Tap Tap Tap... - Terran

[Marcus Telcontar]

Allright, so which number is he supposed to be in?

Not that he could see a number, all he could sense was the general connectedness of where he was and where approximatly he was. Marcus was getting better at not usung his eyes, but still... simple things liek reading. Taken for granted, that made life easier day by day. Things he could now now longer be part of, simple code buttons were now a challenge.

And computer screens.... useless now. Even datapads. Holos may as well be audio only. Simple, stupid things that he took for granted. Well, not any longer. Without being able to read anything, he could only guess where the room Teran Starek was in.

Least he had the Force as a guide. He felt the rightness of where his feet were and without hesitation, placed his hand to where the door chime was. If you had been looking, you would have thought this man in his mirrored sun glasses was fully visioned and not blind. But he was blind. He was doing things now without his eyes only a Jedi Master could think of doing.

"Hmmm.... I sense you" he murmured.

[imported_Terran Starek]

Terran had just gotten out of the refresher when he heard the door chime. He wondered who it would be. In the academy, it was difficult to separate the auras of those he knew because so much energy exsisted. He put on some clothes and headed towards it.

Checking the message screen, he could see Master Marcus Q'Dunn standing before his door. He smiled broadly--almost giddy--as he saw who it was. A visit from Master Q'Dunn? Exciting! This was a man he considered to be one of the wisest of the academy. He knew how Terran felt in the Force, knew his love so well, Xazor, and altogether was an excellent teacher.

"Master Q'Dunn! What a pleasant suprise!" He said, after opening the front door of his small quarters. He noticed that Marcus was wearing sunglasses...odd. Perhaps his eyes were sore from being out in the deserts too long--that happened to many travelers. "It is good to see you." He bowed his head and outstretched a hand to the Jedi Master, but he noticed that it was not taken. Drawing it back after several seconds, he invited him in.

"Umm...would you like to come in?" Terran spoke in a slightly puzzled tone.

[Marcus Telcontar]

here was coming to his ears a shuffling of cloth and the hint of air that informed him that Terran had moved - how, Marcus didn't know. That was the other problem - while he was learnign to see via The Force only, it was hard to sometime pick up details.

"Good to see you too... Certainly, for that's why I'm here - to visit."

He walked through the door, pausing to get a good sense where everything was. Door ways, things to trip on, chairs, tables, lights... especially lights. Even with these block out glasses, anything bright hurt. He nodded as he got the general sense of location, before speaking once again.

"I'll get this over with first - would you mind giving a friend a guiding hand? I'm afraid that there was an accident, I am for all intensive purposes, eye sight blind. Not permantly, mind, but unless you turned off all lights and closed all doors and windows, it is terribly painful for me to even attempt to see."

[imported_Terran Starek]

"Of course, my friend!" It made sense now, his odd mannerisms. He took Master Q'Dunn's hand and lead him to a seat in the sitting area of his room. Clearing his gear off of the seat and onto the floor, he helped him be seated. "Pardon the mess, I haven't been able to clean as of late." He looked around the room, noticing its moderate messiness. "Then again, I guess currently you won't mind!" He chuckled at his joke.

Standing, he went to his main room controls. Letting the window shades down and the lights off, the room darkened very much, now a dim light keeping it slightly visible. He didn't mind the dark, especially if it made Master Q'Dunn more comfortable.

"I hope this will make your visit more comfortable, Marcus. If you don't mind my asking, how did this happen?" He looked inquisitively at the Jedi Master, wondering what could have possibly occurred.

[Xazor Elessar]

Xazor was elsewhere at the moment...across the Jedi Temple, deep in meditation with a student of hers. She could sense everything Marcus was feeling, and could hear everything he was saying. She heard Terran's voice too and sensed him through the Force. Not able to keep her mind from the two men she loved so dearly, she 'tapped' Marcus on the shoulder through her mind and let him know she was there too.

"Tell Terran that I love him and I want you to know that you're not alone, Marcus....despite your current state."

She spoke softly in his mind before returning to her deep meditation. Having forgot that Terran knew not of her Life Bond with Marcus, she figured it okay for him to have a message sent through their connection. It would not come to her until later that this little fact remained hidden from all but one or two people.

[Marcus Telcontar]

"You room is messy? Hey, not like I would notice" Marcus sniggered in return. "or care. Appearences dont really matter much to me in this state. And, oh yeah, thanks for blocking out the light - every bit helps."

Yes, I will do so Xaz... and thank you. I cant have a truer friend than you are

He bought his attention back to the room, letting his feelign stretch out, gettign more of a feel for the place. "How di d it happen? Xazor and I were paying a visit to someone whom felt like they wanted to try to assasinate a Senator. You might say we were ... indicating what a bad idea that was. Getting clear however, someone threw a flsh bomb a bit too close to my face. Unfortunantly Terran, even Jedi Masters of my power and experience can be caught out. It burnt the optical nerves. The only reason I can see even the slight bit I can in the total dark is because my healing skills allowed me to start regenerating - a very, very long and complex process, even for me. It ill be months, maybe years before I can see in the daylight again"

"Oh, and Xazor sends her love"

[imported_Terran Starek]

"I'm sorry to hear that, Master," he spoke, genuine concern in his voice. Admittedly, something else struck his curiousity greatly as well. As Marcus had told of his injury, he had eluded to the fact that the Jedi were off doing some negotiations. However, it didn't seem as though they were done in a room full of Republic officials, he was sure. "You might say we were ... indicating what a bad idea that was." Odd, to say the least. Perhaps this wasn't the exact moment to pursue explanation. "Although, it is good to hear that it will heal. Time and the Force, it seems, can heal many wounds."

Xazor. He wondered if she had left a message with Master Q'Dunn or if she had known he would be with Terran today. She was wonderful. He smiled as Marcus relayed the message to him. Her eyes came into his head, and it made him feel the warmth of her love.

"Can I get you something to drink? I have water and various juices here." He stood up to get to the serving counter to fetch something to drink. "Your company, as always, is welcomed and appreciated, Master Q'Dunn. I would be too curious not to wonder, however, if there is a purpose to a blinded Jedi Master stumbling his way to my room." He smiled and laughed at his joke.

[Marcus Telcontar]

"Oh, water will be fine"

He supposed there would be plenty of jokes about his condition - not that the Master minded. He was probably the one laughing the most, especially considering when it was all said and done, it wasn't causing too mnay problems. And it could even be the prompter for a few surprises, especially liek the one his mind contemplated now. A small knife came off the table and in one very fast and smooth motion, it was flung, skimming the Padawan's head and hitting the wall perfectly, trembling and vibrating, point buried into the wall.

"You could say I was passign by and I decided to visit... and from your sense, the look on your face is priceless. Just remember, a Jedi Master is never truly blind"

[imported_Terran Starek]

Marcus had seen his wide eyes in his mind as the knife had whooshed by his head. It had suprised him, but not alarmed him. He never felt worried in his presence.

"So it is true, Master Q'Dunn. The eyes of the Force are strong." He smiled, knowing that Marcus would feel the warmth of his smile. He returned to his seat, placing the cup before Marcus. Taking a drink of his own water, he leaned back in his chair, relaxing.

"I must say, Master Q'Dunn, that were I in your position, I would miss the sun. It was a beautiful morning." He wondered if Marcus could feel how it looked, the Force being so strong in him. Terran knew that he could see the trees in his mind's eye when he was nearing woods.

[Marcus Telcontar]

"But I feel the sun's warmth on my face. I feel the freshness of the breeze, I hear birds and other animals out and about, I feel the pleasure people take in the day."

He leaned back, contemplating.

"Just because I do not see with my eyes, does nto mean I know well there are other ways to view the galaxy. In some ways... it is an advantage. There is a difference between seeing and observing"

[imported_Terran Starek]

"Of course, Master," he spoke, realizing that Marcus was passing wisdom to him. He was glad to recieve any from the Jedi Master, and was always pleased to be in his presence. Something about Master Q'Dunn. Terran just felt...he felt connected to him. Something about Master Q'Dunn that he could feel. He understood the young Jedi. He understood his gift--that many didn't share.

"I am suprised you are actually home, Master Q'Dunn. You usually keep pretty busy with all of your different activities. You are quite in demand." Terran spoke, chuckling a bit. He took a drink of his water and watched Master Q'Dunn. He had little problem finding his water and drinking it--like he had said, of course.

[Marcus Telcontar]

"I'm leaving again soon for Carholous. Escort duty"

He took a sip of the water, thinking on how even his taste had sharpened.

"You better sit down. I'm going to tell you a few things that are not to go out this door. After I''m finished, I'm afraid your going to have an entirely new view who whom I am and maybe Xazor as well. The Force tells me I can trust you, so I will. "

He took another sip of water, waiting for Terran to sit.

"What would you say" he began "If I told you not a single scrap of information exists on Marcus Q'Dunn on any database that the Jedi or the Republic has? What if I were to tell you that As far as the Galaxy is concerned, I seem not to exist? What would you think of that?"

[imported_Terran Starek]

"You better sit down. I'm going to tell you a few things that are not to go out this door. After I''m finished, I'm afraid your going to have an entirely new view who whom I am and maybe Xazor as well. The Force tells me I can trust you, so I will. "

Terran's face became more serious. This was something to say, that was for sure, and Master Q'Dunn now had Terran's full attention--down to his spirit, it seemed. His eyes became more intense as he listened.

"What would you say..."

As Master Q'Dunn spoke, Terran thought about his words. What did it mean? He wasn't sure if he understood. He had difficulty believing the words Master Q'Dunn spoke--not that he thought he was lying, but that he could not believe that his fame did not stretch to the galaxy. It was something he had never even pondered as being possible.

"I, I, I...I don't know, Master Q'Dunn. I don't know that I understand." He rubbed his check and chin with his hand, thinking about his response. Jedi Master Marcus Q'Dunn didn't exist? Terran could not imagine what that would mean. And how did this pertain to Xazor? "But you..l.I mean I know you and I know of other Jedi who know you...and you...not existing...it doesn't make sense...I..." His thoughts jumbled and the logic of the situation frusterating him, he stopped.

"If it wasn't coming from you, I would say that the person that told me this was crazy." He half smiled at this comment.

[Marcus Telcontar]

"But I do exist Terran. I am here and my real name is Marcus Elessar Q'Dunn. I was the one who removed the removed the records. If information is lacking, it is because I have done it. I will however tell you more. My id to the Galaxy is not Q'Dunn, for that name is no longer safe, not while Lady Evenstar is in the Senate. My deeds are known... not ones as Q'Dunn, but other names.

You can go to the Council room now and you can find a statue and his name on a Council Chair. The greatest Jedi that ever walked these halls, the one whom founded the Order. While there is much to the story, Darth Turbogeek was truly great...and for a long whiel that was me. He's dead now, thankfully, but his legacy lives on. And right now, you see what I have been for 8 years. A New Republic General, James Tohmahawk. So the Galaxy does know me. But not as a Jedi. I wish it to stay that way.

But there is more. Xazor and I... this is hard it actually explain. Xazot and I dont see eye to eye with the Jedi code. Our world is violent and dangerous, it is in the gutter and below the bright lights. It is a place no Jedi should go, but it is where we need to be to fight evil. We are The Lost Jedi"

[imported_Terran Starek]

Terran's look grew even more puzzled. He wasn't sure what to make of all this--all the alter egos. He understood--in times of need, different identifications were needed. Even in the fact that perhpas different relations with different people also required different allibies. He had never used one--no--but he could understand that someone in Master Q'Dunn's high profile would necessitate such a deed.

It was the second part that gripped him. The Lost Jedi? The what? What did this mean? He had never heard of such a group. In fact, he imagined that for Marcus to utter the name of this organization to him meant that he had trust in the Jedi Padawan. He thought about what this meant. Who were they? What exactly did they do?

"...I had never heard of this name before, Master Q'Dunn." He spoke in a lowered tone, as if it was necessary to hide his voice from anyone who might be listening. "What do you...what do you do that is different from the code? I mean...what kinds of tactics are employed?" He knew what this meant. Xazor surely didn't believe anything fundamentally different than the Jedi Code. Perhaps she thought there needed to be a different method or purpose to their investigations. He didn't think Master Q'Dunn's beliefs of the Force were much different than his own.

"What do these...well, you...Lost Jedi do?"

[Marcus Telcontar]

This was going to really be frightening, Marcus thought.

"Simple. We do things a lot differently to other Jedi. We fight. We attack. And..."

He moved his hip, reaching down and pulling out a black object from it's resting place on his hip. He placed it down on the table - it was the shape of a Mk II Rail Gun.

"... we kill. The Jedi lead a sanitised exitance Terran. A noble existance, but it in some cases is on that is useless against some enemies that you dont know about. Xazor and I are beginning to fight a very dirty war, where assasinations, bombing and other instruments of warface are used - for the enemies of the Jedi are not just Dark Siders. What about Trade organisatiosn that have no restrictions on their acts? Think they are goign to allow the Jedi to work in a Jedi way? It is not for nothing that I, and I alone wear the rank of Warlord. I have always seen things differently and always done thigns differently, I act when I see the need and I do not stay my hand. If you love her, then you need to know and understand."

THIs face turned to Terran and somehow, sightless eyes managed to pin Terran with their stare, even from behind the eye shades

"But there are other things we have that the Jedi would do well to understand and be. Truth, love, compassion for the lost, sick and helpless. Defending those who are unable to do so for themselves. Using our powers for the good of others, not ourselves"

[imported_Terran Starek]

Terran listened intently. The words Master Q'Dunn spoke weren't exactly pretty, but they were true. There were times when a Jedi had to dipatch death--he had even done it, in his time as a a Padawan. They came when all other means were exhausted. He found the logic Marcus used to be consecutive and true. If all means were exhausted, in any circumstance, than an aggressive position needed to be taken. It was as simple as that. Not many would claim to be in that position, or want it for that matter. It was a difficult position to be in, he assumed. What kind of Jedi would want to take on that role? Wouldn't they be frowned upon? Looked down upon? Despised or even accused of being Dark Jedi? Perhaps. Perhaps this was the burden to bear.

The burden of the Lost Jedi.

"I understand, Master." He could think of little to say. The thoughts weighed heavily in his mind and he figured Marcus would have little trouble reading them. "How did you and Xazor...decide? Was it appointed? Do you do it constantly, or is it an every once in awhile thing? Is it even known by other Jedi? Do you--" he paused to take a breath. He had so many questions for Master Q'Dunn.

[Marcus Telcontar]

"No other Jedi know. What we do would not be looked on favourably. As for deciding - we have always been more agrresive as Jedi, especially given where we came from. No one chose us, it is our path."

[imported_Terran Starek]

"I see." Terran let the Jedi Master's words seep into his brain. No others knew of what they did--it was their baby alone. A strange one it was, indeed. He wasn't sure he understood fully, but he guessed that Master Q'Dunn had come to answer questions to him and explain what was going on. Why else would he have brought it up? Surely not to confuse Terran or leave him in the dark. No, it was't that. He was giving the young padawan the oppurtunity to understand what he spoke of.

"So, the methods you use, you say they are 'unorthodox' considering the Jedi code? What does that mean? Do you fight large scale wars? How do you keep your identities secret? Just by names alone? What do you wear? Anything different? Do you wield any other weapons? Do you still wield lightsabers? Do you keep it all hidden? Do you kill?" Questions errupted from Terran's mouth as quickly as he could think of them. He wanted to know everything--everything--about the Lost Jedi. Their own codes, their style, their weapons. Everything.

[Marcus Telcontar]

"Whoa up there lad... you'll get your mind tangled with so many quetions"

He waited till Terran settled back in a chair, before continueing.

"I'd say I'm taking a hell of a risk telling you all of this, but I feel I can trust you. Not for me would this be a problem, but for Xazor. You see, I have defied the Council many times and indeed, I am strong enough and self willed to defy them all. And you might say I hold a unique place within the Jedi, for you see, this Order you are part of, I helped found. Some of the very core values are what I imparted - even moreso that I have a rank above that of Master... Warlord. It describes me well. Yoda might of said wars dont make one great, but it has with me. No Jedi can withstand me. And I doubt any Darksider. So, that gives me the leeway to act outside of the Jedi and if the Council tried to restrain me, if they found out, I could face them all down. Xazor however, she can not. If she is caught, she will be expelled. I do not wish that. Thence, we still work with the Order. We make sure what we do benifits the Order and others we should serve. But I doubt putting an arrow through the throat of a Sith or Imperial is what the Council wants.

I have on occasion been an assasin and a year ago there was a spate of unsolved Imperial killings. That was us. We have robbed the vaults of criminals. I have bombed Castle Millard on Balmorra. On Endor, I lead a gurellia campain against Lord Gue and his armies. On Arcan, I was the General who lead it's liberation from scum. All in all, nothing of this is allowed in the code, yet it was necessary to give freedom to others. The Jedi live too far above and beyond others to truly understand sometimes... we are but monks if the code is followed to the letter. I'm sorry, but I will not waste my gifts sitting on my <smallfont color=#33CCFF>-Censored-</smallfont><smallfont color=#33CCFF>-Censored-</smallfont><smallfont color=#33CCFF>-Censored-</smallfont><smallfont color=#33CCFF>-Censored-</smallfont> and meditating on my belly button lint! It disgusts me other Jedi seriously contemplate that exact same senario! What a complete and total waste of a life if that is all you do.

Some would say that what I do would be close to the Dark Side. Really? And what is the Dark Side? Did you know the Sith also act without emotion, with peace and calm? Did you realise that anger is not always wrong? A Jedi acts for the benifit of others, not him or herself. We put ourselves aside for others, yes even for our enemies if that is what is called for. A Dark Sider is Selfish and wants power. We Jedi should not desire power for ourselves. And in the Lost, you see the embodyment of that - not for a moment think this is for myself or Xazor. We exist to serve others. The first shall be last and the last shall be first - to lead truly means to be a servant to all. Do you understand these things? Maybe in your heart you do. Maybe you too dont quite see things the way the Jedi Perfection says you should.

I will tell you that there is more than one path to be a true Jedi Terran. Dont let the Code and the Council tell you otherwise. Do you want the Jedi to be automon droids, only able to act in certain ways and situations? That way leads to stagnation and destruction. Dont be decieved either, test my words if you want - I do not mind. Search for the truth yourself and keep an open mind. My words I am confident will stand to scrutiny.

Now, you asked what weapons we used? Yes, we have sabres, but we do not limit ourselves to that. Swords, bows, guns, sharp sticks.... why limit yourself? We fight wars and that calls for knowing different weaponry. I would say that a Jedi with both a sabre and a gun would be a more formidible opponent and that I have proven. It is why I use ballistic weapons, like my Rail Guns - high speed pellet throwers that shatter armour and are too fast for a Jedi to react to. Ever seen what a 5000 k/ph slug does to a trooper? It leaves basically the boots. A Jedi weapon it is not, but I would not swap it. My friend, Jyanis Scorpion uses a Minigun that will destroy a city block in seconds. I know other Jedi that use different weapons successfully too. Me, I also have armour and shields. I'll take every advantage I can get in a real melee"

He finally paused.

"So, what else do you want to konw? I can tell you some more - we operate out of a Diner run by a being called Dexter, who is a friend of mine. In the floors upstaris of there, we have a sophisticated command centre, rooms for training, slep and healing. As I have already told you, I am General Tohmahawk and I am about to come back to active duty as that name. Master Yoghurt and Helenias Evenstar knows of us, my Padawan Sejah Haversh sort of knows... and now you do. You path in this is now laid before you - I would even ask if you wished to join us, but it is a terrible risk you would take to do. Consider however how you would support Xazor.... and even more to the point, how you are goign to act with her in the future. Her time of trial is coming. Has she told you of it?"

[imported_Terran Starek]

Terran's face grew wide with the words that Marcus spoke. He had never thought--not for a second--that Jedi would act in such a manner. It was his honest reaction, that something was wrong with this. It wasn't right. It wasn't the way of the Jedi Order, nor was it the way of the Jedi Code. It wasn't good...it wasn't pretty...but it was Justice. It was peacekeeping in its true form--the down and dirty. He had always known that this type of action had to be taken--but he had thought it was reserved for the thugs, or the soldiers. Not the Jedi. Not the protectors of the peace, the wise, the seers of the Force.

The Jedi live too far above and beyond others to truly understand sometimes...

It was true. Terran could see the truth in the words Master Q'Dunn had given to him. Perhaps it wasn't exactly a positive, pretty, philisophical view of the Galaxy, but it was the truth. It was the truth that was faced by few, it seemed.

"Master Q'Dunn, I understand what you say." He said the words quietly and with little hesitation. However, he did hesitate on his next statement. "Though it does not delight me to learn of these things, it is a reality that is important to understand, I believe. I thank you for sharing this knowledge with me, as it can only help me better understand those I love." He thought of Xazor. "Indeed, I feel privelaged that you would share this with me."

But, could he face it? Would he face it? Marcus had given him an invitation--an oppurtunity to become part of the Lost Jedi. Was it possible for him to take this role on? He did not know. He could not know, not as he was still a padawan. He was probably half-way through his training, he thought. He had gained the knowledge, the skill, and the training to become a Jedi Knight. Now, it was a matter of practice and purpose. That was what he would do--gain the experience to become the Jedi he wanted to be.

Terran was a thinker. He was a compassionate, loving, trusting, philisophical spirit. It wasn't that Marcus wasn't these things, it was just that Terran found himself to be greatly idealistic. He wanted to accomplish the great good, the great peace. He wanted to reach the level of oneness with the Force as the tales of Master Yoda implied. He was not the same warrior that Xazor and Marcus were--he was not as strong in the arts of combat, and he never thought he could be. He was strong in his mind--mental abilities. The Force was very strong in him--he was sure Master Q'Dunn could tell, or he wouldn't have wasted his time with Terran. It rested in his spirit and in his mind.

On the other hand, perhaps that was just was Marcus and Xazor wanted or needed. Someone with that compassion to be a part of this group could greatly benefit the team. Was that what he saw in Terran? Was that why he had brought this forth?

"I...I do not know what my path holds, Master Q'Dunn. The future still remains unseen to me." He steadied his words, though Marcus could easily sense the great conflict in his voice. "What do you believe, Marcus? What do you see in me? Am I strong enough?" He talked to him as though he was asking a mentor for a true evaluation.

[Marcus Telcontar]

"I sense your already appraising my words" he stated. "Yes, you need strength and will for what we do. I will tell you that the Dark Side can never take a Jedi whom sits in a tower and meditates and doles out calm wisdom. Even if you choose to not become fully on my type of path, you will still need strength to support Xazor. You see, reality is ugly, dirty and dangerous. I take no pleasure in that, as what I want in my heart is to settle down with my wife, and become a farmer. I have no love of wars or fights but I know they are a necessity. I will seek to avoid them... but.... sometimes you cant avoid, can you?

You see, I am not just a Warlord - my hands bring healing too. I have other weapons than just guns. I have Compassion, I have Love and I have Healing. These... are weapons of the most deadly sort against the Dark Side.

But I noted that you do not ask of Xazor's time of trial and that I must switch to. Every single person she is near to is goign to be affected by somethign that occurs at the time of her child's birth. My wife, the Lady Evenstar has seen this and has predicted what will happen and given many of us chces ony we can choose. Oddly, for one now so close to Xazor, you have never been seen. I can not see you in the future. Evenstar has powers of frosight that no other Jedi has and she has not seen you. I am not learned with foretelling, but I do know that means the Force has explicitly hidden your future. You have one... but what it is, it is being denied from sight. That's why I'm here. To try to find out why"

[imported_Terran Starek]

Terran gulped slowly as he listened to all that Master Q'Dunn had to say. The words did not come easy to his ears--many of the things Marcus said were hard to swallow. He hadn't truly prepared himself, mentally, for this kind of information, and it was sure showing as he was nervous to hear all of the things the Jedi Master told him.

"Wars cannot be avoided in all cases. At least, not in the reality of this galaxy. I wish they could." He was thinking of how to respond to Marcus' words of Xazor. They greatly troubled him. Like he had thought, Marcus could read him easily. He didn't try to hide his nervousness of the whole situation.

"I...well...I am weary to admit this..." He paused, reminding himself that he was in the company of a man he trusted. This was a man Xazor trusted dearly, a man that understood him, and a man that had seen more experiences and known more of life than Terran could imagine just yet. "I fear the forsight of Lady Evenstar. It does not include me, you say? Then I must be a mistake. A blip. A fluke."

The thought of his love for Xazor and their relationship remaining unseen scared him, as he never would dream that it was a fluke. How could this be? There must have been something wrong with her vision--perhaps she had misread it, or it wasn't strong enough to see the whole picture, or her mind was clouded, or--

Ahhhh!! So many thoughts in his brain! So much had been laid upon him by Marcus that his head was almost spinning. [I]Come to your senses, Terran! You can't fall apart before Master Q'Dunn! You have to be strong! Show him you are mature and in control of this situation![/I[ The pride inside of him brought him back to reality as he wiped his brow of the sweat that had been forming there. Perhaps, in his blindness, Master Q'Dunn wouldn't see the nervousness of the Padawan.

"Thoughts plague my mind, Master Q'Dunn. Different ones--doubt, fear, anxiety." He admitted it willfully, as he knew the Master had already felt them. "But...no matter what I may feel...I will be here for Xazor...I want to be strong for her..."

"I will take on whatever role is asked of me and assist you in whatever way is necessary, so that we may discover my path." The Jedi Padawan made the proclamation with as much strength and resolve as a Jedi Knight.

[Marcus Telcontar]

"Padawan, I need no eyes to sense what you think. I feel your thoughts in The Force. The Force makes no mistake in whom is revealed and whom is not. There is no such thing as luck when it comes to The Force - ever.

"And as for Xazor and what you stated - that is all I ask of you. Support Xazor in this and be true to yourself. Your path may not be known, but it will be important. Be mindful of that. Now, while I think of paths, who is your Master?"

[imported_Terran Starek]

Even at the mention of this, Terran felt a slight wave of dissapointment sweep over him. He hadn't seen in master in...months now? He didn't know. It was as if Verse had just picked up and left for no reason. No message. No goodbye. Nothing but an empty room and a missing ship.

"My master is Master Verse Dawnstrider." He paused. "Though, I am afraid I have not seen him or heard from him for quite some time. It troubles me that he is gone seemingly without a trace." Terran stopped, looking to the ground. He did miss his Master quite a bit.

[Marcus Telcontar]

The Master paused, thinking.

"So, no one is training you? That is somethign for me to think about - I sense you might be a worthy student. I only train those whom would respond to the best training a Jedi can give. I will think about it"

[imported_Terran Starek]

Terran tried to hide his excitement at this comment, but he imagined Marcus could sense it rather easily. The thought that Marcus would train him? Master Q'Dunn? Jedi-Master-Marcus-Q'Dunn!?!?! He couldn't believe the words.

"Of course, of course. Sure, I mean, you don't want to rush into something...you know...if you don't have time....and you know..." He was stuttering over himself, tripping over his words like a dang fool. Not out of the ordinary for the Jedi Padawan.

"I have just been spending quite a bit of time meditating lately. Listening to nature and sitting idly. Luckily, I got some good training from Verse before he left." He hoped he would sound worthy to Master Q'Dunn. For the master to even think of training him...he was more than excited.

[Marcus Telcontar]

"Very well. I will consider. For now tho... would you mind getting me a cup of tea?"

[imported_Terran Starek]

"Yes! Of course! How rude of me!" Terran jumped to his feet and laughed sheepishly, heading into the kitchen to prepare Marcus a nice cup of tea.

This had definitely been an excellent visit.

[Xazor Elessar]

A figure clad in white robes made her way down the halls of the Jedi Living Quarters. The way she was going was quite familiar to herself for her room was this way, though that was not her destination at the moment. Terran Starek, her fiance...the love of her life, lived just across the hall from her. Upon reaching the door, she smiled as Marcus spoke...and she heard him as if he spoke her own thoughts. She knew everything that had been said that day, thanks to the Life Bond she and the Jedi Master shared. With a light tap tap tap upon the door, the young woman folded her hands upon her weapons belt and waited.

I am here, Marcus....

She said softly in his mind as she awaited Terran to answer the door to her.

[imported_Terran Starek]

"I don't know if you like sweet or not--I have both here..." His voice trailed off as he felt the familiar presence of someone came into his mind. Usually, when he needed to locate here--even over a great distance---he would need a moment to meditate before he could do so. However, she was very, very close...

"I'll be there is just a second--Xazor is at the door." After he spoke, he heard the tap-tap-tap of Xazor's hand on his door. Heading to greet here, he opened it. The moment it opened, he grabbed her tightly into his arms, leaning over her for a kiss. It had been some time since he had seen her, and seeing her now was exhilerating.

"Hello, my love," he said between kisses. "How wonderful it is to see you." Pulling her back onto her feet in strong arms, he stood her up. "How are you?" He looked her over, checking for any visible bruises or cuts.

[Xazor Elessar]

Xazor smiled and kissed Terran as he greeted her. Indeed, they had not seen one another in sometime and it felt good to be back in his arms again. She noticed he looked her over as if checking for some sort of injury....but there were none save for the bruse upon her right arm where the day previous she had accidentally smashed it in her room's door. It was more shocking than painful, and the bruise was no big deal to her. Still she watched him place his gaze upon it.

"I'm fine....I'm doing quite well. And you, my love? I've missed you so...."

She said softly, embracing him once again. Her eyes went to Marcus who was sitting across the room. He could not see her, but he knew she was there and he knew what she looked like. With a little giggle and a wave unseen to him, she pulled away from Terran and they both entered his room. The Jedi Knight shut the door behind her and then moved in to stand a few meters from Marcus.

"Greetings dear friend, it has been a few days since I've seen you. You look good, Marcus...and it is good to be in your company once again."

She smiled and bowed her head to the Jedi Master, still though they were very close friends she held deep respect for him. Smiling continuously, her sensitive nose picked up the sweet scent of the tea Terran had just brought out.

"Oh tea! I would have brought something over for desert perhaps if I knew you were having tea."

Of course she knew they were to have tea....she knew everything that had gone on inside that room, but Terran did not know that. Her gaze nervously shifted to Marcus momentarily and then back to Terran, waiting to be invited to sit for she felt it rude to invite herself, even if they were engaged to be married and she was in the company of friends.

[Marcus Telcontar]

"Hah. I see you too are both well accquainted. Well Xazor, tell me. Dio youthink Terran here would be suitible to take up training? You think he would be a worthy student to what I could teach him?"

[Xazor Elessar]

Xazor grinned at Marcus's question and walked from her place over to Terran. She folded her arms over her chest and looked upon him with mock inspection as if to really 'look' at him. With a quick circle around the man, she made her way back to Marcus.

"I think he would prove a wonderful student. In fact, when he first came here, I sought to train him but we decided it might be awkward...so my Father took him on. Indeed, my dear friend....I've known him for all of my life save for four years. He is hard working and yes, he would make a great student."

She bowed her head toward her fiance before turning to face Marcus once again with a twinkling in her eyes.

I would strongly suggest it....it seems as though my Father has taken off again and I would hate to see such natural talent be wasted. You and Terran have much in common.....he could learn so much from you.

"Yes indeed, he would prove most hardworking."

She said softly to cover the fact that they were having a private conversation through their Life Bond. A smile crossed the Knight's lips once again and finally she sat down for comfort.

[imported_Terran Starek]

Trying, with all strength, integrity, and honor, the Jedi Padawan held back his sheer excitement. Marcus was someone he greatly looked up to--almost an idol of sorts. To hear that this was a possibility caused him to almost shudder with anticipation. He sat, trying to be silent, watching the two decide.

It was wonderful that Xazor would say such things about him. Of course, he knew she would always be there for him and that she would never quit fighting for him, to be in her presence when she praised him was humbling. He flashed her a smile.

His love, whom he'd die for, deserved so much more.

[Marcus Telcontar]

"Good"

He got up, and walked with the same mind boggling confidence to where Xazor was, putting an arm over her shoulder., before also putting his other arm over Terran's shoulder.

"This pleases me greatly. Let me give my blessign to you both as well."

[Xazor Elessar]

Xazor smiled gently and leaned into Marcus when he put his arm around her. The man she viewed as a Father...the man who was ever so confident even when he could see nothing...she loved him, and it was good to know he approved of she and Terran.

"Thank you dear friend...."

She said softly, bowing her head and acknowledging his blessing upon them. This brought great joy to her heart and she smiled, beaming over at Terran.

This means much to me, Marcus...

Her voice was gentle within his mind as she spoke through their Life Bond. Continuing to smile, she in turn wrapped her arm around Marcus's back and gently poked Terran.

[imported_Terran Starek]

Terran's face lit up as Marcus spoke. He could barely speak--he was somewhat of a softee, and such a blessing from a man whom he respected so meant much, bringing emotion to his heart. On top of that, he was going to help in his training! Was it really true?

"Thank you," he ended up getting out, squeezing Marcus softly with his arm. Grabbing hold of Xazor's hand as she poked him, he pulled it to his mouth, kissing it softly.

"Do you want something to drink?" He spoke, making his way to his cooler. He knew what to get for her if she was thirsty. Pulling some namana juice from its box and pouring a glass for her, he brought it back to her. "It's fresh."

I have much to discuss with you, he spoke into Xazor's mind. He imgagined it would not be hard for Marcus to pick up his thoughts, but it was more polite than saying it out loud.

[Xazor Elessar]

Xazor smiled gently as Terran brought her some Namana Juice, her favorite and something that Navaria had turned her onto. Instead of getting smashed at the bar like she usually did, the Knight now choose non-alchoholic beverages at times to keep her mind clear. Taking the glass in her hand, she smiled as Terran spoke in her mind.

As do I with you too.

She said softly in his mind, knowing that Marcus was aware of all they said to one another...their Life Bond made that possible, though Terran was unaware of this. She continued smiling; nothing could take that happiness from her at the moment.

[Marcus Telcontar]

"I believe I'm still waiting for tha cup of tea, Master Terran" said Marcus, with a laconic expression on his face

[imported_Terran Starek]

"Of course," Terran said, smiling and laughing. It had been quite a visit, and he reflected on how happy he was as he went to the kitchen. Pouring some tea, he thought to himself:

I have truly found my home.