Jedi Council Forums - The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): *New post by HaiGan*

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Author	Topic: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): New post by HaiGan
Jemmiah Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 1/30/03 12:27pm Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Not quite finished but heading that way!
	WEEK FOUR, DAY TWO, HOUR SIXTEEN: *************************** "I assure you, An-Paj," Master Terrulah's long, white whiskers flickered and twitched as she spoke, "that Master Berlingside did not enter the premises or even make it up to this floor, as far as I am aware. If as you say he has been located in the library then I assume his reasons for absconding from the infirmary had little or nothing to do with Kryztan." An-Paj did not seem particularly convinced, even although Simeon's communication barely a minute earlier had conveyed the truth of the matter to both himself and the temple's most revered soul healer, Master Terrulah. Glad that Dex had been found more or less in one piece, An-Paj had grave reservations all the same as to what the Corellian's secret agenda might be. "Nobody in their right mind," An-Paj ventured his opinion to the acknowledged expert, "would risk their health just because they were bored and wanted to get out of the infirmary for a bit. I know Master Berlingside quite well. For all his flippancy, he's an intelligent man not given to rash decisions. When one looks for an explanation for irrational behaviour, one has to look at the circumstances that individual finds themselves in. That is surely the key, wouldn't you say?" The Rantil's pupils shrank slightly. "Are you telling me or asking my professional opinion?" She asked with a toothy, felineoid smile. "Oh, believe me," An-Paj clapped the soul healer on the arm, leading her back towards the infirmary, "I do not have the answers. Instinct alone tells me that this recklessness is tied up with this terrible business with Kryztan. It must have taken a lot of effort to haul himself out of bed, even assisted." The healer's eyebrows folded towards each other when he remembered exactly who had helped him to escape. "That shows a lot of determination, especially considering the risks. I can't make the connection with the library, though." "Sorry?" Terrulah frowned. "Something Simeon said. Why go to a library? If you manage to get away from a place construed as deadly dull and boring, why visit another place that is considered equally dull and boring? It makes no real sense. What information could he be searching for?" As they walked Terrulah attempted to look at all the possibilities. She knew quite a deal about Master Berlingside, purely because the files kept on his master were fairly large. Now that they were treating Kryztan the soul healer had not unnaturally done a little research on the boy's former master. Even tempered, generous and usually a reliable type of person, it took little effort to see that An-Paj's conclusions were fairly sound. "There must have been something in the library that he felt was important enough to look at. Maybe he was also trying to research this dark presence that Kryztan is so afraid of, just like Master Poof has been these past few days." She suggested in her low-pitched growling voice. "Maybe he feels that is all that is left to him, now that his padawan has been taken away from his care." "Solve the problem and redeem Kryztan at the same time?" An-Paj considered, walking with his hands folded behind his back. "Possibly…" "Maybe we might be able to enquire as to what he was doing there from those in the library." Suggested the feline, her moccasin-clad feet padding gently alongside those of the healer. "That's if Master Berlingside himself doesn't feel like supplying the answers…" An-Paj's face became stern. "Master Berlingside will not be telling anyone anything for a very long time. I've given Master Xadaani instructions to treat him for his addiction and keep him sedated at all times until the leg is healed. I do not wish a repeat of his sudden wanderlust. Next time he might not be so lucky. How am I supposed to heal the man if he will not let me!" "Jocasta-Nu might be able to help us with this puzzle, but," Terrulah added cautiously, "I think our main concern must be for Kryztan. I cannot see how contact with his former master can cause anything but further stress - for both parties. I do not know if the council have finalised a date yet for Knight Kizzen and Padawan Harkley to leave…" "Kurtas has said nothing?" An-Paj wondered as they came to a halt outside the turbo lift. Terrulah shook her dark fur. "Nothing. He did say that he was undertaking some last minute research on K'noptrix…" An-Paj's eyes and that of the felineoid met instantly, not so much as blinking. It was one of those recognisable moments where the force could be actively said to reveal the truth to two previously unenlightened individuals, scratching around for clues to the bigger puzzle. Unwavering, Terrulah's eyes became two round circles of black. "That is why he was at the library." She said with finality. "Trying to discover the whereabouts of the place that Kryztan was being sent!" But had he found what he had been looking for, wondered An-Paj silently, and if he had; what then? Would he follow Kurtas and Kryztan to K'noptrix? Would he be content to leave well alone? And the council? What would their collective wisdom dictate? A change of plan? Or merely an accelerated one? An-Paj chewed on his lip for some moments, thinking. "Is Kryztan fit to leave?" He asked somewhat abruptly, causing the feline's whiskers to stand proud like an aerial. "Now, I mean?" "Well…yes. I have informed him of the council's decision and he has accepted it." Terrulah paused as the doors of the lift opened before them. "It is not so much a matter of whether Kryztan is ready as whether Knight Kizzen has fully prepared himself. I don't believe that he and Kryztan have exchanged so much as a sentence since the council's ruling was made…" "Then it's time that he did." An-Paj boldly took the surprised soul healer's arm and walked with her into the turbo lift, determined to keep the momentum going. "I'm going to talk to Master Yoda, with your permission of course, and see if we can't get Kryztan and Kurtas away from Coruscant as soon as possible. A clean break for everybody is probably what is needed, and definitely in Kryztan's best interests." Terrulah nodded. "He's beginning to brood a little, I think. The waiting seems intolerable to him. I believe he wants to move on to a new stage in his life but he's reluctant to put his old master from his mind." "Precisely why we have to keep Master Berlingside as far away from him as possible." Agreed An-Paj, feeling the still tender spot on his recently repaired antenna. "Of course, if Ferdi's done her work then that shouldn't be a problem. Such a horrible turn of events," he added with heartfelt reluctance and sympathy for Dex's plight, "although brought upon himself to a certain extent. I feel for him, however. It can be difficult, this padawan business. I've had my problems with Simeon over the years although in his case it has been mainly due to lack of self-belief, rather than Kryztan's problem of too little humility." "Maybe," Terrulah suggested, watching the doors entomb them within the lift, "Simeon fears he is a pale copy of his master." "Now you flatter me too much!" Smiled An-Paj, glancing at the screen that ticked off the numbers of each and every floor that went whizzing past. Simeon Cates and Kryztan Harkley: you could not get two more different people to compare if you tried! By the looks of things, An-Paj could safely say he had got the better deal in his padawan. Simeon was finally beginning to prove his metal, whereas Kryztan had elected to throw it all away…all that talent cast aside because of weaknesses that could not be admitted to his master's face. Confidence was a good thing, naturally. Too much was every bit as likely to get you in serious trouble as too little: worse still because it tended to hurt others in the process. If only Kryztan had learned to temper his self-worship! Then maybe he might have left himself less vulnerable to attack from unscrupulous, unseen beings… "Speak to Kurtas for me, would you?" An-Paj asked of Terrulah. "Suggest that now is the time to move on, unprepared or otherwise. He can learn as he goes, and K'noptrix is far from inhospitable. There is little he will need to know about the planet that he cannot discover first hand." "And if I do," Terrulah's great yellow-green eyes blinked back at him, "and he says yes. What then? Leave this day, is that what you mean? Without saying farewell to his master? Knight Kizzen would be most loathed to do that. " She scrutinised him for a moment, trying to analyse the man with her years of training in recognising facial expressions and what they meant. "That is why you had Healer Xadaani sedate Master Berlingside, wasn't it? So that he would be unable to challenge this?" An-Paj gave an unhappy shrug of his shoulders. "You make me sound rather callous. No, I didn't plan it like that but the truth is that I am happy to make the most of the situation now that it has arisen. Get the pair of them away - far away - whilst he can't kick up a fuss and endanger himself further still. No doubt when he finds out," the blue of the healer's skin flushed a faintly guilty pink around his cheeks, "it will sting him a little. But he's a forgiving man and will no doubt bounce back. Who knows, maybe he'll take on another padawan one day?" And so - should all parties agree - it would be all over in the space of a few hours, thought An-Paj. He couldn’t help but feel relief. Always with Kryztan there was that nagging feeling of a time bomb waiting to explode. The soul healers would protect him of course, but for as long as he stayed on Coruscant he was at risk, and for his sake it would be best to move him as soon as possible. Let him try and rebuild his life as best he could: how well he did in this endeavour would be up to him. It was out of everybody's hands except for Knight Kizzen. Just like it was out of Dex Berlingside's hands. //I am sorry, my friend.// An-Paj tried to project through the force, sensing the Corellian master's drug-induced stupor. //Deeply sorry. I trust that, as always, you face it with the good grace you are so uncommonly blessed with. For when you next awaken the world will seem a very different place indeed…// -----signature----- The new improved Hell's Chance Cantina! Home for many assorted JA fanfic stories!: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/index.html Open to all: have a go at Star Wars Caption Contest no.7: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/Caption_comp.html
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mouse2 Registered: Oct '99	Date Posted: 1/30/03 12:55pm Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Not quite finished but heading that way!
	Oh wow! Poor Dexy and poor An-Paj for seemingly being force to do that too him. I certainly hope that An-Paj is right and Dex will bounce back and return to his normal self. Although I doubt he'll be forgiving anyone anytime soon. Including himself! I also quite like the comparison An-Paj made between Kryztan's inflated self-worth and Simeon's self-doubt. Fabulous post Jem! -----signature----- Want to know what ANTAR and TLST are? Visit Hell's Chance! http://www.hellschancecantina.com Proud Master to Lola64! I've gone into lurking mode... If you need me feel free to PM me...
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RogueJaina Registered: Jul '01	Date Posted: 1/30/03 1:00pm Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Not quite finished but heading that way!
	Poor Dex. It does seem a bit harsh to not even get a "farewell" with Kurtas. Great posts! -----signature----- Please welcome our family's newest (future) SW freak: Emma Rose Born April 5, 2004 8 lbs., 2 oz 20 1/2 inches and very healthy and beautiful! The Force is strong with this one!
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Healer_Leona Registered: Jul '00	Date Posted: 1/31/03 6:11am Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Not quite finished but heading that way!
	Hmmm... I still can't agree with the supposed wisdom of the Council on this. Wouldn't Kryztan, facing his Master and getting the chance to admit his weakness, wrong-doing, etc. be a way to begin his healing??? All this shutting him off from the person they were closest to does seem harsh and how else would one think it as, in Dex's case that it was because he was at the very least partially responsible for Kryz's slide to darkness??? Only increases my distrust and belief that the wisdom of the Council is fading. And I certainly agree with poor Dex! He's going to need much support in the days ahead. Superb post Jemmmy!! -----signature----- I'm older now and still running against the wind
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mouse2 Registered: Oct '99	Date Posted: 1/31/03 12:22pm Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Not quite finished but heading that way!
	Golden brown eyes looked over the top of a nerf shank that was about the size of a small child. What was she doing here? Was it some sort of sickness that she enjoyed, or was it after spending every moment with another person the past few weeks that she craved company? “Now tell me everything Rela-dear. Starting with the pirates boarding! I always love a good action-holo.” Rela rolled her eyes as she watched her neighbor Mrs. Krabople put another try filled with spicy tooni foul wings on the overflowing table. There was enough food here to feed the entire building, or at least a couple of tapeworm affected padawans. She might have to bring Frizzy here. Rela opened her eyes horrified at the thought! There was no way she was going to let Mrs. K corner him and ask him all those embarrassing questions that she tended to ask. Only if she wanted to chase him off! At least that is if he hadn’t changed his mind about her by now. But Frizzy wouldn’t do that to her, would he? “Rela-dear…” Mrs. K asked impatiently. “Oh! Sorry Mrs. K, I was trying to think back. It was about three weeks ago when it happened. It’s not something that I really care to relive. The only thing I can really remember is getting trapped in one of the bars with a friend and we had to shoot our way out.” Stupid! That’s it just casually bring him into the conversation. No the information magnet isn’t going to pick up on that one! “Which friend? Is it one that I would possibly know?” Rela groaned to herself. There it was. Now she was going to have to say his name and she’s going to know everything. She wasn’t ready for this! What did she know about relationships? Yes, she could admit to herself that she really enjoyed his company and wished she could be with him now. Rela could also understand now why Scrubby and Jemmy tended to act the way they did. But was fear supposed to be part of the equation? “I don’t think you do Mrs. K.” Rela answered truthfully. “He’s someone that I met through Jemmy and Obi.” Rela couldn’t be sure but she could have sworn that Mrs. K’s eyes lit up like twin suns. “He, is it.” Mrs. K muttered. Kriff! Now how was she going to get out of this! There was no way that she wanted to discuss Simeon with her nosy neighbor. “Er… Mrs. K I don’t mean to be rude but I’d really not like to talk about it. It was a pretty painful experience.” “That’s okay dear.” She answered consolingly “But what is his name.” At that moment the door opened and just when Rela thought it couldn’t get any worse, it did. “Hello Rels, Edna. Howse youse doin’?” Brak asked as he couldn’t figure out what to look at, the food-laden table or Rela sitting at it. “Sit down Brak before you give yourself a stroke.” Rela cocked an eyebrow in annoyance as Brak nearly broke his neck trying to sit down next to her. He didn’t wait for an invitation, but went directly into eating. Rela just gave a half-hearted shrug and started picking at some of the food in front of her. She couldn’t help but smile at the thought that if her Frizzy was there he would be arguing (granted with his mouth full) that she stop picking at it and eat it. “How are you Brak?” Mrs. K asked trying to get the conversation going again. “Rela here was just telling me all about her adventures the past few weeks. Plus the poor dear looks nearly starved.” Rela felt as if the small amount of food in her mouth had just turned into dirt. If she was nearly starved, she hated to think of how Jemmy looked. “So Rels, now that youse is back. Howse about that date you promised me?” “A date?” Mrs. K asked delighted. “What date Brak? I never promised you a date.” Rela stated a matter-of-factly. “Oh! It will be fun!” Mrs. K clapped excitedly. That was it! Rela couldn’t take it anymore. True she wasn’t certain how Simeon even felt about her now that they were off that awful moon. He could be at this moment trying to think of a way to tell her that now that they were back it had all been a mistake. Then again if he was anything like Obi-Wan he would want to know all about her past and that wasn’t something she could share. If he did find out he would most likely be horrified and run as quickly in the opposite direction. But right now she hoped that he would forgive her as she used him as an escape. “Sorry Brak, I cannot go on a date with you. Actually I’m seeing someone.” Looking up Rela noticed that open-mouthed look on her neighbor’s face. “And yes Mrs. K he is the one I was trapped in the bar with. And no I won’t tell you his name. You’ve got to find that out on your own!” Without looking back Rela strode purposefully out of the room. Mrs. Krabople and Brak were left behind staring first at the door then at each other. “Edna?” “Braky, “ Mrs. K sighed excitedly. “This is the best news I’ve heard in the longest time!” -----signature----- Want to know what ANTAR and TLST are? Visit Hell's Chance! http://www.hellschancecantina.com Proud Master to Lola64! I've gone into lurking mode... If you need me feel free to PM me...
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Jemmiah Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 1/31/03 3:58pm Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Not quite finished but heading that way!
	You tell her, Rela! I could almost see Mrs. K wringing her hands in delight at the idea of Rela being attached at last! And I sooo love Brak! You have to feel sorry for the guy! He's just so desperate! Bravo, Mouse! ************ WEEK FOUR, DAY TWO, HOUR EIGHTEEN: Ever since she had read that note, Jemmiah had been looking at him in ever such a peculiar way! Funny how a single piece of flimsy could make a man nervous, even one trained to utilise the force. Their conversation had been warm, friendly and loving if somewhat low-keyed in light of the fact that Evla was sitting not terribly far from either of them, more like the bantering discourse of brother and sister than of lovers. Maybe, Obi-Wan reflected cautiously, that was no bad thing given the way that Jemmy would regard him every so often, smiling coyly and watching him as if she were somehow seeing him in a completely new light. What had that note said? And what exactly did it mean for him??? He wasn't entirely sure he liked the way she was looking at him… like he was some kind of giant deep crust sand-dune pizza she wanted to nibble! Not that he was against nibbling as a rule, just that it wasn't the sort of behaviour that should really be indulged in before one's elders and betters. If there was one thing that Qui-Gon had finally managed to drum into his skull, it was the need for discretion. And there she was…ogling him like he was some kind of object to be drooled over! If it wasn't so flattering (and if it wasn't what he dreamed of in private) then he might have cause to feel truly humiliated. Evla however seemed to ignore the slightly lascivious looks that Jemmiah was darting towards Obi-Wan with the deftness of one who had seen it all before, willing to put up with almost anything if it kept her daughter happy and her mind off the wretched machinery attached to her body, keeping her alive. Jemmy smiled at him, the taught hollows in her jaw showing acutely through her skin, making Obi-Wan wince. There was very little he wouldn't give or do to have her well and be her normal self again, but it would be a long, drawn out process. This time he intended to stick around and be there to help whenever she needed him, for Lauria's evil shadow had left its mark upon him and he was not afraid to admit it. He knew that he had no right to ask or to hope for some more time together, especially when his life as a jedi correctly took center stage in his life, but for once - just once - Obi-Wan decided it might just be worth while speaking to Yoda. It was beneath him to beg the council not to send himself and Qui-Gon away on a mission anytime soon, but leaving Jemmy behind again would feel as if he were somehow slapping her in the face given the not to recent past… "What's that smell?" Evla wondered absently, sniffing the air about her as if there were a really bad stink under her nose. Jemmy wrinkled up her nose. "Can't smell anything. Not even Ben's socks! My sense of smell isn't terribly great at the moment." "I wish I could say the same." Evla stared across at Obi-Wan, who flinched slightly under her probing gaze. "I'm hoping it's not that dog I met onboard the Emblematic…the big drooling creature with the fangs…" Obi-Wan sniffed, scenting the air just as Evla had done before him, knowing full well that the source of the smell lay firmly with himself. No matter how he had scrubbed or soaped himself with a sponge the disgusting, pungent odour refused to let him go! Bad enough that Evla was gazing at him as if he hadn't changed his clothing in over a year, but to have Jemmy looking on him with such curiosity - especially when she herself couldn't tell that he was to blame! It might not be fair, but if he was careful he might get away with a tiny little white lie… "It could very well be the dog." Obi-Wan agreed, knowing that now the idea was seeded in Evla's mind as the likeliest scenario, she wouldn't contemplate any other reason. "He IS rather…vaporous." "Jemmiah, he CAN'T stay." Evla turned away from Obi-Wan to face the shocked eyes of her daughter. "Now, don't look at me like that…please. I can't bear it! But it's the truth…I can't put up with that dreadful smell all the time! I don't want to have my clothing smelling of effluvious dog! Think of the poor crèche children!" "You don't mean that!" Jemmiah looked at her, aghast. "Send Zebedee away? I've only just got him back!" "Master Sovalla, I'm sure that it’s not as bad as all that…" Obi-Wan suddenly felt the need to jump back into the conversation to defend the poor creature he had helped malign. "Bad? I can scarce draw breath!" Evla fanned the smell away from her face in protest. "I didn't want to say anything before, Obi-Wan, but I think one of us is going to have to leave the room, and seeing as how you are the one who is covered in smelly dog drool it might very well have to be you…" "Evie, don't send Ben away!" Jemmy made a grab for Obi-Wan's hand. "I like having him here! And don't take Zebedee from me either! I won't let anyone take him from me, I don't care what I have to do or where I have to go!" There was real fire in her eyes this time, the padawan noted. "Why does the force want to take everyone from me?" Evla, seeing her daughter becoming distressed, attempted to hush her in as comforting a manner as was possible using her skill with the force to calm her. Placing her hands against Jemmiah's arm, a gesture that seemed both intimate and reassuring, Evla sent small force waves to the young woman through their contact, hoping that her oft used technique, so affective on stressed initiates, would somehow work. With Jemmiah being that bit bigger the effort needed redoubling, and Evla soon realised that she no longer had the same strength in the force that she once had. Her illness, it seemed, had robbed her of much energy - just as An-Paj had warned. She broke away from the physical contact, her head spinning slightly. "Don't get upset, Jemmiah." Was all she could say in an attempt to cover her weakness, hoping the Corellian wouldn't see it for what it was. Jemmiah HADN'T spotted the lapse, so intent was she on the fate of her beloved pet, but it appeared that Obi-Wan had. The crèche master caught his eye for a moment then very quickly looked away, hoping to pull a veil over any questions he might have, but to his credit the padawan remained silent. Just as well, thought Evla gravely, for she had no answers to divulge. "Evie, given time I'm sure we'll learn to get along with him…" The hope in Jemmiah's voice was unmistakable, and Evla felt loathed to crush any optimism that she felt, yet was unwilling to let her get her hopes up unnecessarily. It just felt so wrong! Jemmiah's words had unintentionally struck home in the most heart wrenching way. Why does the force want to take everyone from me, she had said? It certainly must look that way to her. Evla acknowledged, as Qui-Gon had before her, that Zebedee was in many ways a crutch: something she could focus her attention on and deflect the pain she might be enduring elsewhere, physical and mental. Did she have the right to take that crutch away? First her child, then her pet…and then when the inevitable happened and she too became part of the force, what then? It wasn't the thought of physical death that bothered Evla most: only the lingering feeling of disappointment that she had somehow let Jemmiah down when most she needed her. It was only when Qui-Gon unexpectedly entered the room that Jemmiah began to appreciate just exactly the struggle she was facing on the matter of her precious pet. One single, ventured look into his blue eyes told her that he had some news to impart that she might not necessarily care for… "How are you feeling, Tangles?" He enquired with a careful, if genuine smile. The distrust he visibly received in return was slightly wounding, but he made light of it inasmuch as he felt he was able. "You're looking much better than last time I saw you!" "It must be all those chocolates!" Evla scolded her, reminding the Corellian of her earlier bad behaviour. "And before you say anything, I'm seriously thinking of throwing them away!" "That would be a terrible waste…" Obi-Wan grinned at Jemmiah, winking at her. "Especially when I can think of some deserving individuals who might appreciate them a lot better than the garbage bin!" "I thought you WERE the garbage bin, termite!" She teased right back, but never for a moment taking her eyes from Qui-Gon's face. She wanted to stall him, even though she didn't really know why, except that her throat was suddenly rather dry. Bluffing, she tried to summon up some of her old bluster in the hope of delaying whatever he had come to say to her. "Has Leona let you out the room alive, then?" "Leona is very well too, thanks for asking." Qui-Gon treated the impertinence as a sign she was slowly recovering. "Infact she's looking after your cannoid…" He let his voice hang in the air momentarily, to let her know what was about to follow. "And that is what I have come here to discuss with you." Jemmiah looked at him accusingly. "What have you done to him?" "Nothing…" Qui-Gon folded his robe underneath him before sitting attentively on the edge of her bed. "He's being well looked after…for the time being that is. What I mean to say is that he's safe enough, but he's not happy." Jemmiah's eyes burned furiously into the blankets before her and Qui-Gon found himself sighing. "You know he's not happy." "Not you as well!" Jemmiah growled back at him. "I thought you were the one person I could trust! You are supposed to like strays." She looked on him in an altogether softer manner, and Qui-Gon found himself responding in kind. "You are meant to be my ally, remember?" Qui-Gon did remember. He remembered a time when, fleeing from an horrendous, nightmare like situation he'd won the trust and friendship of someone he now counted as a member of his own extended jedi family. Someone who had suffered deprivations and terrible circumstances, yet had the determination to come out of it with her head held as high as was possible. An ally, yes. But also a daughter of sorts. And as her father substitute, it fell upon him to let her know plainly where she stood. "I remember." He nodded, glancing at Obi-Wan who he could see was similarly going over his own painful recollections of the whole Nargotria incident responsible for uniting the three of them for the first time. "But you cannot hide from the truth, Jemmiah. That would be wrong and you know it. This animal of yours…and I do not say this out of bad feeling or spite…he has to go. You must understand this. He's becoming destructive…" "He isn't!" Jemmiah bridled indignantly. "I can't believe you are all turning against me!" There was not one sympathetic face amongst them, not even Obi-Wan, Jemmy noticed bitterly. So that was it, then? All decided? What else was there to say? "You must listen to Qui-Gon." Insisted Evla, trying to get Jemmiah to hear the master out. "Sweetheart…" Jemmiah closed her eyes and pretended not to listen. She might hear what Qui-Gon had to say, yes. But that didn't mean she had to give the impression that she was. "When I said," Qui-Gon continued, "that he was unhappy, I meant it. He's a big animal. He'll need a lot of attention and a lot of care." "I would give him that!" Retorted the fiery Corellian, still with her eyes firmly welded shut. "I dare say you would, if you had the chance. But you are, much as it grieves me, stuck in the infirmary." Jemmiah could hear the voluble regret in Qui-Gon's voice, and feel it too to a degree. "Evla cannot look after him. Obi-Wan and I do not have the time. I'm sure I could find people to place him with whilst we are away but he'd be forever pushed from pillar to post, and that is not fair." "I CAN look after him!" Jemmiah felt she was losing ground quickly to them all. "Just let me try!" "He deserves better, Tangles. If you love him like you say you do then you'll do the decent thing. We'll find him a good home where he can chew the furniture to his heart's content, somewhere he can run about without knocking people over every time the door chime sounds!" He saw her try to turn over on her side to block him out completely, but he wouldn't let her get away with such an obvious ploy. Evla and Obi-Wan looked as if they were wishing themselves a million parsecs away, and he couldn't say he blamed them. "Great." Jemmiah mumbled against her pillow, the turn of her head smothering the sound slightly. "You want to separate me from him and make him miserable." "No, I want you to do the right thing and by doing so make HIM happy, even if it renders you unhappy in return." Qui-Gon said simply. "I give you my word that he can stay until we have found a suitable place for him. One we are all happy with." "You might be happy but I won't be." Jemmiah's voice sounded not far from breaking, and Obi-Wan couldn't help but throw a questioning look in the direction of his master. Qui-Gon paused. "I thought you had courage." "Master!" protested Obi-Wan. "She's upset…" "I know she is. And she's going to have to face up to the fact that this is all about doing what is best for the dog and not necessarily for her. Tangles, don't hide from me." Qui-Gon made his voice as warm as he could, hoping it might get her to look at him. "Make this you mission if you must. Find him a good home. But do it with a glad heart." "The day can't get any worse…" He thought he heard her mutter under her breath. "Oh, yes…that reminds me." Qui-Gon added uncomfortably. "Your aunt and uncle arrive on Coruscant tomorrow morning…perhaps you'd like to hear what they have planned?" The wall of silence that met Qui-Gon 's statement was absolutely deafening. "Maybe later." Qui-Gon added. -----signature----- The new improved Hell's Chance Cantina! Home for many assorted JA fanfic stories!: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/index.html Open to all: have a go at Star Wars Caption Contest no.7: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/Caption_comp.html
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Miana Kenobi Title: Pacific Region RSA NSWFF Manager Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 1/31/03 4:28pm Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Not quite finished but heading that way!
	Again, must give the praise blanket out!! Wonderful jobs!! -----signature----- You can't take the sky from me. He tini nga whetu e ngaro I te kapua iti. Dyslexics of the world, UNTIE!
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RogueJaina Registered: Jul '01	Date Posted: 1/31/03 6:57pm Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Not quite finished but heading that way!
	Mouse, that was hilarious! Really great! And Jemmiah, that was really touching. Keep it up! -----signature----- Please welcome our family's newest (future) SW freak: Emma Rose Born April 5, 2004 8 lbs., 2 oz 20 1/2 inches and very healthy and beautiful! The Force is strong with this one!
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Healer_Leona Registered: Jul '00	Date Posted: 2/1/03 8:53am Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Not quite finished but heading that way!
	There you go Rela girl, might as well get it out in the open. At the least it may put Brak off you... and if not, perhaps Simeon can er... persuade him. It's so cute how Rela is still so unsure about where she stands with the apprentice healer. If she only knew how he'd aleady spoke up to Qui-Gon about her! I'm sure it must seem like everyone's against her, but I think all it would take is for Zebedee to go rampaging through her things to realize the dog needs space. And yes Obi-Wan, you are on borrowed time. I'm sure soon someone's going to find out the truth about those flowers! Fantastic posts Mouse and Jemmy!! -----signature----- I'm older now and still running against the wind
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Jemmiah Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 2/1/03 3:53pm Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Not quite finished but heading that way!
	WEEK FOUR, DAY TWO, HOUR NINETEEN: ***************** Less than seven hours. That's all that Kurtas had been given to get used to the idea that he would be leaving the temple again, having barely had time to shake the dust off his boots from Thalaatooine. He understood the council's reasoning in wanting Kryztan off their hands as quickly as possible - he could even sympathise with it. For as long as Harkley remained on the premises he was a potential danger to himself and to others. Maybe he could even spare the council a small amount of pity, for it must have played upon their individual consciences a great deal…like Mace for example, being so close a friend of Master Berlingside. Kurtas couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed and perhaps a little put out that he was being herded on his merry way as if he were a criminal. He supposed that even although he was not a criminal, technically Kryztan was. Packing had been an easy matter, for Kurtas was not one for unnecessary clutter and had accumulated little in the way of personal belongings, and it seemed that Kryztan had very little he would be allowed to take with him from his time with Master Berlingside. Travelling light was always the best way, he thought ruefully to himself as he waited outside the door of Kryztan's temporary retreat at the soul healers' admission area. A new beginning and a new start. If only he could have seen his old master before he left! It was the single area of concern for Kurtas; the one thing that irked him at having to leave at such short notice. He had to see Dex again even although there would be little point in the face of it, for Master Terrulah had informed him of his master's escapade in the library, and that the healers had seen fit to sedate him for his own safety. If only he'd stayed put! Kurtas cursed softly under his breath, momentarily allowing his emotions to better him. Now the man lay insensible, unable to communicate with anyone around him. Saying farewell was hardly going to make any difference to him, and Kurtas couldn't help but wonder if Dex had realised that the healers would take the course of action that they had. Perhaps, in the end, saying farewell would be just too painful an experience for Dex to face in light of everything that had befallen him in recent weeks… The door opened, and Kurtas found himself looking directly down into Kryztan's surprised eyes. "May I come in?" The knight enquired politely, sensing Kryztan squirming uncomfortably in his presence. The padawan darted small, nervous looks in both directions as if he were afraid of their being spotted talking to one another. "Do not worry. I assure you that I have permission to visit you." Kryztan nervously moistened his lips, not seeming remotely convinced, but stepped sideways to allow Kurtas to enter the room behind him. He didn't entirely trust him yet, Kurtas could see that. Hardly surprising given the fact the whole temple had all but cast him aside: there would be little reason to assume that he was any better. Perhaps, being Dex Berlingside's first padawan, Kryztan might have cause to suspect him more than most! All the pain and misfortune that had undeservedly been brought down upon the shoulders of the Corellian master…why then should he choose to side with Harkley? Yes, he could almost see those thoughts turn over and over in Kryztan's mind. For a moment it struck Kurtas, hard. Maybe he should be angry. Few would blame him; he was certain of that much. But a true Jedi learned to control his feelings and release any pent up annoyance into the force, and Kurtas could not find it within himself to hate. If Dex did not hate Kryztan then neither would he… besides, their relationship was going to have to work on trust and mutual respect. Kurtas trusted Kryztan - at least he would once they were away from Coruscant - but the respect was perhaps going to be a little trickier to earn… "Master Terrulah suggested that I speak with you, if that is okay." Kurtas continued, looking around the small, plain room with its stark designs and bare minimum furnishings. Everything was sparse and empty, save for the holos against the wall depicting beautiful landscapes of mountains and flowing streams, and waterfalls with spray rising from amidst the rocks with such force that it looked like steam. Kryztan followed the knight's eyes to one scene of idyllic tranquillity, where children of various species played and frolicked on the edge of a sandy beach, building castle-like structures with their hands and adorning them with strange, twisted shells. "It's pretty, isn't it?" Kryztan nodded at the holo, looking intently upon the scene as it changed, the water rushing in to swirl around the delighted children's ankles. "I often just sit here and look at it. All of them, I mean - but that one in particular. It seems so full of hope and happiness. I guess that's why the soul healers have them hanging on the wall." Kryztan gave a muted laugh. "Encourages you to think nice thoughts and not dwell on any issues you may be struggling with." Kurtas closed the door behind him. "I like holos, I admit. The ones at the side of the spiral staircase of all the old masters from years gone by. I often used to walk down there just so that I could see them, rather than take the turbo lift. I think it maybe had something to do with the pretty humanoid master with the long honey colored hair and beautiful brown eyes halfway down. I'd go as far as to say she was my first crush!" "…And the one three steps from the bottom on the fifth floor down looks like he's reaching out to grab you!" Kryztan found himself grinning enthusiastically. "Especially scary when you are sliding down the banister at top speed!" Kurtas agreed, scratching at the stubble beginning to grow on his chin once again. "Force, yes! I know the one you mean! The one with the tentacles and the rubbery lips!" Kryztan seemed transported by the memory. "We use to try and build up as much speed as we could so we could get past that one as quickly as possible! It was almost like one of those silly carousel fairground rides, all the faces a blur the closer to the bottom you get…and then you feel your stomach rising up to meet your throat with the excitement as you reach the end! I remember one time that Simeon, myself and Obi-Wan…" Kryztan stopped himself dead. Sensing the awkwardness, Kurtas turned his eyes back to one of the holopics on the wall; one filled with sunny skies and beautiful lakes. For a moment he seemed to have made a real breakthrough with Kryztan! Now it was very difficult to know what to say or how carefully to tread. "K'noptrix." Kurtas pointed at the scene. "Beautiful, isn't it?" "I'm being sent there. I've spent the last day looking at the picture and pretending I'm already there." Harkley stared wistfully, wanting only to be allowed to leave the confines of the soul healer's accommodation. Yes, he had felt safe and cared for, but it had left him with a greater sense of paranoia than before, if that were possible. Always aware that he was under near constant scrutiny, Kryztan really began to feel the loneliness and the desperation to be far, far away…anywhere he could do no harm. K'noptrix seemed ideal. It was about as far away as Kryztan could hope for and still be counted as civilised. "They tell me that I am to stay with the soul healers on that planet in the hope that I can be redeemed." "And do you want to?" Kurtas asked with undisguised interest. "Be redeemed, that is?" Harkley nodded slowly. "More than anything. I owe it to others…not just to myself." "Then I am sure you will do so." Kurtas seated himself on a small, wooden chair opposite the bed on which Kryztan had perched himself upon. "And maybe you will become a knight in due course. Although I do not doubt that it will be difficult for you. As for myself, I know that it might be awkward for you to call me master at first, if at all…" He paused, watching Kryztan's curious expression suddenly melt into understanding. "The council have decided that I am the best person to continue your training." Kurtas informed him gently, wondering if the news was to the padawan's liking at all, or if he would react with derision. "I would have wished that Master Berlingside could have continued with this task…I know that you wish it too." Kryztan looked at the floor, embarrassed at having been so easy to read. "That's okay with me!" Kurtas smiled, leaning casually against the chair, hoping that if he mimicked the relaxation always present in Dex's body language then Kryztan might somehow subconsciously feel more comfortable with him. "But the force has willed it. I hope that we can perhaps learn from each other…sithspit, that sounded horribly like a speech!" Kurt pulled a disgusted face, certain he must have sounded like a master lecturing an initiate. "Kryztan, I think you know why the council decided to separate you and Master Berlingside up, don't you?" Kryztan regarded Kurtas soberly, sensing only the man's willingness to help. Just like all the other soul healers and people like An-Paj, who had studied him closely and picked him apart piece by piece until his head spun. They meant well too, but seemed in the end at a total loss as how to treat him. A bit of Kryztan wondered if K'noptrix had been chosen because it would take him off their doorstep, making him someone else's problem. And that someone had turned out to be Kurtas Kizzen, his former master's first padawan. "Because no matter what I do, my master…that is to say Master Berlingside," Kryztan corrected his mistake, "will never be able to look on me in quite the same way again. I understand this. And I don't hate you." Kryztan turned honest eyes on his older counterpart. "I just wish that things had turned out differently, that is all." "They still can." Kurtas half-shrugged, attempting to look nonchalant. "If you want them to. You might not be able to repair the damage you did to others, but you might be able to put right that damage you did to yourself: and that is the first step in your recovery." "I'm not sure I deserve the second chance I am getting." Kryztan admitted after a moment's thought. "Other transgressors have not be so fortunate." Kurtas looked back over his shoulder at the holo with the children, knowing that was where Kryztan's thoughts dwelt. "The council felt you had a lot still to give, and much to learn. That is why you have your second chance." "I murdered somebody. I took their life: mine should be owing. It's the only thing that makes sense." Harkley chewed anxiously at his lip. "And yet still I am here." "Maybe in time you'll learn to be of great service to the galaxy. Perhaps that is your redemption." Kurtas suggested in a slightly hesitant voice, not wanting to kill their tentative relationship stone dead before they had even got a chance. "If you were to waste this second chance, then yes. It would be pointless. So make the most of the opportunity! Grasp it, seize the moment! Don't sit and think," he pointed up at the holo that had so transfixed his new padawan, "on what might have been. You can't bring back Obi-Wan's child by sitting and wondering what might have happened had you done this or said that at such a time. Don't dream of what you can't have but take what is in easy reach instead…" Kryztan watched the holopic change again as one of the children threw a handful of wet sand at another of roughly the same age. How had Kurtas known what he had been thinking? "I keep wondering if maybe their child would have played like one of those in the holo." Kryztan gazed back at the wall. "If it would have smiled and built castles in the sand. Try as I might, I can't forget what I did…" "I don't expect you to." Kurtas replied brusquely, knowing that now was not the time to buckle, or show any weakness before the padawan. Kryztan needed support and strength, not condemnation, but the young man would have to toughen himself up a little if he wanted to continue his training. "But I expect you to put it to one side and carry on. That is the only way to survive, Kryztan. I'm going to make sure you become a knight, and a mighty fine one at that too, if you'll allow me. But you have to want to do it - really want to - or else we are both just wasting our time. Now is your chance to back out, before we're committed." Kryztan looked away from the pictures, focusing on Kurtas' words. He WAS committed. It was the only way he could justify his continued existence. Maybe in time he would learn to forgive himself for what he had done; perhaps others would too. Until then all he had was the burning hope that he might yet learn to be worthy of knighthood, and make both his old and new masters proud of him. But especially Dex. He picked up a remote and switched off the holopics, making them freeze mid-action. "I'm with you," Kryztan smiled, "master." -----signature----- The new improved Hell's Chance Cantina! Home for many assorted JA fanfic stories!: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/index.html Open to all: have a go at Star Wars Caption Contest no.7: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/Caption_comp.html
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RogueJaina Registered: Jul '01	Date Posted: 2/1/03 10:39pm Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Not quite finished but heading that way!
	Wow. That was really, really good. Kurtas really is the right person to continue Kryztan's training. It's still sad about Dex, though. -----signature----- Please welcome our family's newest (future) SW freak: Emma Rose Born April 5, 2004 8 lbs., 2 oz 20 1/2 inches and very healthy and beautiful! The Force is strong with this one!
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Jemmiah Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 2/2/03 12:53am Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Not quite finished but heading that way!
	Phew, thanks Rogue Jaina! You'll see Kurtas and Kryztan one last time before they leave...looks like we are really getting round to wrapping this story up! -----signature----- The new improved Hell's Chance Cantina! Home for many assorted JA fanfic stories!: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/index.html Open to all: have a go at Star Wars Caption Contest no.7: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/Caption_comp.html
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Miana Kenobi Title: Pacific Region RSA NSWFF Manager Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 2/2/03 2:05am Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Not quite finished but heading that way!
	well, what can I say to that last one, but... "AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!" Wonderfully sad post, Jem! -----signature----- You can't take the sky from me. He tini nga whetu e ngaro I te kapua iti. Dyslexics of the world, UNTIE!
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PaddyJuan Registered: Nov '02	Date Posted: 2/2/03 5:54am Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Not quite finished but heading that way!
	sounds like Kurtas will do wonders with his new Padawan, new and familiar at the same time. great job as always. -----signature----- Smile, it makes everyone wonder what you are up to? ~~~ __((O.O))__ ~~~ Panther's Cub - http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=10596413 ~~ Panther's Cub is complete now ~~ others in bio
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Healer_Leona Registered: Jul '00	Date Posted: 2/2/03 6:41am Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Not quite finished but heading that way!
	Wow is right. That is one powerful post. I loved how Kurtas suddenly thought of how perhaps he should be angry with Kryztan, but that if Dex wasn't then he would be either. It was nice to see them bond over sliding down the staircase and it's not surprising that it brought memories of his friends... Outstanding post Jemmy! -----signature----- I'm older now and still running against the wind
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