Chapter 105

"Yes, master Skywalker," the boy said elated.

"Shall we make a fast ride to the hillside? Hold on, Lorann."

Luke increased the speeder's velocity and drove fast at a safe distance along the outskirts of the small town. When reaching the farmlands he increased the velocity to the highest level and rushed the speeder up the steep path up the mountain ridge to the plateau. There he stopped the speeder and looked at Lorann who was watching him laughing out loud.

"That was so great, master Skywalker. I love driving fast. Where did you learn to drive so fast without hitting any obstacle. The path up hill is winding a lot and you never braked or lower our velocity."

"I always have enjoyed driving fast, Lorann, but since I learned to rely on the Force it's even more fun."

"Master Skywalker, what is the Force? I have heard Chati Fonaldris talking about it."

"The Force is an unseen energy field. It gives me as a Jedi Knight the possibility to make use of her power to do thing normal people can't."

"Like driving fast the way you did, master Skywalker."

"For instance, but although I've always loved driving at high speed, it's not what a Jedi Knight should do using his Force skills."

"But it was fun. I know you enjoyed it as much as I did."

"I surely did, Lorann. I've heard that you drove a speeder when your grandfather and Tama-Hin Kenobi through the wild lands on Myr to reach to campsite where the other harvest men were."

"I only drove to the first cabin, master Skywalker. Master Kenobi drove to the other cabins. He drove as fast as you did and we skipped the third cabin. He could do that because he is a Jedi Knight like you"

"Why did Tama-Hin take over?"

"My grandpa asked master Kenobi to get behind the wheel. The hover-pulse speeders are small vehicles. We also had a whole lot of boxes on the back seat. master Kenobi is an adult. He didn't complain while I was driving, sitting on the cramped back seat, but grandpa thought it was better if I would sit on the back seat next to the boxes."

"Weren't you disappointed?"

"No, master Skywalker, not at all, for I had time to think about an odd thing while I was on the back seat."

"So, it was a good idea of your grandfather to ask Tama-Hin to take the wheel."

Lorann nodded.

"Master Kenobi is a great Jedi Knight. I have heard that he has cured a very severe injury. The imperial officer who was working for the leaders of Coruscant on Myr had been shot. He had a big wound in his side, and he had lost a lot of blood. Master Kenobi has stopped the bleeding and he has done something I don't understand. He has put his hands over that big wound and than there came a strange blue light from his fingers. And that blue light stopped the bleeding and it repaired the wound."

"Who told you this, Lorann?"

"Chati, master Skywalker. She has seen what master Kenobi did. She didn't understand it either, but it was so awkward that she couldn't stop talking about it. She told me everything she had seen. Shouldn't she have done that?"

"I think she did well, Lorann. What Tama-Hin did to save the life of master Nori Thai was indeed amazing. He and his sister Shaayla-Car have inherited a very special way to use the Force for healing. We call them Jedi healers."

"They are a kind of doctors."

"A very special kind of doctors, Lorann. The Force is telling them how they can help species to cure injuries, overcome fear and encourage them to believe they will become healthy again."

"Do you also posses that Force healing, master Skywalker?"

"No, I don't, but that doesn't mean that I won't know what to do if someone is hurt, but I don't have their special skills. Why are you asking all this, Lorann?"

"When grandpa and I agreed to bring those traders and master Kenobi's sister to Myr, my grandfather was in much pain.

Urams had attacked him while he had been gathering some nuts in the nut woods. He had a big wound at his back where the talons of the Urams had ripped off pieces of flesh.

When my father went to Myr he ordered me that I should take care of the wound. I did what he told me, but I felt how much pain grandpa had. He insisted to bring miss Kenobi, her brother and his Jedi friend master Yarmod and the traders to Myr using the hover pulse boat.

Master Kenobi joined grandpa and me to meet my father and his men.

Master Skywalker, I don't know what has happened during our trip through the wild lands, for after we had reached the second cabin grandpa seemed to feel less pain. When I checked the wound on his back to replace the bandage his wound looks almost healed, while the evening before I was very worried about it. Master Kenobi hasn't helped me, for I thought it was my plight to take care of my grandfather as my father had asked me to do. In the second cabin I was astounded that the wound looked so much better. Grandpa asked master Kenobi to confirm what I had seen, but master Kenobi only confirmed my words. He also said that the wound looked almost healed. Master Skywalker, I still don't understand how the wound on grandpa's back could heal in less than a day. Could it be that master Kenobi has also cured my grandfather's wound?"

Luke looked at the young harvest boy who still seemed to be very confused.

"I think that Tama-Hin Kenobi has used his healing skills to lessen your grandfather's pain, for he must have sensed your grandfather's suffering."

"But I haven't seen him doing what Chati told me when he was helping that wounded officer."

"For a Jedi healer there are more ways to help those who are suffering, Lorann. Their special use of Force healing give them a great insight in which way their help is the most effective. Why don't you ask Tama-Hin Kenobi yourself, for I sense that you want to thank him for what he has done for your grandfather."

"I don't know if I should do that, master Skywalker. I don't want to annoy master Kenobi with my question."

"He won't be annoyed, Lorann. Tama-Hin is a humble Jedi who doesn't want to show his Force skills much. Shall we go to Cantamaga and see if he and his sister are already there? Maybe there will be a chance that you can talk with him without others will hear what your questions."

"That would be great, master Skywalker, for I really want to thank him. If he has done, what I think he did, he is really one of the greatest Jedi Knights. Will you drive as fast as possible again?"

"No, I think it's better if I behave as a responsible driver taking a boy like you with me in a speeder, don't you think."

"I guess so, master Skywalker. Thank you for listening to me and answering the questions I had."

At a normal velocity Luke drove back to Cantamaga and put his speeder next to several others. On foot they mingled with the crowd making who made its way past the many stalls with all kinds of different food and drinks set up along the streets of Cantamaga.

The first Quelan woman Shaayla-Car met when nearing Cantamaga's center, was Carmona, Udine's sister who let out a scream of joy.

"Miss Shaayla-Car. I have been looking everywhere for you, but I heard that you and the other famous Jedi needed to solve another problem, before you would join us. My sister will be just as happy as I am, not that you finally have come. I'm going to warn Mugin and his brother."

She ran away and the three Jedi friends watched her go.

"Hasn't she met Luke yet?" Yarmod asked.

"She has, but possibly only for a short while, when we landed on Tyr the first time with Toallin and Mugin," Ian said. "It was a very emotional reunion, I remember. Shortly afterwards we went to Myr with the harvest men and Luke never went back to Tyr until now."

Liane thought about Carmona's words, as the Quelan woman had brought up the rumor that there had been another problem Luke and she had to solve.

''Luke and I really need to be on our guard, otherwise our plan will be discovered,' she thought. 'Even though I don't like it, it's not a good idea to be seen together most of the time. I have to warn him that he needs to treat me nonchalantly too, as if I'm just one of his new Jedi Knights, just like my brother and Yarmod.'

She felt Yarmod looking at her. Immediately she blocked his Force connection to her so that he could not follow her train of thought and quickly grabbed his arm.

"Look over there, Master Martan," she said teasingly, "they sell that delicious nut bread over there that you ate almost all of when we were trekking through the wilderness."

She took her two friends to a market stall where several different variations of nut bread were on display. The Quelan woman behind the counter immediately began to offer them little pieces of the different tastes.

"You should taste this variation with nagawa cheese, ma'am," The woman recommended while she handed the three Jedi a buttered slice thickly topped with soft cheese. Yarmod immediately took a large bite and started chewing. Little piece of cheese appeared on his lips which he licked up quickly.

"You should be more mindful while eating, my young former padawan," A voice said behind him.

Still have his mouth full of nut bread and cheese, Yarmod Martan turned around. Behind him Wedge Antilles and Chati had walked over.

Yarmod got a shameful color when he saw that Chati looked at him with raised eyebrows. He wanted to swallow his bite, but instead of being able to look more dignified he got a coughing fit. Ian slapped him on his back, but it took several minutes before Yarmod with a red face was able to greet his former master properly.

"Your eating habits seem to have reverted to the level of when I took you under my wing as my padawan learner, Yarmod Martan." Wedge commented

"I'm sorry, master," He murmured, while Chati got a laughing fit

"Right excuse, Yarmod. I was right, maybe my master should ask master Skywalker if he is allowed to have you again as a padawan learner, so he can teach you some manners. "

"Mind your own business, Chati Fonaldris," Yarmod retorted.

"Your not a really splendid example for master Luke Jedi Order," Chati said.

"There must be differences within Luke's Jedi Order. I don't think Luke wants me to change my habits so that I have to be constantly on my guard when I put something in my mouth," said Yarmod, "but I agree that with this bite I really have damaged my image as a full-fledged Jedi Knight. Master Antilles, I apologize, it won't happen again."

"Until his next bite," Ian commented.

Liane had looked at Chati

"Where did you get that beautiful Jedi coat, Chati. It looks like new."

"My mother made it for me. She bought a piece of fabric at the local shop in exchange for one of her famous cakes and some gift cards. My mother is good at striking deals like that. Do you like it. She ask master Antilles if he would give her his coat to copy the model. I felt embarrassed when she asked him."

"You shouldn't have felt that way, young padawan. Your mother's question was reasonable and she handed me my coat back immediately after she had made yours." Wedge said.

"Well, well, lady daredevil, you're now really a junior Jedi Knight, I should say," master Kamalin said, and he also greeted the other four Jedi Knight. "It's still quite crowded, nobody seems to feel tired as these festivities are already going on for three days. Shaayla-Car Kenobi, it's good we meet again. You have kept your word and ensured that the intruder left our former hometown."

"After Luke told me what had happened to the Quelan community I felt it as my obligations too, master Kamalin. I was acquainted with the intruder's awkward plans as I once had a lot to do with him and not always in a positive way."

"You have put your life in dangerous for our community, Shaayla-Car?" the elder Quelan said showing his respect. "I have heard to you had a last encounter with him all alone. You're a very brave woman to meet this guy on your own."

"Thank you, master Kamalin, for these kind words. I'm all too happy that the Quelan community can return to Ribana and find their old way of life back."

"More than that, for master Cornell has told us that the old lake and river has been restored to its former glory."

"Due to the great work of the harvest men."

"And all the Jedi and their numerous friends. Shaayla-Car, I hope to meet you again these days to talk about the work that needs to be done in Ribana. For now we only celebrate the town's liberation." Kamalin said. He made a deep bow before he left.

"Shaayla-Car! Ian why haven't you told us that your sister finally has arrived on Tyr." A warm voice exclaimed.

The two governors of Cantamaga and Ribana were walking over to them.

"Why haven't you come, together with the other space vessels? Without you and master Skywalker our celebration isn't complete. I even heard rumors that you and master Skywalker left Palomintar Four in his ship and went into hyperspace, although I don't know what that really means. General Solo as tried to explain it to my brother and me, telling us that we have traveled through hyperspace after we left Palomintar Six as he brought us to Palomintar Four." Toallin said and took Shaayla-Car at her shoulder.

"Come with us, you and Luke are our guests of honor too, for three of you have had a severe fight with the intruder's droids army I heard."

Yarmod started to laugh.

"Yes, Governor, that was amazing. Suddenly we were surrounded by murderous droids, but when Luke used a special frequency device he had received from Master Thai, those droids collapsed and a new group emerged that stumbled over their mechanical brethren, making them less able to attack and giving us the chance to escape."

"Come Shaayla-Car, come Ian, yes, you too master Martan, of course. All Jedi should celebrate with us, you too my Jedi apprentice daughter, for you have find yourself a great Jedi master. Yes, I know, he asked you to become his apprentice, but I think you're a very lucky woman, being the choice of master Skywalker's friend."

The group around the governors with the three Jedi friends and Wedge Antilles with Chati in their midst were lead to the main plaza which had been decorated with all kinds of colorful paper flowers, curly garlands and real herbs and plants.

Liane looked amused with a happy feeling at all the surrounding crowds which greeted her and her fellow Jedi with cheers. Suddenly she saw Luke and Lorann coming from the other side of the main plaza.

Lorann seemed to spot some friends and said goodbye to Luke. Luke pushed his way through the crowd and reached her with a smile. He wanted to put his arm around her immediately, but Liane gave him a warning look and took a step back to be out of his reach. Luke, who had sensed her intention, changed his mind and turned to Ian and Yarmod. Liane breathed a sigh of relief and greeted Udine and her sister, who had also struggled through the crowd of their fellow Quelans.

"Shaayla-Car! Welcome to celebrate our regained freedom with us. When I heard that you and master Skywalker weren't among our guests I feared the two of you wouldn't come to Tyr."

"We're also glad to be on Tyr, Udine," Liane said and embraced Toallin's wife. "You look very happy. You too, Carmona."

"Of course, Chati has come back to Tyr, like you told me that she would. It's really great to see my eldest daughter as the apprentice of master Antilles. I never expected that he would choose my daughter to make her secret dream come true, but it is as in the images I saw of her. Oh, and all of us are very thankful that we can go back to Myr and see what's left of Ribana. I understand that there will be a lot of work to do, before the town will be as lovely as before. We never expected that what happened on Palomintar Six would be the lucky turn of the former events that lead us into exile." Udine rattled off exuberantly, while she looked at Ian.

"Yes, Ian Tydon, I meant what happened to you in Ktafunda. You did something very stupid to ran into those burning lodgings of Toallin and his brother. My husband told me that the medic droids put you in a Bacta-tank to cure you. If I would have been around I could have helped you too, wouldn't I, Chati."

Udine had discovered Chati and Wedge Antilles in the crowd that had gathered at the main plaza. Chati nodded excitedly.

"You certainly would have, mother."

Udine paid attention again to Ian and continued her elated conversation with him.

"Your recovery has been a miracle, Toallin told me. He still doesn't understand what happened to you. You, Jedi must really have a strong believe that even severe injuries can be cured spontaneously.

Come, Shaayla-Car, oh, and where is master Skywalker. Oh, there he is. Come, sir, yes you too. We have prepared a special dinner for all our guests. Where are those trader friends of my husband and where is master Solo and his wife and his hairy friend. We want to celebrate our regained freedom with all of you. Oh, I seemed to have forgotten to invite my daughter's master. You're my special guest, master Antilles, because you will make my daughter the happiest Quelan woman there ever has been. Oh, and I mustn't forget to welcome our new guest: master Thai. You certainly aren't familiar with our way of life yet, but we're all too happy to have you with us."

Nori Thai who was standing near Han and Leia made a bow, but was still looking around at the hustle and bustle around and on the main plaza.

"Don't forget your own people, Udine," Luke said as he stepped forward. "When I arrived here on Tyr the first time, we met with the harvest men among your people. They agreed to a plan which in the end has been very successful. I have worked with them on Myr and admired their believe in the project to get the water back at the surrounding area of Ribana. They have done a tough job. I appreciate that your people want to thank the Jedi and their friends, but I would like to thank Cornell, Wollin and master Manall for their effort. Without them the Jedi would have had a more difficult task to deal with the intruder who ruined your old way of life."

The crowd cheered and pushed Cornell and Wollin forward. Luke shook hands with them.

"Master Cornell, master Wollin, I want to thank you for all the new knowledge I have learned while being a member of a group of hardworking men. You have accepted me and my friends as your equals, for you made me one of yours."

"Well, master Skywalker, if you look at our cooperation on Myr that way, you will always remain Ben for me."

"A name of honor, master Cornell, which I will remember all my life."

In the mean time Udine and Carmona had gathered a large group of Quelan women around them. They managed to convince their fellow Quelans to rearrange the main plaza and organize tables and seating for all the harvest men, the Jedi, and the other friends. In the streets around the main plaza, the stalls were set up again, so that all the other Quelans could enjoy abundant food and drink there. With effort of the whole community the new layout of the square and the streets was realized in no time. The Jedi, the Granns and Han and Chewbacca didn't lag behind and also rolled up their sleeves. After everything had been rearranged, it turned out that the Quelan women had already started preparing an enormous supply of food on the day Cornell had returned, so that in a short time the tables and stalls were overflowing with all kinds of dishes and side dishes.

Toallin and Mugin guided their guests to the main tables at the plaza where they offered them a seat. After everyone had found a seat the festivities began and continued until Palomintar was already announcing a new day. Satisfied and expressing their gratitude to their hosts everyone found their way home to get some rest. The governors and their family had made arrangement in the buildings around the main plaza to lodge all their foreign guests. Nevertheless it still took hours before Cantamaga had become a quiet town again.

'Luke, are you awake.' Liane asked.

'Sure, why, my love?'

'Keep quiet. Don't reveal too much. Can you come to the plateau halfway the steep hillside behind Cantamaga.'

'Of course.'

'I hope that no one sees us'

'Probably most of them will sleep through the day and wake up near sunset.' Luke answered grinning.

'Perhaps the Quelans will, but I'm not so sure our friends.'

'You sound a bit nervous. What's wrong?'

'I'll tell you, when I see you at the plateau. I'm going now'

Liane broke off their telepathic chat and hurried silently down the stairs using Altus supor to remain undetectable. She found a backdoor exit unlocked and ran through the quiet streets of Cantamaga. Once outside Cantamaga she released herself from the Force and ran along the winding road through the farmlands that lead up to the steep path on the hill side. She cast a quick look back to the sleeping city, ran up the path and began to smile when she sensed Luke's presence. She waited so he would catch up with her and together they reach the plateau. Liane pointed to the path that lead to the other side of the mountain ridge.

"We need to stay out of sight, Luke?" She said.

Luke followed her without questioning her, sensing that Liane had a good reason to arrange her rendez-vous with him. When they had reached the second plateau, which offered a view through various rows of dense, tall bushes of a sea of ??nut tree forests, Liane stopped and flung herself in Luke's arms. Luke wrapped his arms around her caressing her hair.

"What's wrong, Shaayla-Car. It's a very long time ago, that I have seen you so upset." He said.

"I'm not upset. I couldn't sleep. I just wanted to be with you, and I sensed you were awake too," Liane answered and pulled his head down to kiss him.

Luke did not hold back and returned her passionate kiss.

"And then you decided we should meet here," He whispered between several kisses.

Liane shook her head.

"I have to tell you what has happened after you left with Lorann, and why I stepped back when you had walked over to me."

"I understood, naughty pixie, for I nearly spoiled our agreement, but it's difficult for me not to show how much you mean to me."

He pulled her in his arms again and Liane put her arms around his waist.

"Luke, we've agreed that we first want to help the Quelan community to restore Ribana."

"Sure, and I don't think you want to change you mind."

"No, I still want to surprise our friends and the Quelan community when Toallin and Mugin announce they will officiate our wedding ceremony. I can't imagine a better wedding surprise, but ..."

".. but what?"

"After you left with Lorann I had a chat with my brother. He insisted that I should tell him where we have gone. I have told him, that he should stay out of it, for he is no longer my guard. I pitied him, as I sensed his concern for me, because he was worried, because I left alone with you."

"Why is he bothering you? Severini has explained our special bond to him, when she helped him to find his own Force healing skills, and before we left Palomintar Six with Toallin and Mugin, I had word with him and explained our eternal Force relationship. He understood what I meant, and now he sounds as Eremian's Baroontarian priestesses with their warnings. " Luke remarked and almost started laughing.

"Luke, he was very serious. I told him that I have been alone with many men my whole life, and not just with you this time. I even mentioned the time he and Yarmod were with me on Na'ctaMagh'Ba and Tatooine, and many more examples, such as my travels with Yarnick and his brothers, which lasted more than a year. He asked me if I would tell him later. I replied that I would not, and said once again that it was none of his business. I didn't want to argue any longer and changed the subject of our conversation. I told him that we had to give the Quelans enlightenment and hope to regain their old way of life in Ribana."

"Do you think he suspect something. Your brother is a fully-fledged Jedi, Shaayla-Car. He surely has a good insight with all he knows about us.

"I didn't sense he is suspicious, Luke. He just want to act as my guard, as an older brother who has to protect a younger sister. I don't think I have convinced him. I fear that he wants to know the truth and ask you about it."

"And neither of us don't have to tell him, because when Toallin and Mugin officiate our wedding ceremony, we don't have to explain anything to him anymore, I guess."

"That's right, Luke."

Liane put her arms around his neck. Luke looked into her eyes and began to laugh.

"But it is likely that your brother is not the only one who could ask similar questions to us, right?" He said and gave her a gentle kiss.

"Yes, I suspect that among our friends there are many more people who want to know where we have been, and not only among them, but also among some Quelans."

"Chati for instance?"

"Certainly not. Wedge, who is also a Jedi Knight, might suspect something, but he certainly won't ask us about it and he will stop Chati from getting too curious. No, I'm talking about Udine and Carmona. Those Quelan women are very smart and will probably jump to conclusions quickly if they see us showing affection too often, or worse, if they see us kissing. Rumors and gossip will then do the rest. That is why I took a step back when you wanted to put your arm around me, but I don't want to do that every time, Luke, because I don't like turning you down. It would hurt me if I did that every time, but as long as Ian and Yarmod are around, they will keep an eye on me, because they still seem to feel responsible for me, even though I am a Jedi Knight now."

Luke burst out in fit of laughter.

"So it will probably be impossible to keep our wedding plans a secret."

"Maybe, but that might spoil the surprise we have in mind. Luke, you said that you might be able to arrange secret meetings between us once we're helping the Quelans to restore Ribana. We even agreed to meet in that deep valley behind the southern hills."

"You know the spot?"

"Yes, Wedge landed the Astræga there and we made the transcription of those files in Sith language and Jedieese."

"I actually wanted to land there with the Astráelig;ga so that we would have a comfortable meeting place, but I understand that that is not a good idea. Nevertheless, I still want to be together without anyone noticing or disturbing us. Just as you want to be with me, I want to be with you to show you how much I love you."

"If we want to keep our plan secret, we have to avoid seeing each other too often, Luke, otherwise everyone will ask us if we are more than just eternal Force partners."

Liane nodded and look unhappy. Luke was silent for a while.

"I want to be alone with you every now and then, while we are on Myr. I can't pretend I'm just a good friend, Shaayla-Car."

"I want that too, Luke, but there is a danger that our new, more intimate relationship might come to light too soon."

Luke shook his head pensively.

"Shaayla-Car, my love, there is a way to avoid that someone will be meddling in our secret plan, Listen."

With a few words Luke explained what had come up in his mind. Liane listened to her beloved friend and began to laugh.

"It might sound strange, Luke, but yes, this could very well be a good idea. After Wedge had initiated me as a Jedi Knight and explained why I met the requirements for the Jedi Trials, I still had some doubts. The evening after he knighted me, I reread the trials in the Jedi Path. Then Anakin, Master Thon, Master Odan-Ur, and my ancestral mother Nomi Sunrider came to visit me and convinced me that I fully deserved my knighthood. Later, Severini and Ben also said that I had passed the trials. I am a Jedi Knight; I do not doubt Wedge's decision, but I also find it a pity that I will never become your padawan, as we had agreed when I was staying on Na'ctaMagh'Ba."

"Did you ever express doubts about your initiation to the other Jedi?" Luke asked.

"Yarmod and Ian once said to me, that Wedge had given me his brooch to convince me, but I didn't really believe him, but they don't know that the Jedi of yesteryear have visited me that evening. Severini and Ben wanted to meet their son and tell him how proud they were to know that both their children have become Jedi Knights.

And as I said I still regret you will never take me to Dagobah for my trials." Liane said laughing.

"After you're my wife I will take you there, for I want you to see where master Yoda taught me the ways of the Jedi." Luke said, also with a laugh, but he immediately look very serious at her.

"What I propose could offer us the opportunity to be together at certain times, but it will not be easy for either of us to convince our friends that you really asked me to become your padawan. After all, you told me that you have doubts about your initiation as a Jedi Knight, even though Wedge explained to you why you passed the Jedi trials. As a Jedi Master, I must be demanding and I also expect obedience," Luke said gravely. "You have to accept that while among our friends I will behave sternly and distantly."

"I know how it is to be obedient to a very demanding master, Luke. From the moment Anakin took me to the domain I had to obey and carry out flawlessly what he expected of me, and I remember, what you expected when you taught me those first principals of Jedi meditation in the waterfall cave. You were just as demanding as Anakin, but much friendlier. I can at least try... no. I will do it; I will be your padawan for the time being, for I have told you that I am sure of my Jedi knighthood." Liane said with a serious face. "Luke, this might be the only way to be together at certain moments without revealing our true plan, but if we do, isn't that a bit unfair to Wedge? Wouldn't he think you're questioning his judgment?"

"No, Wedge knew that you were not entirely sure about your initiation. That is why he gave you his brooch, to ensure that you would believe him. If I tell our other Jedi friends that you asked me to be your Jedi Master for a while, so that I can explain and discuss all the Jedi knowledge you already have and what you still need to learn, no one will immediately become suspicious if I take you aside occasionally, away from everyone else. But you must regard me as your Master and address me as such."

"I will call you 'Master,' Luke, during that period. Hopefully, our master-apprentice relationship will be convincing," said Liane, as she took off the brooch Luke had given her.

"Take this back. You can tell them that I handed it back to you again, when I asked you to be your padawan."

"Very well. You're right. You can't wear this brooch if I'm not convinced you deserve it. Shaayla-Car, you will get it back before we will ask the governors to officiate our wedding ceremony. Until then, I will be your Jedi master, as I once hoped I would be."

Liane wrapped her arms around his neck and laughed with relief.

"Luke, after Wedge had initiate me I said to my brother, that it was a pity that you would never be my master. Well, I think being your padawan to keep our plan secret, would also fulfill the wish that I would be your padawan learner once I would be free."

"So, if your brother, Yarmod or Leia would ask where we have been, I will tell them that you have asked me to be your Jedi master, despite you have been initiated as a full-fledged Jedi Knight. To take away the doubts they might have, I can tell or even show them, you have given back the brooch I give you. From your point of view you haven't deserved that token yet, for you think that your initiation has come too early. Don't worry about Wedge, I'll will talk to him. He will understand why you asked me, my love. Agree?"

Liane looked at him with a careful smile.

"Agreed, master Luke, or should I say, master Skywalker."

"I will respond to both names, my naughty pixie, and I will turn my naughty pixie into my most beautiful dream fairy of the galaxy. To ensure that none of our friends, or members of the Quelan community, ask you questions, it is better if you stay more or less permanently in Astræga rather than mixing too much with the Quelan community before they will return to Ribana. If necessary, I can accompany you in Cantamaga, but you should not go there without me. A Jedi Master and his padawan are usually together, unless the Jedi Master instructs the padawan to perform tasks independently. Shall we really go ahead with it?"

"Yes, Luke, because I want to have moments together on Myr, when we support the Quelans restoring Ribana."

"Then I'll bring you to the Astræga now, before I will go back to Cantamaga to tell all our friends what you have asked me. Shaayla-Car, once you are in the Astræga, you will be alone most of the time, because you are no longer involved in the planning of Ribana's restoration. You must realize that your position will be completely different. I will come to the Astræga whenever possible, but I have to sleep in my guest room in Cantamaga, as I have to take part in the oncoming discussions about Ribana's restoration."

""That seems perfectly obvious to me, don't you think?" said Liane resolutely.

Luke laughed, then he took her in his arms again and kissed her passionately. Liane answered his kiss in the same way. They looked at their surroundings where the light of Palomintar was shattering a diffuse light through the clouds above Tyr.

Later that day, in the afternoon, Luke walked onto the Millennium Falcon's cargo platform, because Han, Leia, and Chewbacca had already begun rearranging the cargo holds so that the Quelans who would be traveling back to Myr with them could store their necessary equipment and tools.

"Han, Leia, I need to have a word with you. Can we talk?"

"Sure, what's up kid, you look a bit worried. Chewbacca we'll be right back." Han said.

Han and Leia took Luke to the control room.

"Han, Leia, I want you to know that from now on I will be Shaayla-Car's Jedi master." Luke said, looking seriously. "She has told me that she isn't sure, that her initiation to Jedi Knight has come at the right moment. She asked me if it is possible that she will be my padawan for some time, until I will tell her that she really is a full-fledged Jedi Knight, like all of us."

Han looked at his brother-in-law astounded.

"She asked you to be her Jedi master, despite that your friend Wedge had made her a Jedi Knight. Is that the reason why you left with her in the Astræga and vanished into hypersapce, instead of joining us on Tyr? When will that impulsive woman finally gain more self-confidence and belief in her Power Abilities as a Jedi Knight? Is this just another whim of hers? She talked with that weirdo to surrender himself, what he did, and all the same she still doesn't believe she can use the Force like you, Leia and Wedge and the other two can do? Did you believe her?"

"At first I didn't, Han, but this morning she handed me the brooch I gave her while she ask me again to accept she has serious doubts about her Force use as a Jedi Knight. I understood what she meant and have accepted her request, Han. Shaayla-Car will be my padawan and I have to decide when she will be ready to bear the title of Jedi Knight again." Luke said with a deep sigh.

Han looked frustrated at Leia.

"Do you believe this, Leia?"

"Liane always has had serious doubts about her use of the Force, because Anakin has taught her a lot of Sith lore, Han. Luke and I know how much she has struggled to trust the Force. When I met her after Wedge had initiated her I had the impression that she felt too overwhelmed. It's a good idea that Luke will be her Jedi master for some time and support her. Don't forget, Han, that Liane has been practising her Force abilities on Na'ctaMagh'Ba and Endor all by herself without the proper support of the Jedi master. As my brother has accepted her to be his padawan, we also have to respect her choice"

Han shook his head.

"Wedge Antilles must surely feel offended that she is mistrusting his judgment."

"He doesn't, Han. He told me that from the beginning he has sensed her doubts about her initiation, despite he knew that his judgment was right. He feels sorry for her that he could not really convince her, but he doesn't blame her for asking me to be her master," Luke said.

"What does her brother and his friend think? They must find this absurd, right?"

"Not really, Tama-Hin and Yarmod told me that they had the feeling that Shaayla-Car would indeed ask me to become her master after we met again. Yarmod was convinced that she never really has accepted her initiation."

"So, all the Jedi accept that Liane will be your padawan learner. The same position as Chati Fonaldris."

Han shook his head.

"She has been doing so many great things using her Force skills and she still doesn't believe in what she has achieved. I don't get it. I could name numerous things ...oh well, I won't be able to convince her either, but I do find this very frustrating." He said, shrugging his shoulders.

"It won't change our plans, Han, except that Shaayla-Car won't take part in any further planning. We still are going to help this community to re-build their old way of life on Myr. Shaayla-Car will do her share as a padawan learner, not as a Jedi Knight. Of course there also will many changes in my interaction with her. Every now and then, I have to take her aside to explain the more in-depth knowledge about the Jedi to her, so that I can put her existing knowledge in the proper perspective. I have been thinking to land the Astræga somewhere separated from the Falcon and the Grannd Traveler, so I will have a quiet place where I can be alone with her. I hope, you understand that this situation also feel odd for me. I've never heard that there ever has been a Jedi Knight who requested a former master to accept him, in this case her, as his apprentice again. I have to find out how I have to handle this situation."

"I think it's a good idea, Luke, to land at a more separated place with the Astræga. Liane surely has the right to have your full attention. That won't be easy, given all the help we still want to give to the Quelan community. I hope that your task as her master will be for a short time only. If we wouldn't have promised the Quelans to help them, it would have been a better option if you could go with her to Dagobah" Leia said.

"Thank you, Leia. I'm glad you understand my predicament. I have to admit that her request has astounded me."

Han still look suspicious.

"The Astræga went into hyperspace, where did you go with Liane?"

"Not far, Han. To Morantan. We went to the island of Felusa, where Obi-Wan once built a house for his family. Shaayla-Car asked me to go there because she had often been there with Anakin when he was teaching her the more forbidden Sith teachings. There, she asked me if I would to accept her as a padawan, which is strange in itself, because normally a Jedi Master asks a Force user to become his padawan. We spoke about her doubts, and she insisted that she wanted to discuss with me what the Jedi of old had told her and whether that would be enough to consider herself a Jedi Knight. I said that I had to think about her request, but after our arrival on Tyr, she asked me when I would make a decision. This morning I took her for a walk outside Cantamaga, and she immediately handed me the brooch I had given her. Her determination was so sincere, that I have accepted her as my padawan." Luke said, "If you don't mind I'm leaving now to dedicate myself to this unexpected task. Thank you, Han, for your understanding, although I notice that you are not yet completely convinced. I know what Liane means to you, but I would like to ask you to leave this to me."

Luke rose and left the control room of the Millennium Falcon, when suddenly he heard Leia's voice in his mind.

'You and Liane are awful bad liars, Luke Skywalker, but I will support your story and keep everyone away from Liane and you. Don't tell me what's going on, I don't want to know, yet.'

'Thank you, Leia.' Luke answered and walked down the cargo ramp.

He walked towards the Astræga, which, the day before, had landed at some distance from the two Corellian cargo ships. Liane was pacing restlessly back and forth in the control room. He sensed her nervousness about their plan as soon as he stepped inside his ship.

"Relax, my love. My story has convinced all our friends. Yarmod and your brother even said that they more or less expected that you would ask me to be your master. Wedge accepted your point-of-view and told me that he always has sensed the doubts you have had about your initiation."

"And Han and Leia, Luke. I'm almost sure that Han doesn't believed it."

"It was a bit difficult to convince him, but Leia supported my explanation and convinced Han to discuss your decision, no further. I also have arranged that I can land the Astræga in that deep valley behind the southern hills. Leia will help us to avoid any questions from others, if I take you to the Astræga."

"So, Leia doesn't believed us, Luke."

"Leia, will cover us, my love. She always takes my side. She has done so when I found you on Endor and she will do that now and no one will every hear the truth from her." Luke said as he took her in his arms. "I see that you have dressed yourself as a padawan learner. To be honest, I don't like seeing you with that braid and that updo ponytail, so once we're together on the Astræga I will undo that hairdo."

Liane put her face against Luke's tunic.

"The more I think of it, Luke, the more I began to fear this is ridiculous. I never should have suggested to postpone our wedding until Ribana has been restored. It might take months, my love. I should have faced possible opposition against our wedding, that should have been better."

"Lovely, always doubting, pixie. Not you, but I didn't want to face opposition against our wedding. I love you too much. No one may doubt your past, there's no discussion about that. Come on, my eternal comrade, you certainly will enjoy your status as my padawan."

"I hope I'm convincing. Anakin always said I was a very bad liar. He probably was right, Luke" Liane said.

"That's what Leia just said about us, but she added that she will help us."

Liane produced a slight smile.

"I trust Leia. She won't spoil this, for she knows how much we feel for each other."

"That's right, so forget your worries and be my lovely padawan learner for a while." Luke said and grab her coat.

"Put it on, Shaayla-Car. I have to go back to Cantamaga now. Toallin has asked all the other Jedi to be present at a council meeting. Do I have to explain what I expect of a padawan? Never mind I'll let you know, or maybe you should watch Chati, for Wedge will certainly instruct her what he expects of her."

Luke took his arms.

"Forget your doubts about our plan, my lovely dream girl and padawan learner." He said before he gave her a kiss.

Liane looked up to to him.

"I love you, master Luke," She said, as she answered his kiss.