The next day was a better day. Both Naluma and Luke hated the mood swings, but they were grateful when they swung in the positive direction. 

While eating breakfast in the suite, Naluma asked, "Did you talk to Ben?"

Luke nodded.

"And?"

He set his fork down. "I won't give up on him, 'Luma. He's hurting so much and needs someone who believes in him. He was very upset about the accident."

Naluma chewed on her food and remained silent for the remainder of the meal. I'm not going to change his mind, and he's never going to admit the kid's a sociopath. She bit her lip as tears threatened to stream again and forced herself into a peaceful state. How do I move on? What if he hurts the others?

She leaned back in her chair and announced, "Luke, I think I'm ready for the cards."

"Are you sure. They'll probably stir some deep emotions, and you know how Kallay likes to write those cute poetic sonnets."

Naluma nodded. "I'm sure."

Luke smiled and raised his hand at the stack of cards next to the bouquet of flowers on the fireplace mantle. They whisked into the air and raced around the room. He played his fingers in a twinkling motion and the cards looped and spread out in the air. They formed a single file line, then cut away every other like a deal of Sabacc. The cards whooshed around before forming a circle and then elongated into a heart shape in front of Naluma. Luke smiled with his eyes and the cards shuffled into her lap, Kallay's on top, and deftly palmed the one addressed to "Aunt Naluma."

"Hey, Naluma,

"My heart is breaking for you and Master Luke right now. I know how long you have both yearned for a family of your own. Anything you need, from any location in the galaxy, I'll get it for you. Just say the word. Even meilooruns. Or Lishi. Or even a clandestine trip to Felucia for those rolls you love."

Naluma smiled.

"What's so funny?"

"Kallay knew I was craving meilooruns."

"You were?" He wrapped his arm around her waist as she opened the next letter.

"Master Fau,

"I wish I could give you a hug and then beat Ben to a pulp for what he did. I need some more shielding lessons, because even when I try, I feel your pain halfway across the campus. Classes are not the same without you, but what's worse is we can't see you. I have no idea if you're getting any better, and I'm so frustrated that I can't help.

"A big hug from me and all the rest of the second years. 

"Love, Tascama"

Tears streamed down Naluma's face, not in sorrow, but in response from the love showed. She opened the next and drilled through the deck. The cards expressed how much the Padawan and Jedi missed Master Naluma and wished for her quick return to classes, as nothing was the same without her.

"You don't know what you mean to people until you receive cards like this," she said with a sniff. "I'm overwhelmed with the love."

"I know it's hard staying back here and teaching all the time when you'd rather be on missions—"

"I never said that, Luke."

"You didn't have to," he said with a wry smile. "The point I'm trying to make is you are doing something far beyond what I could ever do—impacting the Padawan not just with training in the classroom and the arena, but also by leading them to become the solid Jedi Knights we need."

"You'd be great at this, Luke. You were great with me."

"But you were an adult ... I don't know if I could handle so many at once, especially some of those ornery boys and those dramatic girls," he admitted. "I wouldn't know what to do with them."

"That's simple. They are all looking for love, respect, and acceptance. Show them how they are already loved and respected, accept them into the family of the Jedi Order, and then they blossom like a late flower."

"See, I would have never thought of that."

"Speaking of flowers, any chance I can take a walk today?" Her eyes roamed the walls. "Cabin fever."

"It's raining, and you can barely make it to the refresher on your own right now. No," Luke said while lowering his brows and frowning.

"I don't care. I love the rain. And if you're there to support me . . ."

"No."

She looked at him with her most pleading face. "Please."

He glared back at her, but he found out he could not hold that look for long. "How about a walk around the corridors—later?"

"I don't want to deal with people right now," she said with weariness. "I don't think I can handle their well-meaning comments and questions."

He kissed her on her forehead. "Take a nap, and after lunch we'll take a stroll while everyone's in class. But nap first."

"Thank you," she said as she migrated to the bed.

He grabbed their breakfast dishes, turned off the lights, and headed out.

Luke entered the back of the chapel as Kalder presented the sermon. He finished by leading the assembled Jedi and Padawan in reciting the Jedi Code.

As the Jedi and Padawan moved to leave, Luke shuffled forward. "Please remain seated."

A few Padawan yelled in surprise, "Master Luke!"

He waved at them as he moved toward the front. "Thank you, Master Kalder, for the excellent sermon. I just have a few announcements. First, I wanted to thank Jedi Carron, Jedi Kallay, and Master Kalder for filling in since Master Fau became ill. Master Kalder will continue as academy administrator until further notice."

The Padawan squirmed in their seats. Luke felt their hunger distracting them.

"Second, I am recalling all Jedi to the academy as soon as their current missions are completed. You will start seeing many more faces around here in the next few weeks, and you will all be assigned extra duties." The Padawan moaned at that announcement, which Luke ignored.

"Third, as some of you may already know, Master Fau was pregnant, but she miscarried during saber practice. Right now, she's having a difficult time with the loss of the baby. While she loves you all, she's not ready for visitors. She's asked to leave the suite today—you know her, cabi—"

The whole room finished "—n fever" with a laugh.

"If you see her about, greetings are appropriate, but then move onto your destination quickly. When she's ready for visitors, she'll be in the study with the hatch open. At that point, feel free to drop in for a visit. Until then, allow us our privacy."

"Yes, Master Skywalker," the assembly said in unison.

"Moreover, I wanted to thank those of you who cleaned our suite. You did an excellent job that was far beyond the call of duty." Luke extended his arm to the audience. "Stand please, so that we can acknowledge you."

No one stood.

"Well, somebody did it. They even changed out the mattress. Don't make me probe your minds," he teased.

Ben stood and his voice cracked as he admitted, "I cleaned the suite, Master Skywalker."

Luke was not expecting it to be Ben. "Thank you, Ben. You did an excellent job."

The Padawan clapped their approval as they stared in shock at the boy. Ben glowed with the recognition.

"Master Fau and I want to thank each of you for the kind cards. The love you demonstrated helped us through a rough patch," Luke said. "Now enough of announcements—go eat your lunch."

The Padawan vacated the chapel, chattering about the different announcements. One of the youngest Padawan, a Togrutan female with purple lekku, hung back.

Luke noticed her and felt her fear. He nodded at her in invitation to approach, but she turned and ran down the corridor.

While Luke prepared two lunch trays for Naluma and himself in the kitchen, Ben approached him. "Master Skywalker, I must talk to Master Fau."

The Jedi Master turned to him and said firmly, "Ben, we talked about this. I can't let you see her." He returned to piling the sliced nerf roast on the bread.

"But I have to. I must ask her forgiveness, Master Skywalker."

Luke turned back to him sharply. "I said 'no' this morning, and I'm saying 'no' now and that's final. Stay away from her."

Ben left the kitchen, his emotions torn up. He heard his grandfather's words echo in his head. Embrace the dark side. Take pleasure in what you have done. Let it consume you. 

You're wrong. I'm not evil. I'm good. Ben stormed out to the glade. I'll prove I'm good.

After lunch, Luke escorted Naluma through the corridors. The first-floor corridors faced the courtyard with windows streaming natural light and doors opening into the courtyard halfway down each wing.

The wing closest to their suite housed the combat arena. Then they lumbered past the science labs. When they reached the kitchen, Naluma trembled with fatigue.

He caught her as she tottered. "Easy, now."

She caught her breath and adjusted her balance. "How about we sit in the dining hall for a few minutes?"

"Don't push yourself too hard on your first day up. I can carry you back."

"I'm never going to get stronger if I don't exercise, Luke." She rubbed her forehead. "I just can't believe how tiring this is, and I haven't even covered half a click yet."

"Don't be too hard on yourself. You're doing fine." He led her inside the dining hall.

While she rested, Luke fetched some water from the kitchen. Two senior Padawan were preparing dinner.

Arioch, a Duros male with blue-green skin, red eyes, and long fingers, greeted, "Master Skywalker, can we help you?"

"No, Arioch, just getting some water for Master Fau." He grabbed a glass from the shelf.

Bela And'oru, a Bothan male with green eyes, pulled a tray of greens out of the cooling unit. "Will you be wanting waha greens again tonight, Master Skywalker?" he asked.

"Until further notice, yes. But easy on the seasoning and prep them as a salad. What's the meat tonight?"

"Dibee and fried nepu. A couple of the Jedi went fishing today," the Bothan said while smiling in anticipation.

"Sounds good. Nepu for me and dibee for Master Fau," Luke said.

"Are you sure she wouldn't enjoy the nepu better?"

"I'm sure. She'll only eat fish if there's nothing else." Luke chuckled. "I'll pick it up around 1800."

Ben stood in the courtyard, observing the masters traverse the corridor. He gasped when Master Fau stumbled.

He observed them enter the dining hall and used the Force to identify their specific location. When Master Skywalker entered the kitchen, Ben quickly slid into the dining hall.

Master Fau's head hung low when he entered, but she raised it when he had taken no more than one step inside. Feeling caught, Ben gaped his mouth.

She glared at him, but he could also perceive her fear and even anger—emotions to which a Jedi was never supposed to succumb. Scared, he jumped back.

At last, he said, "Aunt Nalu—" Ben stopped speaking as Master Skywalker entered from the kitchen with a glass of water.

Luke glared at Ben, holding his gaze on the boy until he squirmed. The Jedi Master handed Master Fau the water.

Then he grabbed Ben by the arm and escorted him to the courtyard. "What do you think you're doing, Ben?"

"I need to ask Aunt Naluma for forgiveness. I feel terrible about what happened," Ben said as his voice cracked with emotion.

"Ben, just between you and me, your aunt isn't thinking clearly right now. It's the miscarriage—her body is still adjusting. She'll say some things she shouldn't—things that she believes are true but really aren't."

"But what if they are true, Uncle Luke?" Ben asked with a querulous voice.

Luke studied him. "Tell me, what do you remember from the incident?"

Ben took a deep breath, ready to tell the truth. I'm good. I'll prove it. I'll tell the truth. "It was my second Advanced Saber session with her. I'd only been in the class for a week. When she got to the class, her face was green—probably the morning sickness, I guess—but I didn't know she was pregnant. I should have insisted putting the lesson off. I knew she wasn't feeling well."

When Ben hesitated, Luke said, "Go on."

Yes, go on. Tell the truth. Do you know what they do to Jedi who murder? They'll never trust you again. They'll torture you. Kill you.

You're wrong. The Jedi don't do that. Ben answered the voice in his head. They're good.

Go ask the revered Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. He left me to burn in the lava flows of Mustafar. How's that for Jedi Compassion? 

Ben stood silent. He had read the official stories in the New Republic histories, how that his grandfather Darth Vader had fallen into the lava on Mustafar, forever dooming him to a life-support suit and an existence of agony. He knew Kenobi had been his opponent. Kenobi, the man who had been his master and his closest friend.

Yes, he left me there to die. That is what the Jedi will do to you if you tell the truth. Go ahead. Be my guest.

Ben clenched his fists and looked to left before continuing. "Well, she was on my case about my footwork and my Force-work. I got angry and attacked aggressively. I overpowered her. She screamed and held her belly. Two parries later she collapsed."

"Ben, you're not to blame. You had no idea she was pregnant. Your aunt should have excused herself from her physical duties once she knew. Please, forget about this," Luke said. "But give us some space right now. She needs to deal with her grief. I'm sorry she's blaming you. At least we know the truth."

"Thanks for believing me, Uncle Luke. It means a lot to me that you can trust me."

See how easy that was? The Jedi are so simple. They'll believe anything.

Go away, Grandfather! Ben stormed out of the courtyard.

Luke returned to Naluma, glad to find her color returning to her face.

"What did Ben want?"

"We talked. He's not going to bother you anymore."

"And that's it? I'm surprised you didn't kill him yourself," she raged.

"Naluma, calm down. Ben is not to blame. This was a training accident. Nothing more," Luke said with peace. He held her as she cried. "Shh. You need to forgive him. Your anger is only making things harder."

When she had controlled her crying, they headed back down the corridor. Halfway back to their suite, they were caught in the middle of class change with students pouring out of the combat arena. Loud voices echoed down the corridors as the students jostled through the halls. As the Padawan stared at them, Luke steered her out the door to the courtyard, into the light rain.

She leaned on his arm, catching her breath. She inhaled deeply. She smiled, drinking in the scent of the rain and the kedari trees as the drops hit her face.

He felt her mood transition from morose to delight. She allowed the Force to pass through her, energizing her.

"We should get back inside before you catch something," he said as drops of rain ran from his hair to his face.

"I'm fine, Luke. This is invigorating. Please, can we stay a few more minutes?" she begged with a calm smile, pulling in more of the Force.

He scrutinized her with Force-sight, recognizing that she was more relaxed than she had been in weeks—especially after that confrontation with Ben. "Yeah." He stripped his tunic from his body and draped it over her shoulders. The rain drops hit his tank top and bare arms.

He glanced at the windows above them, noticing the Padawan staring at them through the classroom windows. They needed to wait until classes started anyway to avoid the students.

A couple of days later, Naluma was able to make it around the corridors all the way past the lobby to the west wing and back without stopping. The Padawan quickly scuttled into side rooms when they saw her, some looking at her with longing. She still had not accepted visitors.

On her eighth day back, as Naluma and Luke traversed the corridors, the youngest Padawan in residence, Olasah, ran up to Naluma and grabbed her in a hug. Although only eight years old, Olasah was strong with the Force. Because of the early awakening of telepathy, Kallay had brought her to the academy a few months earlier.

Before the miscarriage, Naluma had spent copious hours with the girl, settling her in and easing her through her homesickness. The Jedi Master had grown very fond of the small Togruta with purple-and-white lekku and montral. More than once the girl had surprised Naluma with her insight. More than once the girl had been the daughter Naluma had longed for.

"I'm sorry, Master Naluma, but you needed a hug. I felt it with the Force." Olasah embraced her before standing to attention. "Master Skywalker, I await punishment detail."

Naluma waved her hand at Luke. She kneeled with care, stabilizing herself by clutching onto Luke's arm and took the girl into her arms. "You're right, Olasah, I did need a hug. I could use another one, too. I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too, Master Naluma," the girl said with tears in her eyes.

"I know. You should have knocked. I felt you out there, every day."

Her big blue eyes widened even more in fear. "I was afraid. I disobeyed Master Skywalker." The girl swallowed and looked up at the Grand Jedi Master.

"Can I tell you a secret?" Naluma asked as she wiped a tear from the girl's cheek.

Olasah nodded.

"Sometimes being a Jedi means knowing which orders to disobey." Naluma looked inside the girl. "Did the Force lead you there?"

Olasah nodded again.

"Then you should have knocked. Step out of your comfort zone and act on your instincts. The Force will keep you and guide you. Trust it."

"I will."

Naluma released the girl from her hug and said, "Tell you what, after dinner tonight, why don't you bring a game for us to play? You can tell me about the academy gossip I've missed."

Olasah's eyes grew large as she looked at Master Skywalker. "Is he playing, too?"

"I don't see why not." Naluma winked at him.

"It's just . . . I'm afraid."

Luke smiled at the Togruta, seeking to relax her.

Naluma said, "Hey, I thought we were done with fear." Then she whispered with a wink, "But watch out—he cheats."

Luke retorted, "I do not."

"Yes, you do. Every time." Naluma stuck her tongue out at him.

Olasah giggled, swinging her lekku.

Luke opened his mouth to deny it, but Naluma tilted her head in challenge. He chuckled in acceptance of the accusation. "I promise not to cheat tonight. Deal?" He held out his hand to the girl.

"Deal." Olasah shook his hand vigorously.

"Another hug before you go?" Naluma asked. 

Olasah beamed and snuggled into Naluma's shoulder for one last hug.

Did you know . . .

● I couldn't resist adding a young Togruta. The vignette of when Master Plo Koon found baby Ahsoka in The Clone Wars reduces me to a puddle of warm fuzzies every time. Hope you like Olasah. (This is my third name for her. I think this is the last name she's getting. It suits her.)

● When naming characters, I have a variety of options. Some Padawan names are actually mutations of some of my former students' names (those who are very close to my heart—they know who they are). Some are taken from names of theatrical sound and lighting equipment (Fraynel = Fresnel lens, Lekoh = Leko [ellipsoidal] instrument, Tascama = Tascam recording equipment). A few others are mutations of some of my favorite characters in other stories. My other source is fantasynamegenerator.com.

● When I write dialog, I actually hear the characters' voices in my head.

● When a character says another character's name in direct address, don't just think it's superfluous and should be deleted. One of the most interesting acting exercises is saying another character's name many different ways to convey different emotions. Each time I use a name in direct address, there is emotion in that name. Find it. Play with it. Read it aloud.

Tell me what you think . . .

● What would have happened had Olasah knocked on their door six days earlier?

● Why is Olasah afraid of Luke?

● What do you think is going to happen now that Luke has exonerated Ben?