The Lobby and Courtyard

*What had been familiar faces to Dad were new faces to Jake, and he was always eager to meet new people, especially ones his dad had known for a long time. And yet, he couldn't help but feel inappropriate about that excitement when it lingered even after learning what had befallen them before they arrived on Felucia.

So, instead of just being "some old friends of Dad," they were now "the only old friends Dad had left from his old home."

All of them were grieving. Jake had wanted to more formally meet them beyond the group discussion he'd had earlier, but he felt incapable of doing so without feeling incredibly rude. He was an optimistic boy by nature, but he realized that attitude might not be the most welcome one in situations like these; besides, he stumbled over his tongue enough in normal conversations!

He'd had an easier time getting familiar with the Farghul boy Hssan and the Lorrdian girl Janie, both close to his age, but they were simply students Master Terry had brought with him from Belkadan. As a result, they were a little more open to communication and friendship; like Jake, however, they were concerned about these new people they didn't know and had been through horrifying circumstances. Jake wished he could do something... He wasn't sure what he could do, but if he had an inkling, he'd jump at it.

So as he passed through the courtyard and noticed Master Dionne sitting hunched over on the edge of the fountain, Jake paused. Was this his opportunity? He looked around; no one else was here. He almost thought he should leave the man alone... but maybe he could use the company? Jake gulped before he realized he was already moving forward on his own and he stopped in his tracks; was this a good idea?!

Suddenly the Master looked up. Jake felt exposed. The long-haired Master regarded him for a second with an almost-neutral expression.* "You're Aerandir's kid," *he remarked.* "Morgan's surprise twin."

*Well, if Jake had wanted the opportunity, it was now. The small eleven-year-old gulped and smiled nervously, nodding,* "Y-yeah! Jake Palmer Calmcacil! Nice to meet you, Master Dionne." *He gave a slight bow.*

"It's Joey, kid," *The Master replied.

Jake looked up to see a pained smile. He wasn't entirely sure what to make of it... but he definitely recognized the preference of being called by his first name rather than a title. Certainly a friend of his dad's indeed. Jake gave another nervous smile as he replied,* "S-sorry, sir— I mean Joey."

*There was a strange expression on Joey's face, as though he wanted to chuckle but just couldn't. At last, he sighed and lowered his head again, commenting,* "Aerandir's got it good, huh?"

*Jake frowned. That was a strange comment to make, especially when M— er, Joey didn't even really know Jake. Or at least Jake thought not. He shook his head, responding,* "No, sir, I think it's the other way around! I didn't have a family, and when Morgan found me and brought me here, he took me in immediately!"

*A derisive scoff came out of Joey's mouth and it seemed as though he were going to speak before catching himself. He then frowned and sighed, looking away.* "Sorry, kid. Almost said something hurtful. You don't need to hear my rants."

*Jake frowned again. Something hurtful? He was almost surprised to hear such a comment from a Jedi Master... but then, Joey had mustered the ability to stop himself before he started, right? Still, Jake couldn't help but ask,* "Like what?"

*A long silence ensued as Joey continued to not meet Jake's gaze. Then he answered,* "I'm just jealous." *He then shot up to his feet, causing Jake to back off with widened eyes, but the Master only started to pace in front of the fountain as he rambled,* "We both got our Padawans at the same time. We had friendly banter about which of ours would be the best, even though they just wanted to be friends and help each other get better. Then Jamie died, and Aerandir just... moves on! No, he wasn't emotionless, it definitely hurt him, but he pressed onward. Got new Padawans. A family, one that just keeps growing! I only had Damian, and it was great, ya know? He was my friend, I was proud of him. He would've been a Knight... and that rodder just rips his life from him. Damian looked up to all the Council, even him! That piece of garbage betrayed Damian! He's dead now, and I've got nothing. No apprentice, no family. I can't even... can't even move on like Aerandir did; I don't even have that capability."

*He finally stopped his pacing, back mostly facing Jake, as he stared up at the open-air sky.* "I'm a wreck. I'm no position to be called a 'Master.' I was never worthy of being in charge of Deralia's Temple. Had it not been for Artura—" *He choked on that last word. Jake immediately picked up on the implication. Joey hung his head, still facing away from Jake, and sighed.* "And now I'm pouring my heart out to an eight-year-old."

"... I'm eleven," *Jake couldn't help but correct despite the situation.

Joey gave a dry laugh, turning to look at the boy with eyes surprisingly just as dry.* "Right. You're Morgan's twin. She'd be way older than eight."

*Jake nodded idly, still trying to process all of this. He wasn't exactly used to Jedi Masters just opening up to him like that. Or really, anyone besides Morgan. Was he even equipped for handling this? Well, he was hoping to become a healer, and there was more than just physical healing. Tentatively, he approached Joey.*

"You... you don't have nothing!" *he explained, admittedly winging it.* "There's, there's still Aerandir! I mean Dad! Well, he's not your dad..." *Blast it, Jake, don't screw this up!* "Er, yeah! And your other friends that are still alive! I..." *He was almost fumbling now. Time for a point, and fast! Er...* "I know you've lost a lot, but you got everyone else back! Your friends, you haven't seen them in a while, and you're back together! I... I'll be your friend too! I will..."

*And now he'd exhausted his only ideas. Joey was looking at him, and yet, it felt as though he were looking at something else. Jake just stood in silence, watching, waiting to see if the blank expression on the Master would change.

Joey at last closed his eyes and sighed, turning away.* "I should know that. And you're right. And... thanks, kid. But I need to clear my head."

*And then he marched away, towards the Base's exit. Jake almost called after him with some basic advice, if he were planning to go into the jungle, but then he had probably learned enough on his own after being here a couple days. Jake frowned concernedly; he'd never seen a Master this shaken up. Hopefully Joey would be able to regain his bearings soon, but for now, there was no use worrying about it. Jake himself sighed before turning and making for his original destination.

The mood certainly seemed to have changed around the Base lately.*

*Two weeks had been more than enough time for Aerandir to fully recover from the Oneness-induced fatigue, and by now he felt at full strength once again. He hadn't exactly spent the entire recovery time lying down, either; while he had rested more than usual, his waking hours were spent training, meditating, dealing with Jedi matters, and of course being a father.

It was this last duty he currently tended to, sitting on the edge of the fountain and watching over two of his daughters. Mina, who'd been with the family almost two years now, stood some distance away with her quarterstaff. Even when he'd met her, she was very confident with the weapon type; at the mere age of seven, she handled it as well as nearly anyone else Aerandir had seen. No doubt that was owed to her dedication: Every morning without fail he would find her in her room, already awake and practicing the motions. Honing her skills in actual practice drills only continued to develop her skills; her dedication was second only to his sister Michelle's.

And then there was little Lucy, only a few days older than three. She was a dancer, enthralled by performances on the HoloNet and trying to mimic them to the best of her toddler mobility. He and Cassie had strongly encouraged this; not only was it adorable, but they knew it would go miles toward aiding her mobility. Being so young, she was still fairly clumsy, but less so than the average child her age. Nor did it stop her from getting back into rhythm and continuing her routines. She spun and hopped and pirouetted, her wavy light brown hair twirling with her as she hummed her own tune.

Mina suddenly paused, looking curiously over at something. Or someone, as it turned out, Aerandir turning to spot the source of her distraction: A rather disheveled man, and that was putting it lightly. Yet there was something familiar about his appearance and presence, and the lightsaber on his belt reinforced that...*

"Forgive me if I've gotten the name wrong," *he called out,* "but Eruestan Duskhand?"

*Looked like he had the name right. Aerandir stood, returning the smile and approaching him. Lucy had finally stopped her dancing and, after taking a moment to peer at the stranger curiously, bounced along after her father. Mina retracted her staff, moving closer as well, a similar look lingering on her face. The gifts seemed to leave Lucy in both awe and excitement, although Mina merely accepted hers in quiet consideration as was typical of her.*

"I'm just glad I got it right," *Aerandir said to Eruestan.* "With so many Jedi it's not easy to keep track of names sometimes. But yes, it's very good to see you again; you'd one day just vanished and it's always a little worrying when that happens."

"What's this?" *Lucy asked, holding up the token.*

*Lucy turned the token back and forth, recognizing both concepts but not the Code part. While she had an impressive grasp on reading for her age, it wasn't until she was told what was written there and she scrutinized the writing until she grasped it.* "Oh. I know dat!"

*Aerandir chuckled at her before listening to Eruestan explain himself. It was a noble goal, attempting to shed himself of any dark influence, and coming back to a bit of confusion was understandable. Nodding and smiling, Aerandir said,* "Well, since then, we've made a decision as an Order to unite entirely, which means that Felucia is now the central home of the Jedi, with Corellia operating as our only major secondary branch. The Republic had dissolved but has recently just been replaced by the Galactic Alliance, led by a Triumvirate.

"But it's not all good news... For the last few years we've been at war with the Imperials, who've reorganized themselves into the 'First Order.' Among their ranks are a new faction calling themselves the 'Knights of Ren,' who I can't help but think are no more than rebranded Sith. As a result, the galaxy is divided. We're resisting them at every turn, though we may be looking at a temporary truce. It won't stop the bleeding, but it's the best we can hope for at the moment."

*Aerandir shook his head but clasped the hand regardless.* "Think nothing of the past." *He released Eruestan's hand before folding his own arms.* "As for you, I wouldn't ask you to throw yourself right back into the thick of things so soon after your return, though I appreciate the gesture. In my opinion, you'd be better off getting your bearings first. If there's any way I can assist in that I'd be glad to."

"Beawings?" *asked Lucy, scrutinizing Eruestan's fingers and then splaying her own as she looked down at them.*

"Not 'bear rings,'" *Aerandir laughed, patting her head.* "'Bearings.' It's like... figuring out where you are, then where to go from there."

"Ohhhh..."