6 years ago

Padawan Arman Clash, age 15

Station 12, AKA front line station, republic fleet outpost, Hydian Way

Arman lowered the 600 pound bar down to his chest and pressed it back up again. He felt the force fuel his muscles and concentrated on keeping his pectorals from snapping like elastics. He sensed his Master, Salekki Gannah, watching him through the hatch window. He set down the weights and recoiled from his bench. Sitting up uneasy, he looked back at the togruta who finally opened the hatch and stepped inside hesitantly. She could see her padawan was expecting to be scolded.

"We have an urgent mission from coruscant, my padawan" Master Salekki said as she walked to the station terminal along the wall adjacent to Arman's bench.

"I don't understand how you can tolerate this. It's hard to walk, let alone breathe." the master said as she struggled to access the controls. The readings indicated two times normal gravity. Salekki dialed it down, back to 1.

"One of these days, you're going to break yourself beyond our ability to heal my Padawan." She said as she turned to face her protege.

"You are worried about me." Arman stated what was meant as a question.

His tall master approached him gracefully and pressed her hand down on his.

"You work yourself far too hard. You are stronger than anyone needs to be. Why do you choose to do this to yourself?" She asked in a caring tone.

"You know why." Arman said softly.

"You're still afraid to lose me just like in your visions." She confirmed while looking into his eyes and reading his mind. She blinked at the thoughts and the sadness she could see in him.

"You die at the hands of the Sith. I need to be prepared. I need to stop them." Arman said, knowing full well how the jedi feel about fear of loss.

"Don't be afraid my child. Don't give in." She said as she pressed her towering montrals and forehead against his. She continued to read his mind and sensed dedication rather than fear and despair. It pleased her greatly to know how much he cared. She was so proud of him, but she chose not to say so. She needed to discourage his behavior. She was very serious about the extent of his training. Arman was the type to overdo and overtrain and what it did to his body scared her. She knew her padawan felt guilty about it because she could read it in his body language.

"I don't want you getting yourself hurt over me, do you understand?" The togruta asked as she straightened back off his forehead and looked at him.

"I'm sorry master, I don't know what it would do to me if I lost you." He confessed.

Salekki closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths.

"It's my fault. I raised you as if you were my own. We togruta share strong connections to those under our care. I know it can be difficult for humans to let go." She apologized sincerely.

"I wouldn't have it any other way Salekki. I can't imagine a better master for me." Arman said reassuringly.

"Are you sure? Wouldn't you be better suited to a master guardian rather than a healer?" Salekki raised an eyebrow and read his mind carefully to gauge his response.

"Why would you say that?" Arman asked woundedly. He took out the hand that was under hers and stood off the bench.

"I feel I'm only slowing you down, my padawan." She looked defeated and could sense her padawan's mind racing ahead.

"You're the most gifted padawan I've ever met. You have ten times my strength, you're the top of your class in saber combat, twice the warrior I am and your healing skills will soon be my equal." The togruta confessed. As she read his mind, she could see the fear of loss growing, his heart quickening, but sensed he was humbled by her compliments.

"I can train on my own, you aren't slowing me down I promise you!" He said wholeheartedly.

"I need you as my guide. You're still my master, my conscience. I do as you say... I don't ever let you down, you know that." Arman defended himself.

"I only mention this because to you because I intend to speak to the council about your situation and I thought you should know." Salekki said.

"I belong on the front lines, right here with you!" Arman protested.

"As a healer or as a warrior? Be honest with me my boy, I was reading your mind; I know you thought of the war simulator the moment I mentioned coruscant." Salekki said much more accusingly than she wanted.

"They were just thoughts master, gone in a blink of an eye. I swear I want nothing more than to be at your side, healing the wounded of this war." Arman said desperately.

"Your heart is with me my child, but your mind is on this war with the sith. You have the spirit of a warrior. Once again, the fault is mine, had I known..." Salekki started.

"Really? You would have chosen another padawan?" Arman was really hurt.

"I love you Arman, I really do... But I'm no warrior. I have no idea what to do with you. I need guidance. YOU need guidance. I'm not brushing you off, young one: I only want what's best for you." Salekki said as she made sure her padawan could read her lekkus properly to understand how much she cares.

"What will you tell the council?" Arman asked worriedly.

"The truth." She said simply. She could see Arman was not convinced.

"I will propose a hybrid path for you; warrior and healer both. I will heed their council." She clarified.

"Please, Salekki, I beg of you: don't let them split us up." Arman begged.

"Have faith in the wisdom of the council my padawan." Salekki said as she stood up.

"We have a mission briefing in an hour. Get cleaned up and report to the ready-room... and get some rest Arman you will need all your strength." Salekki said before walking towards the door.

"Yes master." Arman clash said as he watched the tall togruta walk away.

He would do anything she asked, but he had his doubts about the council.