Not to worry. We’re still flying half a ship

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus blushed. ’How much rubbish has she spoken? A fair bit? Was he exaggerating or being kind? And more importantly, what sort of rubbish had she said?’

Fortunately Connor was making himself busy and so she didn’t have to make eye-contact.

“I’m used to sleeping in a dorm, so privacy isn’t an issue unless it’s not the done thing here. But I appreciate the offer – and I trust your judgement on the matter.”

“And after all of the build-up, I’m expecting something special from this garden. But peaches – they do sound rather nice. Perhaps I’ll forgo the caf.”

Standing, she found she was now OK on her feet and politely declined his arm. “I’ll be fine – but if I need you, I’ll ask. Never fear.”

“So, tell me - how did you become a Silver Jedi.”

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

With a small incline of his head, Connor guided Corvus forward out of the Medbay to take her out of the Temple. They would follow the chambers out up into the main hall of the great temple and forward the lobby, by the large water feature and out into the cool afternoon breeze to walk around the grounds to the gardens to the right.

”You may have my chamber. That is no problem. I will be leaving soon, off planet, so I will not be needing it.”

As they began to walk from the Medbay, Connor sighed a little at her question. He knew it was coming, he just wished it hadn’t.

”Well, it’s probably a path that has plagued many Jedi over the centuries so I will refrain from boring you with the details. But I was once a Padawan for the Republic Order but I had…problems with – “ he stopped to think on his words, ” – let’s say, I tried to run before I could walk and I ended up in a bit of bother on Rhen Var during an expedition.”

Connor led her up into the main lobby, full of activity and muted décor of the Silvers and the planet around them.

”I left the Order on my own decision after I lost my control of the Force.”

He held up his hand to stop her asking why, because even he didn’t know.

”I know, I know, I don’t know why either but, in time, I hope to find out what happened on Rhen Var. I was pretty much wandering between light and dark, wondering what I was capable of and where my place was in the galaxy but it was only over time I heard musings about ‘Silver Jedi’ and it grew on me they were something a little different, and a team that may help offer me a path to follow.”

Stepping outside, they turned right to walk to the large pruned arch leading into the expansive gardens.

”I’ve been here ever since, a good couple of years now. I made contact with a Master and joined them after a while of deliberating, and I’ve progressed - well.”
He cut himself off from saying too much, he was close to embarrassing himself to a stranger, and one of another Order would probably would love to pick holes in his failings. He gently bumped her shoulder with his.

”Your turn, Knight. How did you get to be a Jedi when you can’t even fly a ship?”


[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

As Connor guided her out of the building Corvus was appreciative that he would give up his quarters for her and felt it would be ungrateful not to accept.

But once he started talking of his life, all thought of rest evaporated. His mention of Rhen Var brought back her own memories and not all of them good. Her hand went involuntarily to the shoto clipped to her belt.

But she was not expecting the next part of his story and couldn’t help but audibly gasp at his admission. But he pre-empted any questions with a polite but dismissing hand – and she respected his wish for privacy on this matter. She didn’t even notice how beautiful the gardens were, so captivating was his story.

Corvus was shocked at his words that he’d chosen to contemplate the Dark side. But at least he had found the Light side again and the Silver Jedi could take the credit for that – as well as Connor himself of course.

She was impressed by his honesty and that he seemed to be on the right path again. As she reflected on his words, she was aware he bumped her shoulder and – as was to be expected – was anticipating her sharing her life story.

“How long have you got?” She laughed as she said it, “Because I never leave out the details.” She winked to show she was kidding and began.

“I was born and raised on Corellia. My parents had a choice – join the Jedi Order and I left the planet for good or join the Corellian Jedi and stay in Coronet City. They knew it would limit my development but chose the latter option.”

“I was a typical Youngling and probably the tearaway of my group. My master realised this and made me study harder than any other student – knowing it would tamper my natural tendencies. I guess it worked but he died under…awful circumstances. At the time I thought it was a terrible accident. But it shook my faith and I went off the rails. Nothing Dark side,” she quickly added. “Quite the opposite. I walked away from the Force. But one day I came to terms with his death and decided I had an obligation to fulfil. And I decided that the Jedi Order on Ossus was where my future lay.”

“And I’ve been there ever since really. Lots of time as a Padawan and more recently as a Knight with my own Padawan. And flying the odd mission. Don’t think I missed that! I left a planet with medical supplies and was ambushed by pirates. Although I managed to evade them, I guess the damage I took was too great.”

Now wishing to change the subject, she looked around her and was overwhelmed by the beauty of the garden. “Now, find me a ripe peach and tell me what’s so different about being a Silver Jedi. Not the philosophy and stuff but just what it’s like to be one. You’ve seen both Orders after all.”

Never had peaches been mentioned so much in such a short space of time...

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Walking around the large pruned hedges, the gardens surrounded both wings of the Silver Jedi temple, leading around to the rear where blossom and fruit trees grew; some naturally and others tended by fellow Jedi.

The small stream forked and ran down towards a more shaded, isolated area; the Isolated Gardens, a place Connor found peace and solace and very few ventured in as it was the location of old Voss ruins and a good walk from the temple itself. To the right ran the large waterfall, barricaded off by a makeshift stone wall that the stream ran under and cascaded down to the lower grounds of the temple, also a place of peace and somewhere to be captivated watching the waterfall crash to the rocks before you.

Gravel crunched under their boots and fauna passed by as they talked, or rather Corvus spoke.

The various other Jedi orders intrigued Connor, and it would be something he would look into in the future to see how others interpreted the Force and used it for, generally, the same way to battle the darkness.

Connor looked ahead as Corvus talked about her upbringing, and it seemed she was a strict solider of the light, which was admirable and nice to hear another side of the coin.

”Fascinating. Truly.”

Pointing to the left, towards a collection of trees, Connor thought before answering her question.

”To be honest, my time with the Republic was more spent studying, researching and training. I never really experienced time in the field. I constructed a lightsaber, which I have today, but I never used it except for training duels.”

Holding his arm out to stop her, he reached up with his hand by a large tree and pulled down a large, plump, pinky fruit. The last time he had held one of the sweet fruits, he had used it as a metaphor in crushing the skull of a fellow Padawan. He breathed slowly and held it out to Corvus, eyes darting between her and the fruit.

”The Silver Jedi certainly has shown me a fair few battles in my time – dominions of planets against pirates and tyrants, the repel of invaders to our own temple here and also just a sense of being, of being part of a team who…who value what I can bring…”

Trailing off again, he bit his tongue and nodded to the fruit.

”Try it. You’ve never tasted anything as fresh and natural as this.”


[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

The garden was truly breathtaking. Growing up to view the simplicity of nature – of mountains and lakes – Corvus appreciated what this place represented. It would be perfect to meditate in, surrounded by the smells and sights the Jedi here had either allowed to bloom naturally or cultivated to appear as natural as can be.

The stream reminded her of the meditation room that Kian had shown her. He would no doubt love this place and the contrast with the waterfall would make it the perfect place for the Kel Dor to teach Telepathy.

She took the fruit and he was being truthful again – it was the nicest she’d ever tasted.

Corvus smiled at his honesty. “That sounds much like my time at Ossus – except I never use my saber for sparring. I’ve heard of too many accidental injuries. But that’s not an Order order, so to speak, just something I do.”

She wiped away the juice of the peach from her chin. It was not a dignified look.

“And oddly it was on Rhen Var that I found the second crystal for my saber. It was a low time for me – and my memories of that planet are not entirely positive. Not the planet’s fault of course – but circumstances.” Her left hand rubbed the finger where the Sith ring had been – unknowingly fuelling the Dark side of the Force within her.

But there was something at the end of the story that puzzled her slightly. Not wishing to offend him, she thought to ignore it – but it niggled at her and she felt obliged to share the thought.

“Connor. Imagine a world – seemingly oppressed by a droid army. The Supreme Chancellor asks for help as he cannot fight these tyrants by himself. All of the evidence points this way. And you agree to help – but in doing so unwittingly support a Sith Lord who has been manipulating the situation. This is not a hypothetical situation but an event in history. What I’m saying is, how do you know which side is the right one?”

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor smiled at the dribble of juice on her chin but didn't make a deal of it; it was only natural from such a juicy fruit. He leant back gently against a stone pillar, acting as a point where the paths broke into two - left and right, both along different routes around the garden.

Her mentioning Rhen Var caused him to frown slightly and pay attention, rubbing his chin on his finger gently, trying to think if there was a connection to his incident and loss of Force power. He glanced at her rubbing a digit when she talked. Noted.

Her question was a bold one, but for Connor it was a simple answer.

"You don't."

Leaning back to the overhanging tree, he picked a smaller fruit from the twig and rubbed it around in his hand. Master Whitelight's cultivating was certainly not going to waste. He raised his eyebrows as he looked at her, no sign of emotion as he bit into the fruit, sucking back the juice.

"I know about the desecration of the Jedi Order under the rule of Emperor Palpatine and the terror that followed. Who doesn't. But, you're right. What side IS right? Can you answer that? Both sides of light and dark see the other as the enemy and their morals and codes as the right, with the other being wrong. All I know is the path that enables me to protect others who are in danger from forces who try to use terror and fear as an advantage is the right one for me."

He took another bite.

"And just imagine if you could harness both light and dark. To understand both sides of the Force, and use them to combat evil with total control and knowledge that is unrivalled."

Looking down at the floor, he paused to excuse his train of thought before another he didn't really know.

"Corvus, will you tell me what happened to you on Rhen Var? We can retire to my quarters if you wish, to talk? I'd like to know, if you don't mind telling me."


[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus reflected on his answer. He was right of course. The Jedi were fooled by the Chancellor and were almost wiped out as a result. You could never tell. There were always those that pointed it out as a weakness of the Jedi - to do what the Galactic Republic asked of them - without question. And unless the government were proven to be unjust, that's just how it continued.

Then she considered his hypothetical question for a few seconds. It sounded theoretically a perfect position, except the Code couldn't be clearer on the subject. The Dark side was taboo.

"I have no worry about talking here. It started back on Ossus. I was woken by a Padawan that needed some help. I was a Padawan too then. She had been sent by a Master to ask me to help investigate some tunnels under the Academy. There we found evidence of Sith corrupting Padawans and rings that we believed were used to signify members of the 'gang.' Following one of the Padawans, we came across a ship. Darth Praelior was on board - Balaya - and she took the Padawan that was escorting me. I managed to get away but the guilt tormented me. That same day I was already planning to lead an expedition to Rhen Var. The Grandmaster accompanied us."

"The journey was fine but when I found my crystal and assembled my lightsaber, I had a vision. Farseeing. I saw that my former Master didn't die from an accident but was killed by a Sith. Anyway, for a variety of reasons, I put the ring on. It flooded me with the Dark side. I know now Balaya planted the rings so unsuspecting Jedi would wear them."

"I was acting out of character now and went to Corellia - desperate for revenge. I nearly killed the Sith before I realised the effect the ring had had on me. It was destroyed - but the feelings of guilt have never left me. I know it is contrary to the Code - but I am still struggling to overcome these feelings."

She stared down at her feet, a single tear falling down her cheek.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor leant on the pillar and didn't move as Corvus spoke; soft in places, hard and hurting in others, but all with an underlying strength.

He bit his bottom lip as he tried to picture the rollercoaster of emotion and fear that must have been evident in the Padawans. But, the rings. The amplification of the Dark Side on Rhen Var. It was starting to sound like a horrible coincidence, one that Connor had to push to see if it had connections to his own incident.

Wanting to get up and comfort her, it wasn't his place, and he wasn't sure how a Knight would react, especially one of the Republic. Would she feel patronised? Embarrassed?

"Corvus, how long ago did this happen?"

He spoke softly. The answer he wanted to hear was around 6 years. She looked so fragile, and the memories were obviously something she was still fighting to cope with.

She could hold a key to his past, and a part in salvaging a future.


[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus could sense the compassion in his voice. “A few months ago. I’ve probably overplayed the Rhen Var angle. I was only there a few days – and to be fair, I could have chosen to put the ring on at any time. But there is something about that place.” She physically shivered as she said it. “Both the Light and the Dark seem so strong there. As if amplified in some way. Or that may have just been my mental state at the time. But many of the Padawans had bad experiences in the caves. Not physical.” She tapped her temple to show her meaning and winced as she knocked the cut that had been healing so well. “Call it Farseeing or just our inner demons. A friend had a vision that I’d actually fallen to the Dark side. I’m trusting that was just a warning.”

“But with your experience, that feels like too much of a coincidence.”

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor tapped his fingers on the edges of the pillar as a Ranger transport took off from across the way, over to the Northern side of the temple. The engines roared and his eyes moved to watch it rise and take to the sky – either a mercy mission or scouting expedition.

He brought his gaze back down to Corvus as he thought on her words and it seemed to paint a picture that Rhen Var, be it a secluded ice planet, housed many secrets and dangers for both sides of the Force and all who ventured there.

”Visions are a dangerous things; it could have been simply a manipulation of raging emotions and fears creating that image. You sound to me like you know no other way other than the light, and that is good to hear.”

The Citadel – the tomb – the Monument. All connected in some way, and all those who crossed it.

”I am leaving Voss for Rhen Var in a matter of hours. I was actually about to leave when this crazy girl in a ship crashed just off the landing pad; banged herself right up.”

He stood and smiled and laced his hands before him.

”If you wish, I will keep you updated of what I find. Off record, of course. I don’t know how Orders cope with mixing and sharing of secrets, but this is an expedition not on the Silver Jedi rota, so it won’t matter.”

Beginning to slowly walk to the opposite side of the gardens, bringing them around the temple, Connor turned his head to Corvus.

”Are you ever tempted to explore what the darkness holds?”


[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus followed Connor’s gaze as he watched a ship leave the Temple’s hangars and wondered how repairs on her own ship were progressing.

She nodded at his speculations. “I remember viewing the Great Holocron when I first joined the Order on Ossus. It said that at times of intense focus on a ‘here and now’ aspect of the Force – such as crafting a lightsaber – a Jedi may be more prone to experience Farseeing, when they might usually never be able to tap into this particular ability. It could have been that. In my case, my vision was of my Master being killed by a Sith – rather than by accident, so it was certainly an insight I might never have experienced otherwise. But you are correct, it could have turned out to be something else entirely – a fear rather than a fact.”

“And I wonder who that crazy girl was? And what a coincidence I crashed at the same time.” She smiled to show she took the comment in the manner it was intended.

“It would be good to hear how you fare. Off record? We are Jedi – and I’m not sure there should be secrets – but I understand. Best not to encourage debate on the wisdom of such a decision.”

Following him as he walked, he then asked Corvus the oddest question she’d ever heard. It was like asking her if she’d ever considered stripping naked, smearing herself in tauntaun fat and running into a cave full of wampas. For a second she wondered if it was a rhetorical question but there was no context to suggest it was.

She stopped walking, her face forming into a frown. “No.” And then, as if it were expected, she responded, “Why, have you…”

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

He nodded at the right times of theory in the Jedi way of the Force, but chuckled with her snappy wit also. It was certainly refreshing to talk to another Jedi, one who wasn’t directly involved with the drama surrounding him and accepted him for who he was.

”No, forgive me – I just don’t know if various other Jedi Orders…”talk”, so to speak, of if un recorded expedition and discussions with others not belonging to your own is prohibited? I probably am wrong, it was just a thought.”

The second he asked the question, he felt the prickle of hesitation from Corvus and knew she had stopped without looking back. Her reply was serious and devoid of the charm she coated her usual answers with.

”I have.”

Bite the bullet. Nothing else can go wrong, can it?

”It didn’t work out too well, but it was more a darkness that took over my senses, my perception. It was only afterwards that I, even now, wonder if a Jedi can understand both sides of the Force, light and dark, use their abilities to become a stronger, wise and effective warrior for the side of good against those who are blind to a single vision; a single threat.”

He bit his bottom lip and turned at the small distraction of passing Jedi, two Twi’leks, and thinking how to avoid a confrontation he could sense building if he said the wrong things.

”Not to succumb to the Dark Side, but to understand their perception of the Force and how it could be used to serve the Light.”

Connor turned to the Jedi, still looking at him a little uncertain of what exactly she was feeling.

”Are you…alright, Corvus?”


[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

“I think if you found a valuable Jedi holocron, your Order would prefer I didn’t know. That seems entirely reasonable – although against my beliefs as a scholar. I have to admit, I never understood why knowledge was considered dangerous. Its application might be – but the information itself? But it seems history tells us that knowledge is seen as power and therefore should be coveted and locked away.”

And then the bottom fell out of her world. She resisted the urge to speak and instead gave Connor the opportunity to speak. She didn’t get the sense that he had an entirely strong conviction as he talked – it was as if he was still trying to make sense of it all himself – to find his own way. But she was also conscious she may have simply been wishing this was the way it was. And, regardless of her views, it was his path and she had to be mindful of that. Preaching was always well intentioned but rarely well received.

So she chose her words carefully. “I have mentioned already that I despair at the hiding of knowledge. And I am always at a loss to understand the Council of First Knowledge that decided to eradicate any trace of Sith teachings and their artefacts throughout the galaxy. It is through understanding our enemy that we can better overcome them. Being blind to their ways is rarely a recipe for success.”

Her voice slowed and her tone softened. “But I see a difference between understanding their perception of the Force and using their teachings. It helps to catch a killer if we understand his motives. But we do not have to become a killer to stop him.”

Wishing to give Connor the benefit of the doubt, she added, “But I trust in your wisdom to seek the truth and to find the true path.” But deep down she was afraid for him.

“I am OK,” she placed a hand on his forearm. “The more important question is, are you?”

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor kept his blue eyes on Corvus, watching her mind work over the words that were carefully picked. Why shouldn’t they be? Were one presenting a danger before a guardian of the light, what response did he expect?

He picked up a pang of despair and…disappointment? He had only met Corvus about 3 hours ago, but felt her view and appearance on Voss was something the Force had guided him to find – to not leave for Rhen Var, to be the one to hear her distress call.

”The Jedi are lucky to have one such as you in their ranks, Corvus Raaf - ” his face was serious, but soft, and he gave her a small nod of the head, “ - your your words are wise and real, and you make sense.”

”But we do not have to become a killer to stop him…. Her words made him go cold.

He wanted to discover the reason why he had become violent, volatile and aggressive to his Order and fellow Jedi. Corvus has painted the picture in his head that in attempting to control the dark, he actually had BECOME the dark. And that explained so much.

After Rhen Var, and hopefully with the answer of his question, Connor felt there was one more thing he should do to salvage the light inside him. Corvus snapped him out of his thoughts with her hand. Connor inhaled and smiled, nodding a brave front.

”Yes. Yes, I am fine. I’ve been worse; these are simply the steps necessary to become stronger. To become better. I bet you didn’t think you’d be a counsellor to another did you, when you came here.”

He brushed his hand over hers and held it for a second.

”How’s your head?”

Changing the topic would save him more dark thoughts, and save Corvus from more worry that she didn’t need.


[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus was pleased that Connor was listening to her. Sometimes – well most of the time in truth – when advice was dispensed, the recipient would glaze over, only hearing the words they wanted to hear.

But the Jedi in front of her seemed genuinely interested in what she had to say – and that was a start. She could provide a map. She could even suggest a route – but where he ended up and how he got there would be his decision. Unless he had someone here to go with him? But she wasn’t going to pry. If he had, it would appear a rude question. If not, reminding of the fact would not be entirely sensitive.

“I my experience, there is no such thing as luck!” She laughed loudly – perhaps in part because of the sombre nature the conversation had taken. “Sorry. I have a terrible habit of quoting former Jedi Masters. It seems there is nothing I can do to rid myself of the affliction. Truth be told,” she elbowed him playfully in the ribs, “I rather like it. Especially with Kana. She’s the Jedi Knight I mentioned before. We’re kind of yin and yang but not exactly opposites.” She tried to do some complicated shape with her hands but gave up. "When I need someone, she’s there for me – and I hope it’s a mutual feeling.”

“And, to be serious, I’m just Jedi Raaf. I don’t aspire to be the best Jedi, or the greatest warrior, or the most powerful. I just want to serve. Counselling is just a job on the side.” She smiled again and put her hand to her head.

“It’s much better thanks. And I appreciate you delaying your trip to help me out. The Silver Jedi should be pleased to have you – a true Knight in shining armour.”

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Starting to walk again with the light tone back in Corvus’ voice, Connor mocked a large bow.

”A Knight? Well, that was always the intention, ma’am.”

If only she knew…

”Please, don’t apologise either. This Kana sounds interesting, and I am sure you both are a mighty force together, a strong beacon of light in a dark world. If you need to contact her, please, do so. I wouldn’t want her to worry.”

Coming back around the Temple, a number of students in the fields were sparring with remote droids and practise sabers, a blur of greens, yellows and blues. Connor watched them as they walked by.

”Never strive to be less than you are, Corvus. Don’t fear to push yourself for greatness. And I say greatness, not arrogance. I know how the two can become blurred, but there is no limit for what you can achieve with the gift you have inside you. There you go, a little counselling from me, but I regret I’m not very good at it.”

He shrugged and guided her to the front of the temple.

”Well, Jedi Raaf, do you care to see how we have made progress on your ship, or can I be of any other service to you?”

Pausing for a moment, he felt he had to speak again.

”A walk around somewhere, or some food or to retire to my quarters?”

He turned his head to look away from her bemused look, stumbling over his words and pointing to the hangars across from them.

”Ha, well not, you know. You can rest if you like and I can see to your ship. I am in no rush to leave, not now. I am happy to hang around, like all Jedi do from time to time.”


[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus had completely forgotten that she was expected back and people might possibly be worrying. And worrying was what Kana did best. "If we could send word to Knight [member="Kana Truden"], I would appreciate it."

The offer of seeing the ship and the food seemed entirely sensible - and she was actually feeling very hungry by now. The other offer was...no doubt handled a little clumsily. "I suspect I'll rest soon enough. It would be good to see how the ship is progressing and then something to eat. I don't know about you but I've not had anything for a while - apart from eating my peach that is." Once more, her violet eyes looked directly into Connor's - and she was proverbially miles beneath that statement as it whizzed over her head.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Lost in her eyes for a second, Connor turned his head before his gaze and nodded. He looked to his belt and pulled out his personal com-link, no bigger than the palm of his hand and as thick as a datapad. He handed over the com to Corvus.

”This should reach most channels, if there is a specific one, just tap in and go.”

He nodded softly as he set of back towards the hangar a few steps ahead to grant her privacy to reach her fellow Knight. A number of small hovertrucks passed by as they left the more peaceful temple and crossed towards the hangar back where the repairs were taking place.

Looking across the organised chaos, Connor saw the ship in a much better state and shouted out to the technician he spoke to earlier, who came over; yellow overalls far dirtier than before. Indicating to Corvus on the com, Connor spoke with his colleague for a few moments and patted him on the back, waiting until she had finished.

”Your ship is almost set, the engine has been repaired and cockpit refurbed. They are just welding your landing gear as it was damaged in the landing and it’s not operating, so we can’t have you bunny hop to a stop can we. Less than an hour and you’re set.”

Connor began the walk through the hangar, back to the isolation chambers where she carried Corvus earlier but this time not going into the depths of the temple, instead moving up to the refreshers and kitchens, overlooking the lobby below and the water feature passing by a good 3 stories.

There was seating on the inner balcony, with soft sofas and stools and tables overlooking the entrance to the temple. It had been erected after the Voss invasion where damage had destroyed most of the hall itself, so this was still rather new and sleek.

Indicating for her to sit, Connor pulled out a see-through holo-menu from the end of the stool, with a number of snacks and meals and drinks to select from.

”It’s nothing exciting, but it does the job. We have our own ability to prepare meals in the chambers, so this is more for those passing or in need of a quick fix. Please, just select what you’d like. And then you can tell me all about this Kana and what sort of trouble you get into.”

He watched her, and found his leg starting to twitch in that almost impatient, nervous habit he had.


[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus relayed a quick message to Kana. Yes, she was fine. No, she hadn’t died. Yes, the ship had been damaged. No, she still called it just ‘Raven.’ Yes, she’ll be leaving soon. No, don’t tell Camellia about the ship. No, she didn’t know if the ryshcate had survived the landing! Yes, her ears probably should be burning.

Finishing up, she handed the com-link back to Connor. “Thanks. She was fine about it. Ready in under an hour? Oh, excellent.” Part of her was pleased to be going back so soon. At least part of her anyway.

As they navigated their way through the hangar bay (no, yellow still wasn’t a good colour, even dirty yellow) – she followed Connor to the refreshment area. She was surprised how hungry she was. The balcony he chose to sit at provided a wonderful view of the water-feature. He handed her a menu and she quickly chose something healthy and practical but with a large caf and some water.

“I don’t usually drink caf. Don’t know why I crave it suddenly, but there you go.” In response to his question she laughed. “We were Padawans together. There was a time when the Masters and Knights seemed to be forever on missions, so we trained together a lot and when we found someone who could teach us, we pinned them down until we’d learned something.”

“We’ve had our fair share of adventures. Giant spiders, Sith. You know the sort of thing. And she’s like my little sister and big sister rolled into one. If anything ever happened to her…” Her voice trailed off. She coughed. “Now where’s my salad?”

Looking around she finally returned her gaze to Connor. "Is that what it’s like here? Who’s got your back?”

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Spinning slightly in the crimson stool, Connor listened and heard the admiration and evident bond between Corvus and Kana, which was nice, but something alien to him.

Nodding, smiling, the usual attentive Connor. He span slowly left to right pushing with his right boot, sitting on his left.

”Patience, Corvus, good things come to those who don’t moan, remember.”

He wasn’t hungry and keyed in blue milk – his favourite drink. In fact, he hadn’t had one for weeks. A blue milk that was, not a drink.

”Of course, if you don’t feel up to leaving, you can still stay. But if you really feel up to it, then I’d say an hour and I’ll see you off in one piece.”

A black astromech droid chirped across the floor, affixed with table and there, as promised, was a large salad with decorative dressing and a glass of blue milk. Taking the items, Connor thanked the droid, handing over the bowl of leaves to Corvus.

”Knock yourself out with that.”

Grimacing a little, he set his glass down and answered her.

”The Order itself always has your back, from the tech support to the Masters. I’ve seen Jedi struggle in many ways, but there is always support and those who make time for you; to listen, talk and work it out with you. Even out amongst the stars, you’re never alone.”

But he knew what Corvus probably meant, and the real answer was, for him, no-one.


[member="Corvus Raaf"]