Chapter 48

"Those clouds cover the nut-trees. They are special, general. Their canopies release a gas that shields off all the undergrowth. The gas clouds cover a large area of Tyr. That's why we choose Cantamaga. In the old days, before Ribana had been occupied, only the harvest men lived at Cantamaga during the months they were gathering the special nuts which are very nutritious. Twice every year they use to live there before they returned to Ribana with the yield of their harvest. The rest of the year Tyr was uninhabited, until our fellow Quelans had been brought to Cantamaga."

Luke watched the holographic projection intently.

"How did you manage to reach the other continent?" He asked.

"After Darth Golluth's troopers drove the inhabitants of Ribana into the wild forest area east of Ribana the inhabitants of Ribana had to cross the wild areas to the east coast harbor of Myr. It's a wild and hostile area, where only the harvest men know their way. Manall, their leader ,his son Cornell, and some ten other harvest men smuggled all rations of food and water available out of Ribana. After our journey through those wild land we reached the eastern harbor. There the harvest men took over and organized the evacuation to Tyr and Cantamaga. They first took the women and children in their two huge hover boats across the ocean between Myr and Tyr. About two hundred Quelans could be transferred at a time, so the harvest men had to make the journey to Cantamaga several times, before all surviving Quelans were saved."

"The journey through those wild lands must have taken weeks," Leia commented, looking at the map.

"More than a month, madam. Manall and Cornell hoped to reach the eastern harbor within ten days, but the progress of the refuges was very slow, for we had to take care of our woman and children and the eldest. Nevertheless several of our eldest died during the flight. Mugin and me have stayed with our fellow inhabitants, until we were sure that also the eldest Quelan had reached Cantamaga safely. About eighty percent of the thousand inhabitants of Ribana has made it to Cantamaga. There they are still living in exile until it's safe to get back to Myr. My brother and I returned to Ribana with the idea that we could negotiate about the fate of the imprisoned younger Quelans. That decision was our biggest mistake. In stead of negotiating we were captured as soon as we returned to Ribana and set to work under the mountain ridge as well. Darth Golluth' droids and his ground forces imprisoned us because our help was illegal in their eyes. That is why, we were set to work under the mountain too."

"You and your brother have escaped and fled to Palomintar Six," Han asked. "How did you get off planet?"

"We were among a group of ten Quelans who succeeded to steal a small imperial transport ship which Darth Golluth' ground forces used to travel between Ribana and the imperial space ship which orbited Palomintar Four. It was risky, for only two of us had ever piloted a space ship, but we managed to stay out of reach of the blockade over the Ribana area and made our way to Palomintar Six."

"A blockade? We haven't seen any blockade." Leia said.

"Darth Golluth seems to have ended the blockade when he finally has settled himself. There are rumors that his droids have killed the remaining ground forces. We have heard these rumors years after we had come to Palomintar Six, for there was another successful escape several years later. Most of the refugees first traveled to Palomintar Six which is the nearest planet. My brother and I decided to stay in the Palomintar System, but most of the Quelans traveled on, looking for a new life elsewhere."

"What about your leaders? Hadn't they been able to set up a kind of defense system in the past, didn't the Quelans have an army or so?" Han asked.

"The small administration of Ribana consisted of two elected leaders and a council of the oldest Quelans. Palomintar Four isn't a place of interest, general. Quelans always choose to live separate and secluded from the world outside in the galaxy. Our way of life doesn't require much contact with the other planets in the system. From time to time tramp traders sometimes visited Ribana and we sold them our products and surplus of the nut harvest in exchange for sophisticated tools, utensils and fabrics, we couldn't make ourselves. We had no need for extreme luxury. Ribana was a galactic outpost which had grown from a small colony in the heydays of the Old Republic to a small town where some thousand Quelans made a living. We were happy with our way of life. Their elected leaders fled and are still hoping to find a way to liberate Ribana again," Toallin said and his cheeks colored.

"You couldn't have done anything else, Toallin, could you?" Luke asked.

"I don't think so, master Skywalker. Mugin and I stayed in Ribana as long as possible and made sure that everybody was brought safely to Cantamaga."

"You did, what you thought was right. You and your brother made a wise decision, Toallin. You both have showed yourself good leaders," Luke said.

The others looked astonished at the young Jedi Knight. Toallin sat down at the table with his face covered in his hands. Mugin stood with his back to the group looking out of a window, his shoulders shook. Toallin looked up.

"How did you find out who we are, master Skywalker?" He asked with a lump in his throat.

"I did some investigation on Palomintar Four before I left Irithim. I talked to five Quelans, who are employed in our intelligence service. Your story confirms their words. They acknowledged, that they have been former inhabitants of Ribana. They have told me a lot about what had happened during the occupation of the town. The occupation on Palomintar Four happened about eight years ago in a period when the New Republic was still at war with the remnants of the empire. Our leaders must have heard what happened in the Palomintar System. It's a pity that the Palomintar system wasn't a member of the Alliance, otherwise our forces would have attempted to help you at an earlier stage."

"We feel ashamed, master Skywalker, about our flight. The Quelans had elected me and Mugin to represent their interests. When those troopers raided Ribana, the only thing we could do was avoid any casualties among the inhabitants of Ribana.

When that small group could escape and leave Palomintar Four, it felt as if we forfeited the mandate the Quelans had given to us. At first we wanted to stay among the rest, but our fellow Quelans urged us to take the chance and seek for help elsewhere."

"You did the right thing. It has taken some time to get help, but we will help you and the other Quelans. We will seek a way to get Ribana out of Darth Golluth' clutches, so the Quelans can return to Myr," Luke said quietly. "Do you think some of the Quelans will be willing to help us with a strategy."

Mugin turned to the group.

"Probably the harvest men, Toallin, they all made it to Cantamaga. I'm sure they will help our new friends." He said and came over to the table.

Toallin looked up and nodded, then he looked at Luke.

"Thank you, master Skywalker, for your understanding, but what can a three Jedi and a few hundred Quelans do against a Sith?"

"Let's go to Palomintar Four. First we will investigate Ribana from above, if it's safe we land and visit the town. Then we will set course to Cantamaga and talk to your fellow men, if they are willing to help us," Luke said.

"Luke, visiting Ribana can be risky. Darth Golluth might sense our presence," Leia said mindfully.

"I agree with you, Leia, but after what I've heard I take that risk. How fast can we leave this place?"

"Any moment, master Skywalker," Toallin said with a hopeful smile. He looked at Ian, who had been quietly listening to the discussion. "Well, son, my brother and I could never have thought that hiring you would bring such luck."

"I promised, I would help you, Toallin. I'm glad my masters agreed to that."

"Master?"

"Yes, young padawan, what's wrong with you?" Luke looked up from the control panel of the Millennium Falcon.

He had just come out of a long Force contact through the Jedi-pendant. Liane had been very concerned about Ian, and he had reassured her that they had found Ian in good health. He also had given her a detailed story about what had happened on Palomintar Four and what he and his friends had decided. She had listened with great interest and had encouraged him to help Toallin and Mugin. Inwardly he had felt a great happiness, because she accepted and agreed with the consequences of these unexpected new developments.

Now he focussed his mind on the young padawan who had entered the control room. He felt a great uneasiness and disappointment in the young man.

"Master, why do I have to join general Solo and master Leia again; I thought ... Why can't I remain your padawan? Is it because you know about my affection for Liane?"

Ian Tydon looked straight in Luke's eyes.

"Master, I can't put the feeling out of my head, that you blame me, because I like Liane so much."

He sounded unhappy and Luke felt the turmoil in the young man's mind. He walked over to the young padawan and placed his hand on Ian's shoulder.

"Let's take a seat on those couches, Ian. You and I need to talk together, for ever since Toallin has revealed, rather bluntly I must say, that you're in love with Liane, you're avoiding me. Let me tell you frankly; I blame neither you nor Liane for your feelings for each other. That you're in love with Liane didn't come as a surprise to me. I have seen your concern and undisguised affection for her when we brought her to Mon Mothma's secret residence."

Ian blushed and didn't know how to answer. Finally he began to stammer.

"Master, ... Severini ...told that there ...is a special relationship ... between you and Liane. What's ... the meaning ... her words?"

"Has she, Ian?" Luke said and started laughing.

Luke's good humored response encouraged the young padawan.

"Yes, master. At first I didn't want to accept her words, for I really had in mind to win Liane's affection. I wanted to propose to her after she would have been really free, but Severini has told me that I have to look at my relationship with her from a different point of view. She wants me to help Liane along the Jedi Path and show her the ways of the Jedi."

"You're very honest, young padawan," Luke said with a warm smile of friendship. "But what Severini has asked you, isn't easy. Don't think you can convince Liane easily to follow the Jedi Path, just by telling she should do so. I've tried that several times and the outcome was rebellious and stubborn behavior on her side."

"Severini said that, although I'm still a padawan learner I must behave as a trained Jedi Knight should do, so Liane might see the influence of the Good Side of Force in my actions. She has to see my way of life as a padawan as an example for herself. Master, am I too inquisitive or offending you, if I'm asking you to tell me more about what Severini meant about your special relationship with Liane. Master Leia told me that it's unbelievable."

Luke laughed.

"If my sister has confirmed Severini's words too, I understand you have become real curious about what's the matter between Liane and me?

Ian nodded. Luke leaned back against the cushions of the couch.

"My relationship with Liane goes back for many generations. We're two luminous beings in Force that have shared many lives together. We become one with the Force, but in another life we meet again and we always recognize each other sooner or later. Liane is my twin soul, my soul mate. I know this sounds odd, for I have a twin sister, your Jedi master. However, Liane is the one with whom I'm connected in soul and spirit. I share my deepest thoughts and feelings with her unconditionally, for I know she understands what's in my mind without explaining or questioning and for Liane it's likewise. Our souls are one," Luke said without any reluctance in his voice.

"Master, but when and how did you recognize her as your twin soul this time?" Ian asked astounded.

"During my first encounter with her on Morantan the Force showed me who she was. To be honest, Ian, at that moment those Force visions frightened me. I felt devastated. We were opponents. I was her enemy and our enmity blinded her."

"So she didn't recognize you, master?" Ian remarked amazed.

"No, she didn't. I have asked her once, on Ortel, but she didn't show any sign of recognition. All in all it took nearly four years before Liane told me that she had heard my question on Ortel and that she had accepted the images the Force had been showing her about us. We've found each other back again."

"Four years, and all time you knew who she was, and she showed no sign of recognition! Master, you must have felt very frustrated. Why haven't you told her about your eternal relationship with her earlier? I mean, before she was imprisoned on Wegoyy."

"In the beginning Liane wasn't a very cooperative and friendly person, Ian. Don't forget that her foster-father had portrayed me as her enemy. I was lucky that our relationship had become at a friendlier stage before she was brought to Wegoyy. She had accepted me as a friend, but I would have possibly destroyed that fragile friendship, if I would have told her about our eternal union. In stead I gave her the Jedi-pendant which would allow her to contact me through the Force. I'm still in your debt, Ian, for if you wouldn't have left her the Jedi-pendant when you had to leave her in the Wegoyy desert, I might never have found her again."

"Are you sure about that, master?" Ian asked.

"It certainly would had complicated our reunion, if Liane wouldn't have had the pendant with her, when she had to face the truth that she wasn't Eilidh Grann, but Liane Solichor. So I'm still very glad she has been wearing the Jedi-pendant during those years she was suffering of amnesia."

"I think, master, that somehow Liane would have gone looking for you."

Luke grinned.

"You think, she would have gone looking for me?"

"She had her ID-card the one the Grann brothers had given her, master, and she had earned enough credits to pay for a trip on a regular space liner. Maybe she would have gone back to the Granns on Rasth. She knew, Marek Grann would help her. You told me that he had promised to warn you, if she would turn up in Bestine again. But these are simple speculations. It didn't happen that way. It's a pity that after all she has been through, she still doesn't want to be your padawan. I'd wish I knew a way to convince her. You know so much."

"Thank you, Ian, for that compliment, but Liane has to find her own way along the Jedi path. I can only give her my support."

"There must be a way to persuade her, master." Ian said very determined.

Luke laughed and shook his head.

"You're forgetting that Liane is a self-willed young lady, a little headstrong pixie in her own words. She will not change her point of view easily. I'm afraid, Ian, that it will take some time before Liane decides that her future lays with the Good Side of the Force. The only thing I can do is wait and be patient, but Severini couldn't have find a better person to support me, Ian. I appreciate your help." Luke reached out his hand, then he continued.

"But you asked me why you can't remain my padawan. Ian, my sister was your master before she married Han. We've agreed that I would take over your training for the time they were on their honeymoon. I want you to complete your training as her apprentice. She has started your training on my request, and she has done very well so far. My sister is a trained Jedi Knight. I want her to finish what she has begun and I'm sure you will benefit greatly of her instructions. Besides Leia is very fond of you. In fact she took the initiative to start looking for you when she got disturbing visions through the Force about what had happened to you. She told me that you both had short moments of contact using the Jedi telepathy I taught you."

Ian's cheeks slightly colored.

"What about the general, master? I'm not sure if he will welcome me on board his ship."

"You mean Han."

"He leaves the impression, that he's difficult to please. Won't he feel jealous about my apprenticeship with master Leia?"

Luke started laughing aloud. He thought about the rivalry between Han and himself for Leia's affection during their fights against the Empire.

"Han is devoted to my sister and the feeling is mutual. There is no force in the galaxy that can separate them. You will learn to appreciate his cocky behavior and the same goes for Leia. They complement each other in a great way. Stop worrying about your position. Look at Chewbacca who is a member of their union too."

Luke felt much relief in the mind of his padawan.

"Are you feeling reassured, young padawan."

"Yes, master. Are we really going to Palomintar Four?"

"We do. We leave tomorrow evening. Toallin and his brother want to shut up the cabin in a proper way. If needed they want to come back here." Luke said. "When we leave, Ian, I want you to join Leia and Han on the Falcon."

"That's fine with me, master." Ian said and looked relieved. He rose and left the control room. In the passageway he met Han Solo.

"Hey, Ian. Can you give Chewie and me hand with those boxes outside? And have you seen Luke?" Han asked.

"He's in the control room, general. Where ..." Ian started.

"Hey, kid, stop calling me general. I don't want to have you around in the Falcon, if you're constantly referring to my rank. It's Han, do you understand."

Ian grinned.

"I'll remember that, ge.... eh... Han. Where do you want me to store those boxes?"

"In the cargo hold, Chewie knows where. Make sure they are secured. It seems to me that those Quelan friends of yours have taken with them most of their belongings when they left Ktafunda. Never seen such a well-intentioned mess before. Well, I hope they can use it when we have routed that guy who's causing all that trouble in their home town. Luke, where are you?"

"Over here, Han. I'm planning the safest trajectory for our journey to Palomintar Four."

Han stepped inside the control room of the Falcon.

"Luke, don't you think, that young padawan of Leia isn't behaving a bit jittery and nervous."

"He'll be alright, Han, and he will do fine. I'm sure of it. He might still feel tense, but he has to cope with a formidable experience that not all young padawans experience."

Han shrugged his shoulders.

"You're referring to that funny dream of him. Nice story, Luke, but don't you think it's time for that guy to mature and stop daydreaming. Shouldn't he be more focussed on what Leia is expected of him."

"That's what he is doing, Han. What you see as a 'funny' dream, was a great Force experience. It has brought him a new balance in his Jedi training."

"It will be a great experience to have two Jedi Knights in my crew, " Han grumbled.

"Ian has a great sense of loyalty and servitude, Han. Please, give him a chance." Luke said.

Han grinned.

"Don't worry, kid. I'll accept his presence, because Leia is fond of him. It will do her good to finish his training. You don't know how concerned she has been about his well being. She had nightmares almost every night, although she said it were visions through the Force."

"She was right, Han. I should have listened to her earlier. It was lucky that Liane had a similar kind of Force vision during my stay in Mon Mothma's residence."

"You told me, you left Liane quite unexpectedly. Don't you think you should go back and tell her about these new developments?"

"Liane understands my decision. I don't have to go to Dalmaran right now, Han. First of all I want to see if we can restore or at least improve the situation on Palomintar Four. That won't be easy, pal."

Han sat down on the couch.

"Is the weirdo some one like emperor Palpatine, Luke?" He asked.

"I'm not sure. You know what Liane has told us. To be honest, I think Trevor is still trying to find his path to the Dark Side of the Force, but Liane is convinced he will never freely renounce his goal."

"And that means only one thing: destruction. I'm right?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so. It's not my intention, but I can't allow the Dark Side to take over the galaxy again."

"I see, kid. Well, I'm with you, don't forget that, and so are Chewie and Leia, and ... maybe that young padawan. What do you think; Toallin and Mugin will they be able to fight for their freedom."

"Their problem matches ours, Han, but I can't solve all those problems alone. Our first aim is to go to Palomintar Four and defend the New Republic against a possible growing influence of Dark Side of the Force."

Hesitantly Liane stretched her hand to the blue holocron. She had promised Jedi master Thon to return to hear the story of Nomi Sunrider. Carefully she took the holocron in both her hands and went over to the couch. There she placed the device on the table in front of her.

With great interest she looked at it. It's working was a mystery. How long ago had Jedi Master Thon recorded his knowledge? The story of Nomi Sunrider he wanted to tell her, surely wasn't the only knowledge he could pass on. That blue color was brilliant. Liane touched the cube gently with her fingers. What would the story reveal to her? Master Thon had said that she was as stubborn as Nomi. Who was Nomi Sunrider? She became a Jedi Knight although she didn't want to use a lightsaber. She didn't want to fight and use with the Force to kill, but she had been very strong with the Force, master Thon had said.

Again Liane caressed with her fingers the surface of the cube.

"I need to concentrate on the Force, otherwise I can't understand what he saying."

She placed the cube on the palm of her hand and turned inward to reach out to the Force. Almost immediately the blue haze appeared and condensed to the frightening beast that she had seen the first time.

"Welcome back, great Jedi," the voice of master Thon rumbled

Liane thought she heard a pleasantly laugh in that dark rumble.

"Greetings, master Thon," She said, "Yes, I came back, as I promised. Will you, please, tell me the story of Nomi Sunrider."

"I see you're carrying your training lightsaber. Will you ignite it for me."

Surprised Liane hooked her lightsaber from her belt and ignited the sword. The green sparkling blade extended at the end of the disk.

"Very good, a green blade. Just like Nomi. Are you always carrying it with you?"

"I do, master Thon, but as a keep sake. Luke gave it to me when we're assembling some training lightsabers in Ben Kenobi's dwelling on Tatoonine. I don't want to use it."

"Why not? "

"I don't want to fight and kill. I have witnessed so many terrible things done through the use of the Force, master."

"Because those terrible things were done under influence of the Dark Side?"

"Yes, master Thon. Luke's father Anakin Skywalker has been my foster father. I saw him using a lightsaber to kill disobedient prisoners. He taught me a lot of evil use of the Force too. I know he regrets now what he has taught me, but I can't get the visions of what I have seen out of mind."

"Did he force you to kill living beings?"

Liane nodded shamefully.

"I had to practise Force Choking on animals which lived in the Morantan jungle. I angered him if I got emotionally upset as they died in that horrible way."

"What you have seen and were forced to carry out, wasn't the way a real Jedi Knight uses the Force. You've only see its Dark Side equivalent. Tell me, would you have used Force Choke if you would have taken the decision yourself?"

Liane vigoriously shooked her head.

"I would never have done it, master Thon. I hate killing a living being, even trees and plants, for I can feel that they living beings too."

The big head of the Jedi Master nodded approvingly.

"A Jedi should always avoid unnecessary killing, Jedi daughter of Severini Solichor. A Jedi uses his power for knowledge and defense. Jedi who wield a green-bladed lightsaber have a high moral standard. They prefer light-sided Force use, like Mind Control, only seeking a confrontation as a last resort. "

"I know, Luke has told me the same more than once, but that unseen power still frightens me. I am afraid, if I ever should learn to wield a lightsaber I will become a servant of evil, like Anakin."

"Hasn't your master told you that his father was a good man in his youth; always helpful and full of compassion for those in need?" master Thon asked

"He did, master Thon, but what would happen if I learn to use a lightsaber and loose my temper? I have been outraged several times and when that happens I fear I can't control my rage."

"Nomi once did as you think you will do. She witnessed the murder on her husband and became so furious that she killed his murders using his lightsaber. Her outburst of rage had frightened her so much that in the beginning I couldn't persuade her to learn to use in the ways of the Force."

"Why can't someone with Force potential learn the ways of the Force without learning to use a lightsaber, master Thon. I only want to use the Force as a healer. I'm not interested in fighting. I think my mother was the same. She used the Force to heal," Liane said stubbornly.

"Your mother was a trained Jedi Knight, before she became the most powerful Jedi Healer in the Jedi temple. Your master must have already told you, Jedi daughter of Severini Solichor, that a Jedi finds his strength in the Force when his mind is focussed on her power. He can only wield a lightsaber if he fully commits himself to the Force. Wielding a lightsaber the right way requires a complete surrender to the Force. It is the Jedi's way to meditate on the Force and become one with her power. If you want to use the Force as a healer, Jedi daughter of Severini Solichor, you first have to learn to wield a lightsaber. You must learn to surrender yourself fully to the Force, because you need to control the full power of the Force if you want to become a Jedi healer. You don't understand the full power of the Force, if you think your mother Severini only used her Force potential as a healer. If necessary Severini Solichor could wield her lightsaber, because she had been trained as a Jedi," Master Thon rumbled thoroughly.

Liane averted her eyes. Master Thon's lecture about the use of a lightsaber had a profound impact on her and she didn't know how to respond to his words.

"Did Nomi Sunrider learn to use a lightsaber?" Liane asked gingerly.

"She had no other choice. It was her destiny to become a Jedi Knight, and be one of the most powerful Jedi in the galaxy ever."

"You have been her Jedi master, haven't you?"

"I was, the first few months after her arrival on Ambria Nomi needed time to overcome the death of her beloved husband. His unexpected demise had left her devastated. She was full of hatred and anger, mingled with pain and sadness. I had to leave her on her own and let her find a peaceful mind again."

"I pity her, for she had lost the one she deeply loved," Liane said with compassion in her voice.

"I pitied her too, Jedi daughter of Severini Solichor, but pity wouldn't have helped her. Nomi possessed many great Force skills. One of them was the Force ability not many Jedi can master. You have that skill too, Jedi daughter of Severini Solichor, and you have to learn to develop that skill much further."

Amazed Liane looked at the apparition in the blue haze.

"Nomi could change to outcome of the future. She could focus her mind on what was happening and change the outcome of it. It's called Jedi Battle Meditation. Do you recognize this?"

"You mean she could see the future and change the turn of what was going to happen.'

"She had a natural talent for using the Jedi Battle Meditation. During her life she had to use it several times in her strive against the Sith. That's why the Jedi Master of Old called it Jedi Battle Meditation, but the same skill can be used when you are a Jedi healer."

Amazed Liane looked at the apparition of the Jedi Master who had been united with the Force for thousands of years.

"Then Luke told me the truth, master Thon," She finally said aghast and breathless, "For when I'm using my healing powers I often get images of the future. When I pass those images to the ones I'm helping they relax and are willing to believe in the new future I'm showing them. Luke says, that Jedi Battle Meditation can also be used when fighting death or great despair."

"Often a fight leaves one party full of despair, Jedi daughter of Severini Solichor, and often that's the start of loosing a battle. Giving the fighters new hope through the Force using Jedi Battle Meditation creates a new outcome of the fight. But that same Force power can also be used in another way to turn the dark thoughts of the enemy party upon itself. Then enemy fighters will start killing one another."

Liane gazed through the blue haze to the opposite side of the cavern. There was a long silence between her and Jedi Master Thon. Finally she focussed her eyes back on him.

"I don't know how to thank you for sharing your knowledge with me," She said softly.

"Do you realize now, how important you are? You have a tremendous Force potential. You already can use the Force's healing powers; you can use the Force to invoke the Jedi Battle Meditation. I can't teach you anything more, Jedi daughter of Severini Solichor. Learn to wield that training lightsaber; learn to fully focus your mind and strength on the Force. If you have mastered this Force use, you have to assemble your own lightsaber in a Jedi Illum-meditation. Therefore you must go to the place where your master showed you the stone with the Adagan crystals. I leave you now, but you always may come back to me with your questions. There are many more holocrons to explore. Use them, and develop your skills as a Jedi."

The blue haze became translucent and finally only a few tiny wisps remained. Liane released herself from the Force and looked at the holocron on the palm of her hand.

"Thank you, master Thon, thank you," She whispered. With great care she placed the holocron back in its place and closed the door. Deep in thought she went back to the couch and sat down, thinking about the knowledge the old Jedi master had shared with her.

'I must learn to use my lightsaber, if I want to improve the Force skills I already can use,' She mused, 'but how can I do that?'

She leaned back against the couch and closed her eyes. She still felt ambiguous about learning to wield a lightsaber, but deep inside there was a spark of curiosity that seems to start growing stronger; a strange desire to get more knowledge and learn to use her lightsaber as Master Thon had explained. The old Jedi master had also said that Jedi Knights who wield a green-bladed lightsaber would use the weapon only as a last resort. That sounded good, for she felt that fighting wasn't the first option a Jedi would choose. She look down at her belt and touched the hook which held the lightsaber in place. Suddenly she began to smile. Of course, there was a way to practise. Luke had taught her how to move objects. She could start practising to get her lightsaber quickly in her hand.

Liane stood up and looked for a spot in the cavern where she could freely move around. Near the entrance was enough room for her exercise. She hooked her lightsaber off her belt and placed it on one of the boxes that surrounded the exercise place, then she took a stance in the middle of the place. She closed her eyes and visualize her lightsaber on the box, slowly she deepened her concentration and reached out to the Force. She stretched out her hand to her lightsaber. The device began to move and slowly it started to rise, then it floated in her direction and landed in her outstretched hand.

Chuckling she came out of her Force trance and looked the lightsaber in her hand.

"Let's do this once again," She murmured. She walked over to the boxes, placed the lightsaber on top of it and went back to her former position. Again she concentrated on the Force her eyes closed, when she stretched out her hand, the lightsaber immediately began to float in her direction, increased its speed and landed with a soft thud in the palm of her hand.

For the next three hours Liane practised the same exercise over and over again, until the lightsaber flew immediately in her hand when she reached out to it. The exercises demanded her full attention and concentration so much, that she lost all sense of time. She looked around startled, when her infocom suddenly began to buzz. It took her a few seconds to realize that it had to be Threepio calling her from the residential area. She switched on the device.

"Mistress Liane, when are you coming back. We have a visitor." The golden droid said.

"A visitor? Who?" Liane asked surprised.

"The Supreme Chancellor Mon Mothma, mistress Liane. She is waiting for you now."

"I'll be back right now, Threepio. Apologize on my behalf for my absence."

"I'll will do so, mistress Liane."

Liane switched off. The Supreme Chancellor herself. And she wasn't at home to welcome her. She'd better hurry. Quickly she walked over to fissure behind the entrance, while she raised her hand to dim the light tubes. Then she vanished between the walls and entered the long winding path through the shallow stream.

"Madam, I'm really sorry I wasn't here," Liane said as she hurried over to Mon Mothma who was sitting leisurely on one of the couches on the terrace.

"You don't have to apologize, Liane. I'm all too glad you seemed to have found your way around here," The Supreme Chancellor said, while she rose and embraced the girl, "Threepio told me you're exploring surrounding caves and caverns. You're from - what I should call 'home' - most of the day."

"It's a gigantic network of caves, madam, and the further I go the longer I need to reach the point where I left off, and the longer it takes me to get back here. Do you mind, if I take a moment to change my clothes and refresh. I'll be back within a minute," Liane said still panting for breath.

"Take your time, Liane. It seems that you've been running all the way back," Mon Mothma said with a smile.

Liane nodded.

"Go and come back after you've refreshed yourself, and take some time to relax."

Liane left the room. On her way to her private quarter she met Threepio.

"Have you offered the Supreme Chancellor any refreshments, Threepio," She asked.

"Yes, mistress Liane, but she said she wanted to wait until you had come back,"

"Threepio, that's almost two hours ago. Go, and serve her a drink, and, please, make me a hot herb tea."

Threepio shuffled away to find Artoo. Liane rushed on to her dressing room. Quickly she took out the white dress Leia had given; she took a shower, and dressed herself. After having done her hair she cast a glance in the mirror. Behind her reflection she saw the hologram picture of Luke, Leia had left her when she and Han had gone back to Irithim. She turned around and for a moment she smiled at the image.

"How do I look?" She whispered.

To her surprise she heard his familiar voice saying: 'You look great, my precious pixie.'

Her smile broadened.

"Thank you, Luke."

'Any time, my dearest comrade.'

Still looking at the hologram Liane shrugged her shoulders and walked over to the door. Through the connecting corridor she reached the living and walked over to the terrace, where Mon Mothma was quietly waiting.

The Supreme Chancellor clasped her hand and laughed.

"That dress suits you, Liane."

"I'm still glad that Leia left me some of her exquisite dresses, madam. But I have to be honest. They are outfits I can wear during my chores."

... or explorations." Mon Mothma laughed. "I understand, Liane. But I appreciate your choice to wear one of them while I'm here."

Mon Mothma took Liane with her to the couches.

"I didn't expect you, Madam," Liane said.

"Of course, you didn't. I haven't announced my visit deliberately. I wanted to know if you would be busy when I turned up unexpectedly. You didn't disappoint me, I must say, although I had to wait quite a while before you turned up. You did well to take an infocom with you so Threepio could call you."

Liane chuckled.

"The first times I left the residence on my own I didn't tell the droids. I even put a restraining bolt on Artoo. He is my guardian when Luke isn't here. He became quite furious at me, and for a while he even didn't want to follow my orders. I had to make sincere apologies, before his mood changed."

"So, when Luke is here, Artoo is free of duty. Which is exactly the point why I'm visiting you, Liane. Do you know, what Luke, Leia and Han are doing and where they are at the moment? Do you know if I can expect them back soon? Are they still in the Palomintar System?"

Liane heard a worried tone in Mon Mothma's voice.

"You don't have to worry about them, madam. As far as I know they are fine." Liane said.

"Did they find Ian Tydon? Is he alright?"

Again Liane heard the tension in the chancellor's voice.

"Yes, they have found Ian. He is fine. His wounds have healed and he had a fast recovery."

"Are you still communicating with your friend Luke in your way?"

"I am, every now and then, although Luke wants me to use the Jedi pendant every day I don't do that, for I don't want to meddle in his affaires too much. He has told me that they are planning to go Palomintar Four. It seems that my adversary lives there. But Luke also has told me that a great injustice has been done to the original inhabitants of a town called Ribana. Before Darth Golluth took shelter on that planet he invaded, raided Ribana and has sent the inhabitants into exile. He also seems to have taken imprisoners among the Quelan habitants of Ribana. They had to prepare his shelter deep under a mountain ridge. The inhabitants of Ribana have fled to another continent on the planet. The guys who have saved Ian's life, could escape from their force labor and went Palomintar Six. They were the elected leaders of the Quelans. On Palomintar Six they have tried to find help, but I understood, that the Palomintar System is at the edge of the Outer Rim Territories, like Tatooine and Morantan. Madam, do you want to leave Luke a message. Do you need his assistance elsewhere?"

Mon Mothma had listened to Liane explanation with increasing astonishment.

"Thank you, Liane. Although you're living very secluded here, your friend keeps you updated on everything he is doing. No, I don't need Luke's presence anywhere else. I understand they are busy, but three of our five Jedi Knights are in the Palomintar System carrying out an mission without immediately informing me. It's obvious that I'm a bit worried about their well being. If something would happen to them the New Republic would have a serious problem. Your friend Luke is the one who has to rebuild a new Jedi Order. I don't want him to put his life in jeopardy."

"Luke's a Jedi Knight, madam." Liane said. She wanted to laugh, but refrained when she saw Mon Mothma's serious look.

"Even a Jedi can be killed, if he is set off his guard. I'm told that Darth Golluth is a user of the Dark Side of the Force. He might be a serious enemy to all of us."

In a flash Liane remembered what master Thon had told her about Nomi Sunrider's husband. He had been a Jedi Knight and he had been killed.

"I'm sure Luke won't take any unnecessary risks, madam, but I will remind him and tell him you're worried."

"Tell him also, that if he needs support of any kind he must let me know. The Palomintar System isn't part of the New Republic, but there's always a possibility to send some assistance."

"I tell him, madam. He certainly will be glad to have some extra men to support them. But you could have asked me this also during your normal calls."

Mon Mothma shook her head.

"That's the second reason why I came personally, Liane. It's likely that our secret connection via Quoith has been hacked. The experts have warned general Madine and me and told us that it's no longer safe to use the connection to the residence as long as they haven't found out who the hacker is. The information technicians and the droid assistants have discovered a network of viruses in our communication system. Liane, I must warn you, don't take any incoming calls from now on, don't send any calls. I know I have promised I would be in touch with you every other day, but I have to reconsider that promise. It's no longer safe for us to use our chat connection. In stead of calling you I will try to find time to visit you once every two months. I understand that this must be disappointing, but I have to make sure that nobody finds out where you're hiding."

"You think, madam, they might invade this place, like they tried on Endor."

Mon Mothma shook her head.

"No, I don't think they dare to send an invasion force, but a single spy might find his way to this place. Can you defend yourself? I know from the past, that Luke called you an excellent shooter."

"I am, madam. It's not a title I'm proud of, but back on Morantan I learn to handle all kinds of weapons."

Suddenly she started to laugh, as she remembered her first encounter with Luke.

"Madam, as long as that intruder isn't a Jedi Knight I'm sure I can deal with him."

"Don't take my warning lighthearted, Liane. You have enemies."

"I know, madam," Liane said thoughtfully

Mon Mothma saw a expression of sadness appear on Liane's face.

"Let's forget this matter for the moment. I'm glad to be back here again. Have you been doing a lot of explorations?"

"Yes, madam, I have. I can show you what I have found. I have logged all my discoveries."

"Great idea, let's say we have a look at it after dinner."

"Fine with me. I'll order Threepio and Artoo to tell the cooking droids to prepare our dinner."