Chapter 106

The governors in consultation with Cornell, Wollin and Manall and the Jedi had to make the choice which of their fellow Quelan should be going as a first group as almost all Quelans volunteered.

It were the Quelan women who came up the solution.

The Millennium Falcon and the Grannd Traveler with their crew would bring Cornell and Wollin and half of the harvestmen back to Ribana, with a third of the male Quelans and a third of the female Quelans would join them. They would start with the first most important cleaning and repairs that were needed. Those who stayed behind had to take care of all the young Quelans and the elderly. After two standard weeks the big space ship would return the group of harvest men and the first groups of males and females. The Millennium Falcon and the Grannd Traveler would take the harvest men who had stayed on Tyr to Ribana to join Cornell and Wollin, and another third of males and females would see to it that most of the houses would be habitable again. As they would have done their job the space ships would bring them back to get the third group of males and females and the first group of harvest men to join their comrades on Myr for the last remaining repairs and restorations. If everything would go as planned all those who had been working in Ribana would have done their share and Toallin and Mugin decided that everyone had to return to Tyr while their human friends and all the harvest men would see to remaining work had to be done. The first groups would leave Tyr within a standard fortnight.

One the day the first groups would leave, it was a hive of activity on the plains behind Cantamaga as those who would go to Ribana wanted to take not only necessary equipment and cleaning supplies, but already also part of their personal belongings. Mugin with the Council of the Elders would stay on Tyr, while Toallin would go to Ribana to guide his fellow Quelans who, he feared, would be taken aback, when they would see what was left of their former homes. Therefore Luke, Wedge and Leia had advised the governors to choose strong characters in the first group. Upon return, they could support those left behind and explain what was needed to be done. Kamalin and Woldrin had supported the Jedi's point of view and the two chairmen had made a selection for the first group which they had discussed among the Council of the Elders.

Luke's new role as Shaayla-Car's Jedi master had raised a few eyebrows, but was in general accepted, although master Kamalin had asked Shaayla-Car why she had taken a step back. After her explanation he had called her a resolute woman who deserved to fully earn master Skywalker's guidance until he would be was fully sure about her use and knowledge of the Force.

Toallin and Mugin had accepted Luke's and Shaayla-Car's new relationship without questioning. Only Nori Thai didn't seemed convinced. He sought out Shaayla-Car on the day of his departure to Ribana where he would start to install and implement the new communication system. Somewhat bewildered, he looked at her when he entered the control room of the Astræga

"Hey, sorry I don't want to be intrusive, but I heard that you have asked Luke to be his Jedi apprentice."

Liane looked up from the book she was reading.

"That's right, Nori. All the time after Wedge Antilles initiate as a Jedi Knight I have kept many doubts about that initiation. For me it feels like I haven't done enough to deserve that status. Sit down, Nori. I appreciate your visit. It's been a difficult decision, but after I talked about my doubts with Luke he accepted to be my Jedi master."

Liane pointed at the book she had been reading.

"Luke has instructed me to study the book of the Jedi path. It's quite similar to the book my foster-father told me to learn by heart: the Ways of the Sith. This one is a much better read. I enjoy it, although is difficult to make a good practise of these lessons."

Nori Thai looked at her.

"Why are you're wearing your hair like that, Shaayla-Car. Sorry, but it's not really flattering."

"This is the normal hairdo of a padawan learner. Luke insisted that I had to redo my hair, so everybody would recognize me as his padawan."

"I don't understand you took this step, Shaayla-Car. I have seen you doing something I still don't understand and now you have taken a huge step back and be someone Jedi apprentice again."

"Not someone's apprentice, Nori. Luke is the best Jedi master I could have. He's the last one who got his training from master Yoda, the grand-master of the Jedi Order. I'm really happy that Luke accepted and understood my plea. Did you come for Luke? He told me that he would be back late, as he is helping with the boarding of the first group of Quelans and the harvest men who will leave Tyr, tonight. Do you want me to leave a message for him."

"I didn't come for Luke. I have already spoken to him. He said that you were on your own in the Astræga and he was certain that you would appreciate some company."

"I do, but I need to finish my lesson, before Luke's coming back." Liane said.

Nori shook his head.

"I can't imagine, that Luke would be so demanding as a Jedi master. The two of you were always on very friendly terms."

"There's a difference in the approach between a Jedi master and his apprentice. Nori, you're professor by profession. You probably also expect that your students will do what you assign them. The relationship between a Jedi apprentice and a Jedi master is quite similar."

"I still don't get this, Shaayla-Car. As I said before I have seen you healing the last part of the wound in my side. I saw those blue streaks coming from your fingers and touching my skin. I saw how all the damage of my skin was undone. Isn't that enough evidence that you're entitled to be called a Jedi Knight."

"What you saw me doing, I have been practising many times before. I have healed very severely wounded Ewoks on Endor the same way, but there's lot more a Jedi Knight needs to know, Nori. Luke always wanted to be my Jedi master, but the circumstances didn't allow him to stay long enough with me to teach me all I needed to know to become a Jedi Knight, for he had promised the Quelan governors to help them against Trevor Matrik who ruined their way of life, after I was brought to a safe place on Na'ctaMagh'Ba so that Trevor wouldn't be able to have me kidnapped and brought to Palomintar Four to serve his wild plans. This situation made it almost impossible for Luke and me to have the right relationship which is required between a master and an apprentice. A master and padawan have to be together most of the time, not to say always, so the master can observed his apprentice, teach him the right Force methods and in case the apprentice make a wrong decision, to correct him and explain the correct way. Satisfied with this explanation, master Thai," Liane said with a laugh.

Nori had taken a seat on the opposite couch and Liane sensed his bewilderment.

"Nori, I really appreciate that you've come to see me, because I want to ask you if you could do me a favor."

Immediately Nori paid his full attention to her.

"Any favor, Shaayla-Car, what ever you want. You and your brother saved my life. Without the two of you I would be dead. What can I do for you?"

"What I'm going to ask you is very personal, but you're the right person to ask."

"What's on your mind, Shaayla-Car?"

"It's about something that has happened many years ago, around the time while the Civil War was still raging on and the Rebel Alliance had established themselves on the ice planet of Hoth. Have you ever heard of the Baroonta Clan on Coruscant?"

Nori's eyes narrowed and he frowned.

"You mean one of those groups of women with one male leader who fathers all new born children. He raises the girls, but new born boys always disappear silently. Only girls are acceptable, for they will be educated to behave as the willing sexual prey for lonely men, like groups of soldiers. What about them, Shaayla-Car?"

"I sense you despise them, right?"

"To despise is the just word, yes, I do."

"I'm going to tell what happened on Hoth before the Rebel Alliance had to flee the planet, because Darth Vader had discovered their new secret base. Nori, once again this is very personal, because it's concerning my Jedi master."

"It's concerning Luke?"

"Yes, and what happened at that time, has given him very traumatic memories."

"Tell me, Shaayla-Car, because I already feel obliged to cooperate. Has Luke fallen victim to one of those Baroontarian slu ... priestesses, as they called themselves."

Liane nodded and told Nori what had happened to Luke. Nori listened without asking any questions or interrupting her narrative. When she finally stopped he noticed how emotional she had become.

"I feel the same abomination as you do, Shaayla-Car. This is really terrible, and it was all a set-up and done by order of Palpatine."

Liane nodded.

"My master has told me all this, because I once became aware of the devastating memories which were so painful to him, while he sometimes recalled them. Being a Force healer I wanted to ease his mind. He has done a lot for me in the past. He always kept his believe in me, even when I went the wrong way. Nori, I'm asking you if you are able to find out on which planet in the Outer Regions Eminil and her child were left behind without enough provisions to survive. I think you're the right person to ask, but I won't blame you if you can't help me."

"Out of the question, Shaayla-Car. This has to be solved. I fully understand that Luke feels this a heavy burden. That woman abused her position within the Baroonta clan to evade the consequences of her actions, since she voluntarily signed up to abuse him. I will have a look into the case, even it's already several years ago and happened under Palpatine's reign."

"I don't expect you'll find results. I only want justice to be done, Nori. If it's possible to find the name of the planet where she had been brought I would be relieved."

"Don't worry, Shaayla-Car, one way or the other you will hear from me. I'll let you know what I can find."

"Thank you, Nori. I'm glad I have met you."

Nori saw that Liane cast a look at the book that laid on th couch next her.

"You have some homework to do, before Luke comes home, Shaayla-Car. I'm going now and leave you to your chores. Rest assured, no one will hear what you told me, not even Luke. Tell him, that I will see him again on Myr."

"I will, Nori, thank you for listening."

"You're welcome. I owed you something. Are you also going to Ribana?"

"Yes, my master will take me and Threepio and Artoo with him to Myr in his ship. Also the droids will set to work there."

Nori Thai left. For a moment Liane sat motionless, staring at the opposite wall of the control room. Suddenly she started to smile, grabbed the book and opened it at the last chapter. She unfastened the chain around her neck and took the Jedi-pendant in her hand. With a loving gaze, she compared the image with the Luke's precious gift to her.

'My eternal comrade, my dearest lovely Jedi friend. You once made this special piece of jewelry for me, so that I would remember how important our meeting on Morantan was. Perhaps I can now help you right the wrong that has been done to you, or at least somewhat alleviate it. You are everything to me, Luke Skywalker, there is no better man for me.' She thought.

She put the pendant away again, after which she began to read the text carefully. " 'Mezorahimed dejan Forka imajors dejan bacarlam tarminan.' Which means: May the Force always be with her servants who are forever united with her. I will, Luke. I am forever united with you. In this life, in a next one and in the many lives we've already been together." She whispered.

Threepio and Artoo were nearing the Astræga.

"Yes, Artoo, master Luke has told me that he will bring us to Ribana, where we will help to prepare and serve food and drinks, while those Quelan people are working so hard to restore their city. Yarnick and some of his brothers will help us too." The golden droid said.

"KDKLSISK-DKJJDIKS-DLANNDKE" Artoo commented.

"No, we're not serving mistress Liane, or master Luke, this time. Have you heard that mistress Liane has become master Luke's padawan. When I heard I couldn't believe it."

"OEKDOSDIW-DKIIKKN-WWKILKKDI-KKEISAKK" Artoo answered.

"No, she is no longer dressed as a Jedi Knight. Now she looks a master Yarmod and master Ian, before they became Jedi Knights."

"EIIENNDIS-EKKDILCMJKDL-KKKLLDEUSHH-KDKKLSLI-DWQISK."

"What? Who told you that? So, it is not true. Then why is everybody believe it?"

"KDKKNNDIIL-SKKNEIKD"

"It's a secret? Why is it kept secret?"

"KKDJDIDLL-SSSDLELD-QQELCMDO-LLQQM" Threepio's counterpart answered.

"They are doing this on purpose? Who?"

"KKDNCIIDLD-AKAKAICI-DKIISNNNS-DKKEIMS-LDJJJAI"

"Master Luke and mistress Liane. Why should they?" Threepio asked in disbelieve.

"DJWNNDKKCD-DKKSISKN-DKKDISNND-KKDKIISNK-DDKIINNSK-LLDOIONMN"

"You've heard master Solo talking to Chewbacca. Artoo, we'd better ask master Luke himself. Look there he is? Master Luke!"

"Oh, hello, Threepio. Hello Artoo. Get on board you two. I want to lift soon." Luke answered and pointed to the cargo ramp of the Astræga

"Master Luke, Artoo says that you and mistress Liane are keeping something secret. Master Solo told that to Chewbacca."

"There is nothing secret, Threepio. Probably Han said that to Chewbacca, so he shouldn't tell someone else, that it has been Shaayla-Car who asked me to accept her as my padawan learner." Luke made a gesture to the cargo ramp. "Get in, Threepio and you too, Artoo."

Luke walked away. Threepio and Artoo walked up the ramp of the Astræga and met Liane in the control room.

"Mistress Liane, what happened to your hair?" Threepio exclaimed, "You look is you are a padawan. So it is true."

"You mean the rumors you have heard, haven't you? Yes, I am a padawan, Threepio. I'm Luke's padawan. He is my Jed master."

"But you became a Jedi Knight, like master Ian and master Martan, when we came from Tatooine?"

"That, Threepio, was not the right moment for me. Ian and Yarmod deserved their new status. I have a lot to learn."

"But everyone accepted you as a Jedi Knight. I haven't heard that anyone has doubts about you becoming a Jedi Knight. And master Antilles even gave you his brooch as badge so everyone would recognize you as belonging to master Luke's group of new Jedi."

"I have felt being part of that group, Threepio, but more and more I began to feel doubts about being a Jedi Knight as I never had had a Jedi master to guide me."

"KDKDJISKLK-DKKKSEI-DJCUWLASQ-DKDKNSKLU," Artoo beeped.

"No, Artoo. I don't know when I will be a Jedi Knight. That's for my master to decided."

"KKNNCJJDD-KKKKXBNBSJH-MMDTGWQSLDO-KDKDICNDL-NNXHZHSKDUJL.'

"I am going with you and Luke to Ribana. There's a lot of work to do. Maybe I also can be useful serving meal and refreshment to the Quelans and their harvest men while they are restoring the town."

Luke entered the Astræga and closed the ramp.

"I have work for you in the vineyard building. You're going assist Udine and Carmona while they begin cleaning up their former quarters. Now, join me in the cockpit. You're my co-pilot. Luke said to her."

"Yes, master," Liane answered uncomplaining and she rose.

"See you later, my friends," She said to the droids.

"Threepio, you and Artoo stay in the control room during this short flight. Strap yourself it and don't disturb Shaayla-Car and me, as I'm instructing her how to fly through the cloud layers, relying on her Force skills."

Luke join Liane in the cockpit. She already had taken the co-pilot seat. As Luke entered he gentle bowed over the backrest and put his hand on her shoulder. Liane grab his hand.

'You're unhappy, my love. I can feel it.' He said using Jedi telepathic communication.

'Please, Luke, when we have arrived on Myr, can't you make sure we have some moments together soon. Can't you land the ship in that deep valley?'

'No, Shaayla-Car. I have to drop off the droids at the main plaza where Conor, Kieran and Bran will take care of our loyal friends. They will set them to work. Threepio loved to serve people and Artoo has been instructed he should follow the Grann brother's instructions. Next I will bring you to the vineyard building. It's best I could do at the moment. Toallin and Mugin have asked their wives to be nice to you and don't ask any question about your padawan status.'

Luke bowed further and put his arm around her.

'I'm sorry, lovely pixie, but I have to a demanding master. I also don't really like it, but we have agreed to keep our future marriage secret.'

Liane looked up at him.

'I miss the warmth and friendliness in your voice, Luke. Sometimes it feels as if I'm back on Morantan while Anakin is instructing me. Since we agreed that I would be your padawan it feels as it feels like you no longer feel affection for me.'

Luke turned the co-pilot seat around and sat in front of her.

'Don't talk that way to me, my eternal comrade. Your words hurt me. Please, keep in mind that I love you, but we need to keep a certain distance as we don't want to reveal our true relationship.'

'I understand, but it's so difficult to be convincing.'

Luke cast a glance to the passage. Quickly he bowed further to Liane's face and gave her gentle kiss.

'Keep in mind that it feels the same for both of us, my precious love. I have arranged that you will stay in the vineyard building all the while. It's a large building and there's lot clean up to be done. There you will be out of sight so others won't ask you too inquisitive questions. You should leave it to me to arrange our secret rendez-vous.'

Liane nodded, but the unhappy look in her eyes didn't disappear.

'I begin to fear that you won't be able to make those arrangements, Luke. There's so much to do in Ribana. You'll be too busy to ...

... don't say anything what you're thinking. It's not true and you know it. Listen, my lovely dream girl, tonight, after sunset. Go into the vineyard. Tell Udine and Carmona that you want to make a walk alone. I'll be there. I promise. It will be a short rendez-vous, but I need time to find a convincing way to be your Jedi master. I'm thinking about taking you with me every afternoon to do some physical training. The hilly terrain behind the vineyard building is ideal to exercise. Together we can carefully explore the entire area, so that we can find a safe, well-hidden path to the deep valley where I will land with the Astræga, but all depends on us. We have be more than convincing in our new roles, you as my padawan and I as your master. '

Liane produced a slight smile and nodded.

'Once again I feel that I'm a nuisance, a spoil girl, who wants to do things her way and not be depended on others.'

'You're not a nuisance, my lovely pixie, but it's difficult for you to rely on me, as your Jedi master, and on the Force. Shall we go now, otherwise I fear that Threepio will neglect my order.'

Luke took the pilot seat and started the engines. Liane looked at him from the side and felt her overwhelming love for him. For a short moment she recalled what she had been reading that afternoon. There certainly was no need for her to feel depressed, because they were together, they were living again as the Force dyad, a union in the Force which couldn't broken, because the Force had forged an unbreakable bond between them. Yes, during the oncoming clean up and restoration of Ribana there wouldn't much time to be together, but Luke would surely find many ways to meet, she had to leave it up to him while she had to pretend convincingly that she wanted to be his padawan learner.

The Astræga was flying through the green colored whirl of the cloud layer. Liane reached out to the Force to feel her union with her friend, began to enjoy the flight and the time it would take, for they were together.

The Astræga shot through the cloud layer and reach the clear sky above Tyr. Luke adjusted the coordinates of the landing spot. Looking through the windscreen Liane saw the coast line of Tyr and the ocean that divided the two continents. Myr wasn't visible yet, but within minutes Liane saw the first vague contours of the other continent and recognize the western harbor where the hover pulse boat used to moor. At sublight speed they flew over the wild lands which she had crossed four days on foot. The western plains came into view and moments later they crossed the restore river, where the water was flowing south. Luke made contact with Han and Yarnick to made sure he could safely land on the main plaza. Down below Liane saw the Quelans who had traveled with the two cargo freighters walking around with a look of despair. Once this was their city, now it was abandoned, ruined and destroyed. Suddenly Liane felt how the Force made clear to her that she should use Force Battle Meditation to bring hope to the despairing feelings of the inhabitants. She reached out to the Force, became one with her unseen ally while tens of clear images of a thriving, blooming town began to whirl in her mind. While these images filled her mind she reached out to the Quelans who were walking in disbelieve along the main plaza and the surrounding streets.

'Forget those despairing views and feelings. See how Ribana will get its former brilliance again. You all can do it. Believe in this future. Ribana will be a beautiful town again. She told the Quelans through the Force.

Some Quelans began to look around more focussed and took others at their arms pointing at certain houses. They began to walk over to the fences, entered the gardens and looked through the windows. Then some of them ran back, collected spades, rakes and other equipment. They began to clean the main plaza of the overgrown weed, yelling to each other with happy faces. Their enthusiasm had a contagious effect on all the Quelans. It was contagious, and cheerful exclamations rang out back and forth.

Luke who had sensed how Liane had used her Force skills to influence the first group of Quelans with Force Battle Meditation, let her connect to all the Quelans, so all became aware of a better future and the possibilities they envisioned to rebuild their city. It took a while before Liane released herself from her deep connection with the Force.

"We have reached our destination, Shaayla-Car," Luke said.

"Yes, let's join them and gave them all the support they need," She whispered. "They need encouragement, Luke. Much encouragement. They already have begun to believe in what needs to be done. "

"You managed to let them envision a better outcome of what they were seeing, Shaayla-Car. Force Battle Meditation is a very powerful use of the Force." Luke said and Liane heard the admiration in his voice.

She began to laugh as she took off the safety straps.

"But probably not the right Force use for a padawan learner, master Skywalker. What do you think?"

"They aren't aware that you influenced their minds, my very powerful pixie." He answered and pulled her to her feet.

For a moment they stood looking at the hustle and bustle around the Astræga, until a loud knock at the cargo ramp and Han's voice.

"Time to roll up your sleeves, master Skywalker. Put that ramp down, so the two droids can do their chores and take that padawan of yours with you, master Skywalker. She might be useful too." Han yelled.

Toallin, Han and Leia stood on the main plaza when Luke and Liane left the Astræga followed by the two droids. It was bustling around the buildings surrounding the central square. Toallin looked satisfied at his very busy fellow Quelans.

"It was a shock for them to see what was left of our beautiful town, but some suddenly took the lead and have encourage the others. Yes, there's a lot to be done, for sure, Luke. I have tried to give a good picture of what they might expect, but the reality of the deteriorated houses, still became as a shock. I'm glad that not everyone saw it so bleakly. I had a look at the administration building and it seems to be in reasonably good condition. I have give the order to prepare several of its rooms as a place to take some rest and enjoy a meal together. It will be crowded, but the weather is good, so I expect that most of them will enjoy their meals outside. Those three traders guys are cleaning out the basement, for that's the best place with enough room to prepare hearty meals. They have asked the harvest men to join them. Your droids can help them to distribute the meals along the plaza and the surrounding streets. I think it's a good idea to clean up the center first, but those who want to clean up their former home in the outskirts have my blessing. I'm all too glad, that the extensive work is being tackled expeditiously. I have already informed Udine and Carmona that Shaayla-Car will stay at the vineyard building and help them to prepare our former home. It's a large building with many rooms. Well you have seen it, so you know that all the furniture had been looted. For the time being we have to improvise and use our imagination to make a living here. Master Solo, has suggested that it might be a good idea to get some of our furniture on Tyr and bring it here. I have to think about it. If you don't need me any further I'm going to do my share in cleaning up this mess. "

Toallin walked over to the administration building and vanished through the open door. Liane looked around. A slight smile appeared on her face.

"What's so funny, Liane," Han asked.

Liane pointed at the broken wall next to the building.

"Behind that wall Wedge and I have hidden those killer droids after we defeated them."

"That was in the time when you were convinced you were a Jedi Knight," Han commented grumpy. "Liane, I still don't get it, why you have asked Luke to be your Jedi master and that you asked him to that matter on Morantan in the island of Felusa. What's so particular at Felusa."

"There I was born, there my parents have lived, there my mother has died and there Anakin took me with him to practise the evil Sith use of the Force I had to master. Felusa is part of my life, Han." Liane answered .

"I suggest you should consider to marry your friend Luke there, Liane," Han snapped.

Liane shrugged her shoulders and looked at Luke.

"Master Luke, when are you taking me to the vineyard building. I guess that Udine and Carmona are expecting me," She said.

"Very well, my padawan. Han, Leia, after I brought Shaayla-Car to the vineyard building I will come back and see if I can be of any use here. Come Shaayla-Car, we're going."

Liane made a bow for Leia and followed Luke up the ramp of the Astræga. Han watched her go. The Astræga's engine started and the space ship disappeared over the eastern hills.

"Well, I don't think Liane will really stick to the claim that she asked your brother to be her Jedi Master. They want to keep something a secret. We will soon find out where those two really went together and why, Leia." Han snarled. "I could barely contain myself. I felt the urge to give her a good shake."

"I'm glad you didn't, darling, but it amazes me how docile she is behaving."

"They are pretending, being master and apprentice. There's absolutely something else behind it. She is a natural leader, like you and your brother. Do you know, Leia, I guess, it's the other way around. It hasn't been Liane who has asked Luke to be his padawan. No, it is Luke who has doubts about her initiation as a Jedi Knight. I think, he has told her that the way she uses the Force is incomplete or doesn't match the training he'd got from that former master of him on Dagobah. He has put her under pressure to made a step back and become his padawan, for probably he has realized that she is more powerful than him. She has cured those Ewoks on Endor, she has cured me and showed me our marriage and the beautiful dress. She has talked to many Jedi of Old, using those holocrons. She has told me how to read the foreign Jedi language he has been studying for year without any progress. She has made a transcription of that file in the Sith language. She and her brother cured Nori after he had been severely wounded and finally she talked to that weirdo to surrender himself. Your brother is jealous and has be looking to humility her, so has begun to believe that she isn't Jedi Knight at all. That's what I believe is going on."

Leia looked at Han and nodded.

"Your conclusion might be right, darling, but most of the Jedi have confirmed that Liane has felt very unsure about her initiation."

"Her insecurity has made her vulnerable to Luke's Jedi machinations, Leia. Why don't you talk to your brother and tell him to treat her all she has done with more respect."

"Being her Jedi master at the moment, he surely will, Han. Luke has been my Jedi master and he never has shown the behavior you are expressing, because it concerns Liane. I also never have heard an unkind word from Wedge during his padawanship. Luke is always generous and very approachable, never rude or humiliating. He shares all the knowledge master Yoda with his padawan without restraint."

Han kept grumbling something inaudible and turned around.

"I'm going to help Nori. Leia, it's my believe that Liane is very unhappy at the moment and that's something I blame your brother. Maybe I will tell him clearly what I think about this situation one of these days."

"I think you shouldn't. Leave those two alone. They are longer together than any of us ever has been. They understand each other better than I understand you sometimes."

"Fine!" Han said and stormed away angrily. Leia watch her husband go and walked in the opposite direction where she started to help a few Quelan woman who were struggling to get some deteriorating curtains down.

On board the Astræga Luke sensed that Liane reached to the Force every now and than to recall the image Force Battle Meditation she had been spreading to help the Quelans below to envision how their combined effort would bring Ribana back to its former beauty. He cloaked the ship and look aside.

"I will make several turns above Ribana so you can use Force Battle Meditation on more of our Quelan friends. The more Quelan experience the hope you are transmitting in their minds, the better, Shaayla-Car. I'd wish there would be a way to support you."

"Can you merge your mind with mine, Luke? We did before, remember. I don't it will strengthen the influence of Battle Meditation, but it will increase the influence of the Force."

"I have to go on a higher altitude. There I can activate autopilot to keep the ship to fly in circles. Your idea is worth the effort. Let's do it, Shsaayla-Car. You said that the Quelans need much encouragement. Maybe our combined Force use will boost the influence of Force Battle Meditation."

Luke flew the Astræga to an altitude so that all of Ribana and its surrounding area was visible below them. They saw many Quelans busy cleaning up the deterioration and the overgrown gardens. Luke activated the autopilot and made secure that the Astræga kept a wide circle above the town. Liane waited until he was convinced that the Astræga would hold her steady course.

They both turned their seat so they were sitting opposite of each other. Gently Liane place her hands around Luke's head, while Luke took hers between his hands. They bowed until their foreheads touch each other. Liane felt how the Force began to encapsulate them stronger than ever and how their minds touched while her Force Battle skilled began to show them both the images of a restored and thriving Ribana. Luke sensed how Liane was transmitting those images to the town below and he increased their strength with his own connection with the Force. He became part of what she saw and managed to evoke his own images the Force began to show. For more than half a standard hour they remained in their Force connection. They both opened their eyes slowly, sat upright and released her hands. Luke turned to the console of the Astræga and activated the magnifier the show the surface of planet in more detail. In total silence they watched if their combined Force use of Battle Meditation had been influencing the returned group of Quelans, the males, the females and the harvest men. Down below they saw the increased fervor with which all the Quelan were working. There was a lot of weeding, cleaning, digging, carpentry and some Quelan had already began to restore the shattered domed roofs.

"You have brought hope to those who had were devastated when they saw their ruined town, Shaayla-Car?" Luke said.

"We brought that hope, master Skywalker, through our combined Force connection. You even managed to call some of your own images of Ribana's future. I think it's time to go to the vineyard building, for I have obligations there. Is there a safe spot to land the Astræga? I thought you wanted to take me there using the speeder."

"That's right, but I wanted to leave Han and Leia immediately and the only way to do that was a lift off. Shall we land at the deep valley? It is quite a climb and a run to reach the vineyard building, but I can use my prerogative as your Jedi master to explain your delay."

"Hm, you're still coming up with ideas to stay together, aren't you, master Skywalker. This plan reminds of your stay with on Endor, our flight to Tatooine and your unexpected visit to Na'ctaMagh'Ba." she teased.

"I have never denied my intentions, my love," Luke answered.

"And I will not object, master Luke, for after our landing I want to hear from you, that you're still in love with me."

Providing that you will tell me the same, naughty pixie." Luke said with a warm loving laugh. "Let's go."

Luke deactivated the autopilot and activated the navi-computer with the coordinates of the deep valley. The Astræga turn to her new position and Luke flew in the direction of the southern hills. Within minutes he reached the landing spot which he intended to use as their rendez-vous location. The Astræga touched down. Luke stopped the engines, but kept his ship cloaked. As soon as everything around them became quiet, Liane jumped to her feet, pull Luke from the pilot seat and took him to the control room. She pushed him on the couch and fell next to him.

"Tell me," She ordered.

"Tell you what?" Luke said, teasingly, but enjoying her elated mood. "What I want you to know can't be said, but I know a much better explanation."

He took her in a tight embrace and kissed her. Their mutual love engulfed them and for minutes they only enjoyed their new relationship without any fear for detection.

"Is my naughty pixie still feeling unhappy," Luke teased.

"Not when I'm alone with you, Luke Skywalker." Liane said, "for then you aren't aloof, but the man who I love and who tells me he loves me."

Luke looked into her bright blue eyes and pulled her to him.

"It still feels so unreal that you want to marry me, Shaayla-Car. I never thought I would be so lucky. I can hardly wait until you are truly my wife."

Liane began to laugh before she kissed him.

"So maybe Han was right, my love, if you're so impatient which is a bad habit for a Jedi master, we should go to Ferlusa to get married. Did you made a story that we went to Felusa?"

Luke looked at Liane somewhat guiltily.

"Han nearly interrogated me when I told him you had asked me to be my padawan. I didn't want to tell we've gone to Na'ctaMagh'Ba to get the white dress, so the first name that I thought of was Felusa."

"Lucky shot, master Skywalker. You probably remembered that I have told you that Anakin took me there to avoid the spying eyes of Trevor Matrik. Maybe we should go to Felusa one day, for Severini has told me that she has hidden a green holocron in the building on which she has recorded all her knowledge about Jedi healing."

"Might be a lovely location to go on our honeymoon. Anakin might have taught you there forbidden knowledge for a Jedi, Maybe I can teach you there how you can turn me into a slightly less naive and unexperienced farm boy."

Luke began to laugh when Liane's face became red hot.

"You're blushing, my love, what are you thinking?"

Liane gave him a push.

"Maybe it will be a bit different, master Luke, for I'm an unexperienced woman who has been warned to avoid being alone with an attractive man. Maybe a naive farm boy has to teach an unexperienced woman what slumbering desires he has."

They both began to laugh and they took some moments to enjoy another short moment of happiness.

"We have to go to the vineyard, Shaayla-Car. It's quite a distance we have to cover."

"I understand, master Luke. What do you want me to do?"

"What about an endurance run. We both haven't been practising much. Might be a good challenge."

Wedge was watching Chati who was running uphill along the steep path. For the first stretch she did well, but halfway she stopped and panted. Disappointed she looked back at her master who hurried up the path.

"You're alright?" Wedge asked.

"I can't do this, master. The path is so steep." She answered sadly

"The first stretch you did when very well. What happened that you had to stop halfway?"

"I can't tell. It felt as if my legs stopped moving. I could take another step."

"Did you feel the Force as I told you should do, while running uphill?"

"I thought I did, but I didn't really try to feel the Force. I mean, I just expected I would get help from the Force, so I would know what to do."

"That's not how it works, you have to become part of the Force, so she can extend your physical exercises.

'Now, close your eyes, reach out to the Force, let you be engulfed by her power,' Wedge said calmly using his Jedi voice

Chati looked at him with a laugh.

"I always hear your voice in my mind, master, when you're encouraging me." She said.

"That's what I want, Chati. Now do as I said and run uphill from this spot to the plateau halfway. Oh, and believe in what your doing."

Chati stood up.

"I will, master, but I find this difficult."

"It isn't easy to control, but being able to use the Force to run, is very valuable when you encounter an opponent who is threatening your life. It's the easiest way to stay in control of a situation."

"But running away isn't courageous, master. Running away is something cowards do, my mother has told me. As kid I often ran away when my schoolmates laughed at me because they thought I was weird. When I came home, and told my mother what had happened, she told me that only cowards run away. According her I had to learn to stay my ground."

"That different from what I said, Chati. Your classmates hurt your feelings, for you they ridiculed you and laughed because you did things they didn't understand, or believed a Quelan girl could do. In the past you had many experiences using your Force skills intuitive. What I want you to learn, is, using your Force skills consciously. If you become more aware of the Force's presence you will be able to use that power whenever you need it. Let me show you. Here, take my coat, while I run uphill."

Wedge took off his coat and handed it to Chati. She conscientiously folded it, and watched her master running uphill without any effort. She saw how easily he reached the plateau. There he stopped and looked back and waved at her. His always friendly manner gave her a happy feeling. The more he told her about the Force and how to learn to use it, the more she wanted to show him that she was worth his attention. Hesitantly she answered his kind gesture and waved back.

"Hi, Chati. What do you have to do today, I mean, what are you practising?" A voice called and Lorann came running up the hill.

"Hey, Lorann, you ran fast." She said laughing. "Master Antilles wants me to run even faster. He wants me to use my Force skills run up this steep path from the bottom to the plateau. I could run till halfway and then I got exhausted."

"I don't understand what you mean, Chati. I love running, but I never think while I'm running. The boys in my class always say I'm the fastest runner from my group and master Kamalin has explained that I can run so fast because I don't want to run fast, I just run because I like to run."

Chati looked puzzled.

"You can run fast, because you like running, but you don't want to run fast?"

In the meantime Wedge Antilles had descended the path quietly as had noticed Lorann's presence. He was in hearing range when he heard Lorann explaining to Chati why he could run fast."

'That's her problem. She wants to run fast to please me and show me she can do what I want her to do.' He thought, walking over to the two Quelans.

'She must unlearn to want to do the Force to help her. In stead she has to realize that using the Force is just fun.'

"Hey, Lorann. What brings you up on this mountain path?"

"Greeting, master Antilles. I was just having fun, because master Kamalin has sent us boys home, for the governor has asked to discuss and organize the next group of males and females will go back to Ribana. Having an afternoon free off, is always fun, so I used it to have fun while running fast. That's what I always do, when I'm glad. And I saw Chati running uphill, so I thought I might accompany her, for running together is more fun, it's also challenging, don't you think. Do you mind if I run along with Chati, master Antilles."

"Absolutely not, Lorann." Wedge said and turned to Chati.

"Now do as I explained, Chati, use your Force skills, but don't think, stretch out with your feeling and let the Force help you to have fun with the way you can use her power. Are you ready, young padawan. Give me your coat."

Chati looked up the steep path, but hesitated for a moment. Lorann stood next to Wedge Antilles and looked up to him.

"Master Antilles, why does Chati thinks that running uphill isn't fun?"

Chati turned to him.

"How do you know what I was thinking?" She snapped.

"I just felt it. You want to do what master Antilles says, but don't feel the fun in what has asked. I don't want to do homework, for that's not fun, but master Kamalin says that not everything we have to learn is really fun, but we have to look at our homework to see something funny in it. That often works, not always, but most of the time."

"Are still a boy, Lorann, I'm an adult Quelan female."

"And being an adult Quelan female means that you can't have fun with what you do?"

Chati looked at Lorann with her mouth open.

"Of course I can have fun doing things, but what my master want ... "

She stopped.

"Master Antilles, doesn't want you to do thing, Chati. He teaches you that you can use those extraordinary thing you can do, can help you to have a lot of fun. Master Kamalin has written some wise words on the wall of the school. You must have read it, no seen it very often. He wrote: Where there is a will, there is no way. I have asked him what he meant, but he only laughed and said I had to figure it out myself. I don't know if I'm right, but when I remain to want something, good marks for instance, then I probably will be disappointed, for master Kamalin's test are difficult, but if I'm not too much concerned about my marks, my marks are mostly better than I thought, and that give me pleasant and funny feelings. I have told this to master Kamalin, yet, but I think I figured it out right. Shall we run uphill together, Chati?"

"No, I'll run first and when I have reached the plateau it's your turn."

"That fine with me, Chati." Lorann said.

Chati stepped on the path. This time she didn't look up to the plateau, and all at once she felt how the Force began to surround her. It felt very funny, and gave her courage. In a flash she started run uphill, forgetting Wedge Antilles and Lorann who were watching her in admiration. In an instant she had reached the plateau, where she released herself from the Force. Wedge followed her, while Lorann ran uphill and looked at Chati.

"Wow, you ran even faster than me. You were on the plateau in no time, and you weren't panted after you stopped. I have to stop while I'm running for then I'm out of breath." Lorann said.

"Well, done, Chati. This time you let the Force guide you and you accepted her guidance. That's what a Jedi has to learn. We carry out the will of the Force and in return she guides us to get a good result."

They began to walk downhill in a quiet tempo. Wedge listened to the conversation between the two Quelans without disturbing them.

'Lorann is right. Chati wants to please me and that's why she fails. She has to learn to believe that the Force is her powerful ally, that can guide her along her goal. I'm just an intermediate, between the Force and her knighthood, I can learn her to listen what the Force is telling her.'

Wedge looked aside to Lorann and nodded pensively.

'And that young Quelan boy possesses the same skills as my padawan.' He thought.

To be continued...