter. Having saved my husband's life, two jobs and a place to live are the least we can offer."

Kristoff flashed Sven an ecstatic grin. "Thank you so much, Mr. and Mrs. Vica," he said.

"Please, Hoff and Datya are fine." Hoff insisted.

"And what about Beauty and Grace?" a rather honeyed voice inquired from the doorway. His words had heads turning and the Vica's golden eyes lighting up. A nicely-suited, pink-skinned Zeltron leaned in from the doorway. "Hey there, Vicas!"

"Ningzi Mo!" Hoff greeted. He noted the Zeltron's gelled and fancily-styled dark blue hair. "You look like you've just finished a photoshoot."

"Oh you," Ningzi chuckled. "But yes...yes I did. How are my favorite Pantorans in all of Coruscant doing?"

As he watched the conversation between some of the wealthiest people in Coruscant unfold, Kristoff felt more like an inconvenience. He waited for an opportune break in their reveling and then said, "Well, Sven and I better get back to work."

"Oh wait, Kristoff!" Hoff insisted. "You simply must meet our friend." Kristoff gulped and observed the grinning Zeltron. "Ningzi here is the director for the Miss Coruscant beauty pageant."

"Does director also mean 'stressed and ready to disappear into a tub of blue milk ice cream'?" Ningzi jested. "If so, that is definitely me. It's nice to meet you both-" The Zeltron paused and tried to recall their names. "Kristoff...and Sven!" He gently applauded himself for being correct. "Now then," Ningzi continued. "I wanted to check in on your progress regarding the Skybolt."

"The airspeeder's first model has been tested and fully approved for flight," Datya assured. "It'll be at the pageant's auction," she said and Ningzi grinned. "If there still is a pageant." NIngzi's eager shoulders dropped as he frowned.

"Of course there's going to be a pageant!" Ningzi proclaimed.

"Are you sure that's the wisest idea?" Hoff considered. "I mean no disrespect, old friend...but in light of everything-"

Ningzi interrupted with a profound sigh. "Miss Coruscant has been inspiring and entertaining since before young Kristoff here was even born. The pageant brings in so many credits for this city and ratings only increase each year. Imagine the disappointment...the shame...the backlash if that legacy was hindered. I will not be known as the director who cancelled Miss Coruscant for the first time in its history."

"Even if it means putting people's lives at risk?" Hoff considered.

Although Ningzi's eye twitched, he slowly forced a smile. "I won't let anyone at my pageant get hurt," he assured. "Look. Just because there are terrorists on the loose doesn't mean we have to stop the flow of things."

"Ningzi," Datya intoned. "The pageant's ceremonial platform was bombed...and you have a missing contestant. Something isn't right here."

"Instead of cancelling the pageant-" Hoff proposed. "-why don't you simply postpone it until the 'Coruscant Killers' are brought to justice?"

"Their apprehension is up to our seemingly incompetent law enforcement," Ningzi grumbled. "I can't cancel nor can I postpone the pageant. Perhaps it's my own pride or maybe I'm just choosing to be brave. We cannot bow to every threat because that's how the enemy truly wins. If Count Dooku sent a holomessage saying he was going to bomb the city tomorrow, everyone would hide in bunkers. Even if the attack never came, we'd still be hiding until we thought it was safe. Why? Because all he has to do his make a threat and let our fears do the rest. He could make the same threat every day for a month and it would send Coruscanti trampling into bunkers." Ningzi huffed. "In truth, no one can truly know when disaster is about to strike." He glanced at the muted, wall-mounted datascreen and observed the HoloNews headline.

SENATOR PADMÉ AMIDALA SURVIVES ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON ALDERAAN

"All we can do is keep living out our lives and prepare for every possible outcome," Ningzi assured.

"Well if there's anything we can do to help, please let us know." Hoff said. "We'll be making preparations on our end."

"Kristoff," Datya mentioned. "You seem to be quite the pilot. Perhaps you and Sven can help us with the Skybolt auction."

"We'll do whatever we can," Kristoff replied.

"Make no mistake," Ningzi told Hoff. "I will ensure the safety of guests and contestants alike. This missing contestant, Chela Tuzi, is welcome to compete so long as she arrives. Along with the Coruscant Guard and Security Force, I've also asked the Jedi Order to provide extra protection at the event. I've requested Jedi Sentinels to held safeguard the pageant from any threats. The show will go on and all will be well."

Ningzi's mention of the Jedi Order had Kristoff thinking to himself. What's a Jedi Sentinel? he wondered. Is Elsa one of those?

Skylane traffic zipped through the city's partly cloudy skies. At the Republic Executive Building, senators were just arriving to begin their work. "But there's so much to do today!" Corellian Senator Dia Veritaz asserted. "And you've just returned."

Padawan Elsa Dellian continued to make sure she had all of her belongings. "I know, Dia," she said. "But I need to get back to the temple. This matter is crucial to my Jedi training."

Dia sighed and followed Elsa out of the office. Taline trailed behind and tried to keep up. "But you're crucial to my work as well," Dia insisted. "You're a powerful voice of reason."

"Because that went so well with the pardon," Elsa muttered and Dia cringed.

"You're still upset about that, huh?" the senator queried.

"I'm not upset," Elsa replied. "But I will acknowledge hypocrisy when I see it. You'll be fine without me for the day. You have Taline."

Dia discreetly grimaced at her Mirialan handmaiden. "Right," she murmured and reached for Elsa's hand. "But Taline doesn't have the political prowess that you do." She brought her voice down to a sharp, yet eager whisper. "Taline's a follower. You're a leader. Do you know what's on the agenda for today?" Dia bit her lip like an enthusiastic child about to unwrap a gift. "Several others and I have been invited to a presentation by Senator Halle Burtoni of Kamino. She's going to be showing us the prototype holos for a new line of clone trooper armor. Isn't that exciting?"

"Yes," Elsa admitted. "But-"

"Do you understand the magnitude of this opportunity?" Dia asked. "We'll get to voice our opinions on this 'Second Phase' of clone armor. We...you could shape our future boys in white!"

Elsa swallowed hard, closed her eyes, and pondered the concept for a moment. She saw herself standing before the Kaminoan senator and her colleagues. Ideas would be exchanged to preserve the lives of the clones and those they served. She imagined a new line of clone troopers rushing across a battlefield. Instead of being armed with deadly blasters, she visualized powerful disruptors and stun beams attached to their armor. They'd disable droids and incapacitate organic foes, all while leaving populated areas minimally damaged. These innovations would help usher in a new era of peace, freedom, justice, and security for the Republic. Just the thought of it all was enough to bring a smile to Elsa's face. But another thought arrived just as quickly as inspiration had. It warped her back to the conference room with Senators Detro and Bertz. She recalled how unwilling they were to support her and that memory poisoned her vision. She imagined this Halle Burtoni and her followers shutting her down just the same. That was if they even humored her with an rebuttal. Dia watched Elsa wrestle with her conscience until she ultimately hung her head in defeat.

"Thank you for the opportunity," Elsa glumly sighed. "But I don't think I'd be any help to you."

"Oh Elsa," Dia huffed and chased after her. "Come on! Have some faith in yourself and your ideas."

"So the Senate can shut them down anyway?" Elsa blurted. "Or it can 'chew me up and spit me out' as you put it?" Elsa glanced at the time. "I- I need to go. I don't want to be late for training." Elsa peered down from the nearby balcony and observed a congregation of senators. "I need to be stronger, Dia. So something like that never happens to you." She gestured to the center of attention as several politicians applauded the return of Padmé Amidala. The Naboo Senator had her arm wrapped in a sling and was speaking humbly to her colleagues. "It was a Jedi who foiled the attempt on Senator Amidala's life," Elsa explained. "If I'm to put my mind at ease, I must know I could do the same for you."

"Of course you could, Elsa." Dia asserted. "I know you could."

That makes one of us, the Padawan thought. "I'll get back as soon as I can," she told Dia. "I do hope your meeting goes well. If you do get to influence the armor, try thinking of ways to end the war...instead of prolonging it." As Elsa left Dia astonished and frustrated, she continued to observe Padmé. Not even senators are safe from the war, she thought. These truly are trying times for the Republic.

The spacious halls of the Jedi Temple brought a sense of peace to Elsa's mind. She walked alongside Master Yelena as they traversed the upper, grandiose corridors. "How did Senator Veritaz take things?" Yelena asked.

"Eh," Elsa shrugged. "I can only hope she'll understand. I can hardly tell where she's coming from sometimes. Is she being encouraging or just trying to get her way?"

Yelena accidentally chuckled. "Forgive me," she said. "It's just that politicians haven't changed whatsoever. I have yet to meet one that doesn't behave in the way you're describing. In their competitive and cutthroat world, senators will wear a wardrobe of different faces to get their way. At least the Jedi are straightforward. If we don't like you, we'll tell you."

Elsa raised a brow as they continued up a flight of stairs. "Um...master? Where exactly are we going? I thought you said we were going to the dojo for lightsaber training."

"I never specified which dojo," Yelena teased as they approached a set of gleaming doors. A pair of temple guards bowed before letting them enter. Elsa's eyes widened as she observed a dojo like no other. Pale banners brandished the Jedi Order's symbol from above. Sets of unique lightsaber hilts and even sharp blades lined the walls like treasured antiques. As Elsa looked across the dojo, she spotted a figure meditating at the opposite end. His long, dirty blonde tresses flowed against his dark robes. The man opened his eyes and his reserved, blue gaze found its way to Elsa. A subtle smile emerged on his thin lips as he rose to his feet.

"Elsa," Yelena began. "I believe you may be familiar with Master Cin Drallig?"

Elsa's heart sank. "As in the Head of Temple Security and Temple Battlemaster?"

"The very same," Cin responded and advanced towards them. "Good morning, Master Yelena...Padawan Dellian. I've been expecting you."

Elsa worriedly glanced at Yelena who whispered, "I thought we could use reinforcements."

"Padawan Dellian," Cin said. "I have trained hundreds of Padawans in the art of the lightsaber." He unclipped his own weapon from his belt and spun it. "And like every hilt, each Padawan is also unique. But it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from. So long as you are willing to learn and adapt, the possibilities will remain open to you." He inquisitively squinted towards Elsa. "So tell me, Elsa Dellian. Are you willing to open your mind to knowledge?"

"Yes, Master Drallig." Elsa affirmed and Cin nodded.

"Then let's begin," he said and backed up.. "We've wasted enough time." He planted his feet on a seal in the flooring and gestured to the one opposite of him.

"Go ahead," Yelena whispered for Elsa to stand on the other seal. She joined a temple guard and watched from the sideline.

The dojo suddenly seemed much bigger than it really was to Elsa. She tried to slow her breaths until Cin sparked up his lightsaber. He brought the green blade up to his chest and bathed his face in its vibrant hue. "Ready position, Padawan Dellian." Cin instructed.

"Right," she uttered and ignited her lightsaber. The bright blue weapon pulsed at her side as she dipped it below her hips.

Cin curiously observed her stance and commented, "Form VI...intriguing."

"Niman seems to suit me best," Elsa replied.

"Then show me," Cin said and purposely opened his arms. "Attack, Padawan."

Elsa's eyes darted between Cin's exposed chest and Yelena's watchful eyes. This can't be right, she thought. He's the Battlemaster for crying out loud. This has to be some sort of trick. I-

"Don't overthink it," Cin intoned. "Just attack me." Elsa raised a skeptical brow and slowly approached her opponent. Her muscles tightened as her inching became daunting for Yelena to watch. When Elsa was finally in range, she barely swung her saber towards Cin. So much so, that he stopped her midway. "That's not an attack," he said. "No momentum whatsoever. Try again." He kept his arms open as Elsa eyed his exposed body.

"Shouldn't I switch to training settings?" Elsa asked and prepared to turn her saber's dial.

"No," Cin huffed. "You wouldn't have hit me. Not because I planned to parry regardless...but because you couldn't bring yourself to. Why is that?"

Elsa bit her lip. "I just...I-" she felt the weight of everyone staring at her. "I didn't want to actually hurt you."

Cin thought about her response. "I see," he said. "And what if your opponent...actually tried to harm you?" Cin took a swing at Elsa, but did so in a slow and obvious manner. She blocked the attack and he grinned at her. "Good!" he lauded. "Again!" Cin took his time spinning. He wanted Elsa to know exactly where he was coming from and was more focused on observing her form. "So you are willing to defend yourself."

"Of course," Elsa assured.

"And defense is good," Cin insisted after another easily parried strike. "But it branches into a new set of dilemmas. One which you must have the answers for. How long can you keep up your defenses?"

"As long as I need to," Elsa answered and blocked his blade.

"How will you defeat your opponent?" Cin's next attack was quicker than its predecessors.

"I'll best them in the duel until they surrender."

"And if they don't surrender?" Cin's slash had Elsa staggering. "What then?"

Elsa firmly gripped her weapon in an effort to remain composed. "I'd incapacitate them."

"How?"

"I'd find a way!"

Cin increased his speed and tried to corner Elsa. "Just like you'd find a way to best them in the first place? What if your opponent lacks the honor you hold so dear?"

"I would find a way!" Elsa shouted. Out of sheer frustration, she made her first offensive strike towards Cin.

He parried and glared at her. "You keep saying that, but I don't see this 'way' you're referring to." Elsa tossed her saber into one hand and bent her fingers in the other. She angrily prepared to Force push Cin until he jabbed his saber at her. With her concentration broken, Elsa was forced to roll beneath his blade. "The Force may be with you, Elsa...but only you can help yourself here."

"Get out of my head!" Elsa snapped and wildly swung at Cin. He weaved away from her strike and dipped his lightsaber upward. Elsa froze as his green blade rested inches from her neck.

"I don't have to be there," the Battlemaster said. "You're already in your own head." Rather than get further flustered, Elsa lowered her weapon and listened to Cin's words. "I could sense your anxiety from the moment you entered the dojo. Throughout this duel, you've been glancing at your master as if seeking her approval instead of your own. Some Padawans fight a war against rivals...against traumas...but your battle resides within." Elsa sulked as they deactivated their lightsabers. "Do you know why you seek the approval of others?"

"Because they are my superiors," Elsa responded. "Master Yelena, you, the council. All that I do-"

"Means nothing if you don't approve of yourself," Cin asserted. "Rank is but a title. A milestone of many milestones on the path of life. You and I are no different, but you lack the confidence to see it. Like an opponent on the battlefield, you must be willing to confront your inner demons and slay them."

Elsa sighed at his wording. "And if I don't want to slay anyone?"

Cin raised a brow and said, "If a duel is done properly then by the Force, no one has to die. But the outcome also depends on your opponent."

Elsa solemnly shook her head. "I'm sorry," she said. "But I cannot accept this logic. If I'm dueling someone, it's not their fault if they live or die. That outcome remains solely up to me."

Yelena and the temple guard braced themselves as Cin defended his philosophy. "You are not the first Padawan to adopt such a pacifistic approach," he said. "But you may notice a lack of knights and masters who share this view. It is because sooner or later, we all must embrace our bitter reality. Those who thought like you tried to ignore the world around them. They believed they could save everyone and now..." Cin pursed his lips as if dreadful memories had come to haunt him. "Let's just say that far too many promising students have been laid to rest in our crypt. All because they saw light where there wasn't any."

"With respect, Master Drallig..." Elsa uttered. "I would rather die believing I tried to spare someone than kill knowing I could've."

Cin shook his head. "I know who you are, Elsa Dellian. I make it my business to know every Jedi in this temple. I watched you struggle with a lightsaber when you were only a youngling. With twelve thousand midi-chlorians to your name, your potential for greatness is monumental. Learn from the dead and don't throw it away."

"I remember you too," Elsa retorted. "Our clan's master would bring us in to your dueling sessions from time to time. You couldn't help me then and it doesn't seem like you can now. Besides, I don't think we're going to see eye to eye."

"So how do you intend on becoming a better duelist?" Cin inquired.

"Easy," Elsa assured. "I don't." She looked down at the hilt in her hands. Its teal, arcetron metals gleamed until she saw her own troubled reflection. She thought about how much she'd struggled with a weapon throughout her past and how often it'd gotten her into trouble. The words of Hans and her snarking peers pried at her as she recalled being slashed by Captain Barbossa. Elsa winced as if still feeling the sting of his blade on her arm. She recalled how terrifying it had been to be Force-choked by Ventress or how Grievous had nearly killed her. She asked herself if she really could've stopped either of those powerful foes...especially without killing them. When the answer remained muddled amidst her conflicted thoughts, Elsa raised her saber for all to see. "Perhaps this blade and I were never meant to be," she said. "And if our temple Battlemaster truly sees no other way to conquer the darkest evils, maybe that's a good thing." Yelena bit back a gasp when Elsa threw her weapon to the floor. The hilt clanged and rolled to Cin's boots. Having relinquished her lightsaber, Elsa hung her head and stormed off.

Cin glanced at the fallen hilt and then looked to her. "This weapon is your life!" he declared and Elsa halted at the door. It was the first time Cin had raised his voice since they'd began. "If you walk out of this dojo, you're giving up on more than just dueling."

Elsa's heart thundered as she clenched her fists. It even felt wrong for her to look back at Yelena given Cin's earlier commentary. She loathed how much power other's voices had over her own. Overwhelmed, angered, and saddened...Elsa chose to walk out.

"Padawan, wait!" Yelena beckoned. She went to recover the lightsaber but Cin stopped her.

"Leave it," the Battlemaster said. "She chose to abandon it there so that is where it shall stay."

"Honestly, Cin." Yelena scoffed. "Bringing her to you was a mistake. I've always understood your various methods to be effective, but this-... What have you done?"

"I've opened the path to her problem," Cin said. "Sometimes we're too busy denying issues that are right in front of us. We must allow Padawan Dellian to make these next decisions for herself. Meditate with me, Master Yelena...and we shall see what the day brings."

Yelena sighed and stared at the open door. She wondered where Elsa would go and then focused on her fallen lightsaber. With a deep and resigned breath, Yelena grounded herself in the present moment. She knelt beside Cin and delved into her tranquil subconscious. The master's started to meditate while the nearby temple guard observed Elsa's lightsaber.

Ever since Elsa was a child, the Jedi Archives had always served as a sanctuary for her. No matter how she was feeling, Elsa knew she could disappear into its glowing aisles and feel safe. It felt like the years hadn't changed much for her as she sat on the upper floor. The gentle sounds of shifting holobooks and the occasional passerby brought Elsa a sense of comfort. She tried to further lose herself in a holobook, but was struggling to focus. The kindl hand of the Archives' chief librarian found its way to Elsa's shoulder.

"Madam Jocasta," the Padawan greeted stoically.

The elder could sense Elsa's sadness and confusion. "Are you alright, young one?" she asked.

Elsa bit her lip and thought of a proper response. "I'm-...I-...will be."

Jocasta knitted her brows as she tried to understand. "Well the Archives is a great place to search for answers to our troubles. You've been my little scholar ever since you were in Brith Clan," her remark brought a faint smile to Elsa's lips. "If there's anything you need to talk about, you can always come to me."

"Thank you," Elsa replied and looked down from the balcony. "I just-..." In those moments, Elsa noticed a young Togruta taking notes on the computer below. "-Ahsoka."

"Pardon?" Jocasta inquired as Elsa rose.

"I've got to get going," Elsa said. "But thanks for always supporting me here." Jocasta and Elsa exchanged respectful bows. The librarian couldn't help but smile as Elsa rushed downstairs with vigor in her heart.

Young Ahsoka Tano swiped away at her computer. She was gathering information on the latest news reports when Elsa interrupted. "How'd you do it?" she asked and had Ahsoka slowly turning.

"Elsa," Ahsoka greeted. "Do what?" she inquired.

"You saved Senator Amidala from an assassination attempt at the Alderaan Refugee Conference. Your heroics are being talked about throughout the Senate."

"Believe it or not," Ahsoka began. "The story they're telling still tilts in the Jedi Order's favor. The truth is that while I did help, Padmé actually saved me from Aurra Sing. The bounty hunter had us cornered and I'd deflected what blasts I could. Sing had found an opening in my defense, but Padmé was one step ahead of her. As soon as the moment presented itself, she found an opening of her own and stunned Sing." The story brought a grin to Elsa's face. Even while this Aurra Sing was trying to kill her, Padmé had chosen to stun her at an opportune time. She could've easily blasted instead, but her decision not to reinforced Elsa's philosophy of choice. "And now Sing can spend the rest of her days sulking in a prison cell," Ahsoka affirmed.

Elsa thought back to the first time she'd met Padmé and how the senator had nearly reached for a concealed...something. She couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Padmé has to be the bravest senator I've ever heard of."

"I'll say," Ahsoka added. The Togruta suddenly noticed Elsa's missing lightsaber. Considering the various lectures Anakin had given regarding saber care, the last thing Ahsoka wanted was for Elsa to get in trouble. She tilted her head with intrigue and asked, "What's troubling you?"

Elsa sighed and dropped into the seat beside her. "That obvious, huh?"

"Well, the missing lightsaber isn't a good sign. What's going on, Elsa?"

The eldest Dellian started to fidget with her braid. "I...um...may have relinquished it."

"What?" Ahsoka blurted in a tone which echoed across the lower floor. She instantly brought her voice down to a whisper and asked, "Why would you do that?"

"Because I don't think I can handle this," Elsa confessed. "All I wanted to do was become strong enough to defend myself and preserve life. But it doesn't seem like that's even possible for a Jedi. Not according to the Temple Battlemaster."

Ahsoka thought for a moment and then reached for Elsa's shoulder. "Now hold on," she insisted. "You've made it this far as a Jedi, haven't you?"

Elsa huffed. "Well, yes. But-"

"And you've seen your share of conflicts along the way. It sounds like it is possible, Elsa. It's just the path less traveled."

"But what good is either path-" Elsa murmured. "-if I can't even learn the way of the lightsaber in the first place?"

Ahsoka's eyes listed towards a pair of younglings taking notes on a hologram. "Maybe you just need to approach the situation differently," she suggested. "If you're still willing to try, I may have an idea." Ahsoka flashed a daring grin and Elsa eagerly nodded.

The Republic Judiciary Central Detention Center was as cold and hollow as it always was. The occasional buzzer would be Jee's only indicator of what was happening. She'd lost track of the days in prison and preferred to keep time a mystery. At least then she wouldn't be stuck staring at slowly ticking clocks. Her cell's ray shields powered down as she and countless others were escorted to the mess hall. As she trudged through the bland, metallic hallways, Jee recalled the last time she'd seen Anna. She considered where "playing nice" had gotten her and scowled at the memories. She marched through a sea of orange jumpsuits until the prisoners poured into a chamber.

Jee had grown accustomed to the routine, only now she cared even less. She'd abandoned the concept of a pardon, much like how she'd felt Anna had abandoned her. Jee grabbed a battered tray and hobbled towards the food processor. A thin spout spewed its chunky contents onto her plate while a second nozzle poured some water. "Five star meal right there," Jee mumbled to herself.

"Hey Bug!" a raspy voice called. "Saved you a seat!"

Jee turned to see a rather pudgy Snivvian. His colossal, rotund nostrils could be mistaken for a pair of eyes at first glance. Jee smirked and slid into the seat beside him. "Who'd you have to kill to get me this spot, Vitts?" she jested.

Vitts chuckled and his fanged underbite quivered. "You're a fiery one," he jeered.

"And you're still a sham," Jee countered.

"Keep your voice down," Vitts intoned. "I killed a big-time thug, ya know."

"That thug was your partner," Jee snarked. "And you stabbed him in the back."

"Meh," Vitts said with a shrug. "He had it coming. Unfortunately, killing him isn't enough to be top dog in this stinkhole. I've gotta make a name for myself. Once I do that, I can lift you up with me and we'll rule this joint."

"Oh yeah?" Jee snickered and forced herself to eat the slop. Her snout quivered as she swallowed. "What are you gonna do? Kill someone in here?" Jee squinted as the Snivvian revealed a rusty shiv beneath his sleeve. "I was kidding, you maniac."

"Well I'm not," Vitts murmured. His beady brown eyes watched the patrolling clone troopers above them. "Rules of the prison, Rodian. Take out the biggest sleemo and boom...instant respect."

"And if you're caught?" Jee queried.

"I'll just get thrown into solitary and maybe get some years added to my sentence."

"That's it?"

Vitts cackled. "Oh yeah. You think the Republic gives a damn about us? We're nothing but scumbags in their eyes. We're locked up in here, so they don't care what we do to each other. Hell, I'm sure there's some politicians who prefer that we kill each other." He wrapped his lanky arm around her and leaned in. "You were a bounty hunter, right? Come on and help me scout out some prey."

Jee took one whiff of the Snivvian's malodorous breath and shoved him back. Still, she helped him look as they observed passing prisoners. "What about that guy?" she considered.

Vitts snorted and his nostrils twitched. "Barbossa, eh? The old captain's not a bad option. But I only have one shiv so let's see if we can do better." Vitts' eyes widened upon seeing a young boy walking by with a Trandoshan. "Oh kriff."

"Please tell me you're not gonna shank a kid," Jee groaned.

"That's not just any kid," Vitts explained. "That's Boba Fett. You know...like Jango's son. Rumor has it that the little crap's in here for trying to kill Mace Windu. Even if I planned on shanking a kid, which I don't, I wouldn't get very far."

"Why's that?" Jee inquired. She followed Vitts' finger to a towering, green-scaled Trandoshan.

"That lizard doesn't leave the kid's side. I wonder if he owes him a life debt or something."

Jee and Vitts watched as Boba and his Trandoshan came to a halt. In fact, the mess hall suddenly became eerily quiet. All eyes fell upon a slender, pale-skinned woman. Her dark, sunken eyes glared at her unwanted observers as she stepped forward. Her deep and honeyed voice sought to appease the pair before her. "Boba," she said. "Bossk." The Trandoshan snarled and she scowled back at him.

"Aurra," Bossk hissed. "Rumor had it you were dead."

'You know me better than that," Aurra replied. She glanced at Boba and he averted his gaze.

"At least I thought I did," Bossk remarked and Aurra wrinkled her nose.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Aurra asked.

"You left me!" Boba snapped. "You just ran and left me to be captured."

"Is it true?" Bossk growled.

Aurra paused and furrowed her thin brows. "I knew the Jedi wouldn't kill him, okay? Me on the other hand..."

"And what about me, Aurra?" Bossk griped. "It's not like you came back for me either."

"Bossk," Aurra tried to placate.

"You're not calling the shots anymore!" Boba yelled and jabbed a finger at her.

A resounding "Oooo" echoed from the spectating inmates.

"We're all prisoners here," the boy asserted. "So you're not the boss of me. Just-"

In the blink of an eye, Aurra snatched Boba's wrist in her grim clutches. Her long, bony fingers tightened their grip as she stared him down. "Just what?" she taunted. "Hm?" Boba writhed in her hold as prisoners hooted and hollered. Bossk stomped over and brought his claws towards Aurra's neck. "Let...him...go," the Trandoshan growled.

"Hey!" a clone shock trooper yelled from above. "Break it up down there!" He raised his blaster rifle as a threat. "Now!"

Aurra glared at Boba's wincing face and took her time letting go. The boy staggered back towards Bossk and they departed with seething glares. Aurra smirked, having enjoyed the distress she'd put them through. "Bug," Vitts told Jee. "This is it."

"Wait, what?" the Rodian blurted. "Her?"

"Yes her," Vitts intoned. "I kill Aurra Sing, especially after a display like that...and I'll have the people in this prison eating out of my hands." The Snivvian cringed. "Well...our hands."

Jee scoffed at her fellow inmate. The Snivvian was just like the very Republic he spoke of. Just like Anna even. He didn't care about where she ended up and only wanted to advance himself. Jee had heard about how he'd betrayed his partner and literally backstabbed him during a job. She watched as Vitts casually followed Aurra towards the food processor. When she paused, so did he and Jee remained on the edge of her seat. Vitts kept an eye on the patrolling clone troopers and searched for an opening. Once he found a blindspot, he let the shiv drop into his hand and crept towards Aurra. She raised her tray towards the food processor, but its dispenser was jammed. "Of course," Aurra groaned and gave the device a smack.

Vitts used the loud bangs to obscure his steps as he closed in on her. As Jee observed the situation, she thought about who Aurra Sing was. Any hushed stories she'd heard in the Outer Rim teemed with carnage. She'd earned herself quite the reputation as a notorious bounty hunter. After contemplating her current situation, Jee considered what insights a fellow bounty hunter could offer. Sure, she'd apparently left some mouthy brat and his lizard behind...but it sounded like she had a reason to. The Jedi were cracking down on bounty hunters and perhaps Aurra was trying to do the right thing just like her. Jee knew what had to be done and checked for any prying eyes. With everyone appearing occupied, she discretely lifted her hand and focused on Vitts.

Aurra gave the processor another smack until its slop poured on her plate. Her dark green eyes focused intently on the dispenser when she noticed something in its reflection. She caught a glimpse of Vitts drawing his shiv and moving in for the kill. With a flick of her wrist, Jee Force-pulled the shiv out of Vitts' hand as he followed through with his swing. The thin blade zipped through the air and landed in Jee's hand as she watched the chaos unfold. Vitts finished his lunge just as Aurra caught his arm. The Snivvian was too dumbfounded to counter as she redirected him into a burly Sullustan. Enraged, the inmate punched Vitts to the ground while Aurra nonchalantly departed.

Jee tried to act natural and tucked the shiv beneath her napkin. Despite her best efforts to ignore the situation, she could feel Aurra's gaze upon her. The inmate across from Jee left her seat and someone else slammed their tray down. Aurra sat down and brandished a chilling smirk. "That was a nice move back there," she said.

Attempts to ignore her were inhibited when Aurra leaned closer. "I don't know what you're talking about," Jee muttered.

Aurra scoffed. "You'd be terrible at sabaac," she snarked. "I saw your little magic trick through the dispenser's reflection." She peered over her shoulder and watched clones separate Vitts from the Sullustan. "So what are you?" Aurra inquired. "Some kind of rogue Jedi?"

Even such a slight mention of the Order had Jee scowling. "I'm no Jedi," she murmured. "I have nothing to do with that assortment of hypocrites." Aurra craned her neck with intrigue as Jee contemplated her response. "I'm a bounty hunter with certain special-" With a wave of her hand Jee caused a passing prisoner to seemingly trip over nothing. "-talents."

Aurra chuckled as the man's food tray splattered. "I have certain special talents as well," she said and raised Vitts' shiv.

The sight made Jee gasp and she immediately checked under her napkin. "But how did you get th-" She braced herself when Aurra twirled the blade in her fingers.

"Relax," she whispered. "If I wanted to shank you, I would've done it by now. How were your hunts before you ended up in here?"

"They put food on the constantly changing table," Jee answered. "Ever heard of Nash Danto? I shut him down in Mos Eisley."

"I'd wager the pay was decent," Aurra considered. "Tatooine loves its bounty hunters." As Jee nodded in agreement, Aurra followed up with her proposal. "Ever consider working full time for the Hutt Clan? That's where the real credits are."

"Even if I did-" Jee replied. "-considerations wouldn't do me much good from in here, would they?"

"Well the Hutts could use a woman of your talents," Aurra said. "Wouldn't hurt to have you in my corner either." Her cold stare listed as she examined their surroundings. "I could hook you up, but it's just a matter of getting out of here."

Jee huffed as Aurra's proposal swirled within her mind. She thought back to Anna's warning and sneered.

"If you're hinting towards another breakout-" the Padawan had mentioned. "It won't help you. If anything, it'll only add to your sentence and make it harder for you live a life of freedom."

Yeah, well look where the alternative landed me, Jee told herself. Out of sheer defiance against Anna and her plaguing thoughts, Jee dared to answer Aurra. "I think I can break us out of here," the Rodian whispered.

Aurra Sing subtly smirked and took a sip of her drink ."Do tell...partner."

*

Padawan Barriss Offee's steps were urgent as she rushed down the temple halls. Sunbeams flashed across her tattooed cheeks and made her squint. Bothered by the creeping sunlight, the Mirialan pulled down her hood and swiftly knocked on a nearby door. "Ahsoka?" she called.

"Come on in," the Togruta beckoned. "We've just gotten started."

Barriss slid into Ahsoka's darkened room and found her knelt beside Elsa. The shades were closed as the Padawans gathered around a brightening hologram. A projected figure ignited his lightsaber and the voice of Anakin Skywalker echoed throughout the room. "Keeping your saber moving is key to deflecting the fire of multiple adversaries," he said. "Fluid motion, one into the next...into the next and so on. I've made someadjustments to the classic Form IV techniques that I think you'll find work well against droids and other ranged attackers." Elsa's brows furrowed with curiosity as she leaned closer to the hologram. "Here, I'll show you." The recording displayed Anakin preparing himself for combat before a set of lasers came zipping at him. He called out his blocks in a strict, instructional cadence. "One, two, three...pivot. Four, five, six. Again."

"He's quite the instructor," Barriss remarked.

"He can be patient when he wants to," Ahsoka jested. Both Padawans turned to Elsa, whose focus on the recording only intensified. She overanalyzed every swing of his blade and detail to his posture. Minutes felt like hours as the recording played on loop. Ahsoka inevitably broke Elsa's concentration and asked, "How are you feeling?"

"I appreciate what you're trying to do and your master is very talented," Elsa said. "But I don't know if I can replicate that."

"You won't know if you don't try," Ahsoka insisted. "Watching is one thing. Doing is another." She Force-pulled a training staff to her and offered it to Elsa.

The eldest Dellian took a deep breath and clasped the weapon. She eyed Anakin's hologram and attempted to mimic his moves. "Fluid motions," she whispered to herself. While Elsa was able to easily replicate the recording, she was still left feeling uneasy.

"I don't understand," Ahsoka said. "What's wrong, Elsa? You got it."

"But it doesn't matter," Elsa insisted. "Anyone with a sense of rhythm can swing a stick to a six-part cadence. We both know an enemy won't just stand there and follow such a pattern."

"She's right," Barriss concurred.

"I invited you to help Elsa succeed." Ahsoka retorted. "Not help put her down."

"Have you considered that the right method isn't always against the grain?" Barriss proposed and stepped forward. "Master Unduli is always telling me to let go and accept the things I cannot change. If Elsa is continuously struggling with her weapon, perhaps she must accept her level of skill."

"That sounds like admitting defeat to me," Ahsoka murmured.

"Where you see defeat, I see inner peace." Barriss defended. "Elsa, to know yourself is to harness the greatest power of all. No enemy can truly best you if you understand your capabilities. Try accepting your limitations."

Ahsoka's eyes narrowed and she gestured to the training hologram. "Well Anakin has taught me that when you hit a wall, you push through it. No matter how painful or saddening your situation is, you don't give up."

"You still mistake acceptance for surrender."

"Barriss," Ahsoka intoned. "Remember when we were buried alive on Geonosis?"

"Very much so," the Mirialan quickly answered.

"If I hadn't signaled our masters, they never would've found us." Ahsoka asserted. "We'd still be down there if I just sat around accepting."

"I suppose we'll never know," Barriss remarked and Ahsoka groaned.

Elsa facepalmed while the young Padawans debated. Their focus had completely shifted away from training her and she frustratedly glared at Anakin's hologram. What am I gonna do? she thought until something caught her attention. A brief, odd sensation had her body tingling as she rose from the floor.

Her actions were enough to break up her companions' dispute. "Elsa?" Ahsoka questioned. "Are you alright?"

Barriss bowed her head. "I'm sorry if we-"

"No no," Elsa interrupted and crept towards the door. "It's not you," she whispered. "Can't you feel that?"

Her friends exchanged a shrug. "No," Ahsoka said. "What is it?"

"I sense a...disturbance," Elsa uttered. She approached the door and slowly opened it. Her senses drew her to peek into the hall and observe both ends. Ahsoka and Barriss emerged beside her to also have a look.

"What did the disturbance feel like?" Barriss queried.

"Like someone was watching us," Elsa murmured. "Watching me."

"Well it doesn't look like anyone's here," Ahsoka said and checked down one of the halls.

Elsa shook her head and frustratedly rubbed her temple. "It's probably just stress," she said. "I appreciate you both trying to help, but I think I need to seek guidance elsewhere. May the Force be with you both." Elsa bowed to her fellow Padawans and trudged away. Before she fully departed, Elsa took one last look at the empty hallway and remained curious about the disturbance.

Shaded windows had streaks of light lining a hexagonal room. The doors to this private quarters opened and Elsa nervously stepped in. She bowed before the short, long-eared silhouette seated on a meditation pad. The Grand Master raised his head until the sunlight brightened his green visage. With a soft stare and wrinkly grin, the elder was first to speak. "Padawan Dellian," he said. "A surprise this is."

"Master Yoda," Elsa greeted him with a bow. "I need your help."

Yoda hummed with curiosity and looked into Elsa's eyes. "Much confusion I sense in you. Despair. Anger." His old eyes listed towards her belt. He observed the bare spot where her lightsaber should be and said, "Guilt."

"I want to become a Jedi Master," Elsa told him. "I know I'm strong in the Force. No one here will let me forget that and I want to see their beliefs through."

"Then become a master you will," Yoda said. "But worse for you, it will be." Elsa raised a brow while Yoda sighed. "Prioritize other's opinions over your own, you do."

"Respectfully, master." Elsa said. "I stand up for what I believe in. I've done so on my missions."

"But believe in yourself, you do not. Therefore, stand up for yourself...you cannot." Yoda dropped from his meditation pad and hobbled towards her. His cane tapped against the floor as he continued. "Become a Jedi Master for others, you must not. A quest and right of passage for yourself it is."

"But how, Master Yoda?" Elsa asked. "How can I believe in myself when I'm being asked to take life?"

"All we do is for knowledge and defense," Yoda explained. "Never for attack."

"But what if that defense leads to death?" Elsa worried.

Yoda observed the Padawan's sorrowful demeanor. "Difficult choices, the future will always hold. But trust yourself in those moments, you must. Made, mistakes will be. Acceptable, failures are. But yield to fear..." Yoda hung his head. "And haunted by regret, you shall be." Elsa slowly nodded and knelt to be at Yoda's level. "Always in your hands, these choices are." Yoda intoned. "Accept the responsibility and a powerful Jedi you will become."

The words of those she'd spoken to continued to replay in Elsa's mind as she traversed the temple. She made her final stop and knocked on a door, hoping for an answer. Her heart leapt when the room's occupant opened up. "Elsa?" Master Obi-wan Kenobi was quite surprised to see her. He could sense her internal conflict and beckoned her inside. "What's the matter?"

"I need your help," Elsa admitted. "I don't know if I'm willing to accept the responsibility of my lightsaber."

Obi-wan stroked his beard and asked, "What do you mean?"

"I think back to our mission on Hoth and how I-" Elsa sighed out of sadness and embarrassment. "-severed a battle droid." Elsa swallowed hard before continuing. "That alone made me sick to my stomach and I couldn't fathom the idea of ending an organic being. I wouldn't know what to do if I was placed in a situation where-" She shut her eyes and winced at such harrowing thoughts. Upon composing herself, Elsa huffed and continued. "I just don't know how I can become a master, let alone even complete my trials while holding true to my beliefs."

Obi-wan sighed. "Elsa Dellian," he said. "I understand that you view these conflicting ideals as a struggle, but remember that they are a strength." Elsa's eyes brightened at his words and he continued. "You hold on to a belief system which many in our Order have forgotten. Especially in wartime." There was twinge of guilt in his voice.

"A strength," Elsa reiterated. "Thank you, Master Kenobi. It feels like everyone believes in me except me."

Obi-wan shook his head. "You mistake encouragement for belief," he said before elaborating. "You see, belief is only made true...from a certain point of view. True belief stems from self confidence. The kind that has saved lives, built societies, and sparked-" Obi-wan paused as if a frigid memory had chilled him. "-courage," he concluded. "Courage to rise amidst overwhelming odds." Obi-wan clasped his hands together and gently shut his eyes. "When your master falls before your eyes and you're left to stand against a rising evil." With a deep breath, Obi-wan opened his eyes and placed a comforting hand on Elsa's shoulder. "The words of others will only take you so far, young one," he said. "You must believe in your abilities or no one will."

"I understand, Master Kenobi." Elsa said and graciously bowed. He returned the gesture as she exited his room.

"May the Force be with you," he said as she walked down the hall. She was about to answer when the same, peculiar disturbance prodded her senses. Elsa tilted her head towards the nearest corner and rushed towards it. She slid around and discovered an astonished temple guard. The masked man gasped as Elsa observed his fitted facial spikes.

"Have you been following me?" she asked.

"Of course not," Udo Klee defended. "I-...I've just..." He ultimately sulked when Elsa glared at him. "Alright," the Nikto groaned. "I was following you. How'd you know?"

"I have my ways," Elsa snapped and hastily fired back. "You were in the dojo during my session. Why are you here? Did Master Drallig send you to spy on me?"

"No," Udo insisted. "I swear he didn't. When you relinquished your lightsaber, I feared you'd given up. You showed such promise and I didn't want to see a young student such as yourself throw it all away. I never meant to prompt any discomfort," Udo assured. Elsa stared into the eye slits of his mask. "I was just...concerned about you."

"Well you don't have to be anymore," Elsa answered. "I'm going back," she said and marched towards the dojo.

She had just started off when Udo called to her. "Padawan," he said. "If I may offer a suggestion from Jedi Sentinel's perspective. Your bladework would improve if you kept your arms closer to your body. You'd get a better swing and have more control over your lightsaber."

"Thanks for the handling tips," Elsa sighed. She glanced at his weapon and quipped, "But I don't have a double-bladed lightsaber."

"Well..." Udo considered. "Maybe you should." His suggestion brought Elsa to a halt. She peered back at him and humored the comment with a grin.

Cin Drallig's dojo was eerily silent while Yelena observed the weapons on display. Her eyes listed from one antique to another until a distinct clatter caught her attention. Yelena slowly turned while the meditating Cin opened his eyes. He emerged from his meditative state as Elsa's lightsaber started to shake. The arcetron hilt trembled across the floor before suddenly being pulled by an unseen force. The instant pull brought a smile to Yelena's face as the hilt spiraled through the air. Both masters watched as the weapon returned to its determined owner's hand.

Elsa looked upon her lightsaber with newfound confidence while Udo returned to his post. "So," Cin said. "You've decided to come back."

"I never left," Elsa declared. She refused to let his words define who she was. Keeping her arms close, Elsa ignited her saber and let its blue plasma illuminate her face. "Now, Master Drallig. I believe we have a duel to finish."

Cin's glare intensified as he rose to his feet. He sparked up his vibrant, green lightsaber and assumed a dueling stance. Yelena's eyes widened when Elsa actually attacked first. Cin raised his brows and prepared to counter the Padawan's initial strike. Rather than jab at him, Elsa faked Cin out at the last moment and leapt over him. She barely stuck her landing and swung as hard as she could. The Battlemaster huffed and quickly blocked her attack. "A deceptive, low cut to my blade," he remarked. "An attempt to disarm me, no doubt. Clever."

"You'll find I'm full of surprises," Elsa said. Rather than engage again, she backed away and circled around Cin. This time, he went on the offensive and she rushed to parry.

"Fluid motion, one into the next." Anakin had said in his recording.

Elsa used his teachings and swiftly weaved between Cin's strikes. Yelena's jaw nearly dropped as her confident Padawan battled away.

"Always in your hands, these choices are." Yoda had told her. "Accept the responsibility and a powerful Jedi you will become."

I do accept the responsibility, Elsa told herself. I can win this duel and I can keep him alive. She rolled beneath his attack and attempted an upward slash.

"You're becoming predictable," Cin lectured. "If all you do is try to disarm me, I will continue to guard against it."

"Guard all you want," Elsa grunted while their blades struck each other. "But I'll never stop. I won't let you tell me what I should or shouldn't do. I know what must be done!"

"But do you have the strength to do it?" Cin questioned and opened his arms. He left himself vulnerable to an attack.

Rather than take a stab at him, Elsa chose to kick his exposed chest instead. Frustrated, Cin grabbed Elsa's leg and forced her to the floor. Yelena cringed at the sight and shook her head in disappointment. Elsa struck the mat with a thud and her lightsaber went rolling. Cin angrily raised his lightsaber and shouted, "I gave you an opening!" He dipped the blade towards her neck and brought his voice down to a flustered growl. "If I was an enemy, this would be your end. And here I was thinking you'd learned something."

"I learned plenty," Elsa retorted from the floor. She ignored the steaming lightsaber at her neck and looked into Cin's eyes. "I am a Jedi. Guardian of peace, protector of justice, and preserver of life! I only truly fail when I bend to fear and that is not happening."

Obi-wan's words echoed within her. "I understand that you view these conflicting ideals as a struggle, but remember that they are a strength. You hold on to a belief system which many in our Order have forgotten."

"I will never forget what we are meant to stand for," Elsa said. "Even if it means giving my life. What I die for will live on and others will take my place. The young souls you mentioned who fill our crypt understood this."

Cin deactivated his lightsaber and sighed deeply. "If only you could understand," he grieved. "All I've said...all I've done...has been to protect Jedi like you. I'm trying to keep you alive."

"The path I've chosen isn't the easiest," Elsa said as she sat up. "But it is the right path."

Cin subtly shook his head and bowed respectfully. "May the Force protect you then," he said and stepped away. Udo left his post and joined Cin as they exited the dojo.

Elsa was left to recollect her thoughts and catch her breath. She considered what she'd said and understood the magnitude of it all. Yelena steadily approached and took a knee beside her. "Are you alright?" she asked her Padawan. Elsa quietly nodded as Yelena queried, "Did you mean all of that?"

"Yes," the eldest Dellian affirmed.

Yelena pursed her lips and tried not to imagine her deceased apprentice. She'd heard too many horror stories about grieving masters and hoped she'd never experience that pain. "Alright then," she simply answered and helped Elsa to her feet. She forced a smile and unclipped her lightsaber.

"What are you doing?" Elsa asked.

"Those were some awesome moves back there, Padawan." Yelena admired. "Seeing as we have the dojo to ourselves, why don't we practice a little? I can show you some of my modifications." She noticed Elsa's somber demeanor and cleared her throat. "Elsa...I'm sorry." Her Padawan was genuinely surprised by the apology. "I never should've summoned Master Drallig. I just thought-"

"Anyone other than you could do a better job training me?" Elsa interrupted and Yelena sighed. Her apprentice smirked and nudged the elder. "It sounds like you could use some self confidence too."

"Perhaps," Yelena teased and humored her with a wink.

"Want to see how Master Skywalker's changed Form IV?" Elsa jested and activated her weapon.

"Master Skywalker?" Yelena scoffed. She sparked up her blue saber and boldly flourished it. "Please! Anything that punk can do, I can do better!"

"Master!" Elsa scolded but broke into laughter midway. Her giggle became a snort as Yelena joined in. "Anakin's not a punk," Elsa snickered.

"Oh he so is," Yelena insisted. Formerly a place of frustration, the dojo became a source of joy for both master and apprentice.

Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading this week's chapter of "The Frozen Force!" It's a real honor and pleasure to give you all a new chapter every week. It really means a lot to see so many people enjoying the adventure and I thank you for your support. We're on our way to the end of the season with only SIX chapters left! This has been one heck of a ride and I'll see you next Friday as a deeper investigation begins. DARK FORCES ARE RISING! See you next Friday, readers!

Long Live Imagination and May the Force be with You!

~ Michael