"DANK FARRIK!" 

Heavy eyes of two concerned clones carefully assessed their sister's current mental state that was constantly fluctuating between the range of an angry bantha and the fury of a horde of jawas. While they tried to calm her rage with soft assuring words, Reetha's hardheadedness was impenetrable. 

She continued to pace around her room, now upon Obi-Wan's flagship, muttering and venting under her breaths, silently trying to curse the Jedi Council. Jex and Scowl could only watch her as they remained seated on her bed, not wanting to get in the way of her anger but wanting to be there for her regardless of the terrifying anger. 

---

After the pleasant moments on Ryloth spent with the trios newly acquainted friend, the little Rylothian, Hera, Reetha wondered how long this moment of peace could last. It was a luxury few could afford when constantly reminded of raging battles, knowing that this small tranquil moment was all the tiny village could offer, a temporary escape from the harshness of reality. 

So, it wasn't a surprise when Reetha's small squad of the 212th had finally achieved their missions objective. Reetha smoothed things over with General Cham Syndulla and all the other duties that we're required of her, mainly being filing reports on the Twi'leks after achieving their freedom from the Separatist that had kept them enslaved for a rather long time. Aside from that, the harvest celebration was one of the best moments ever lived by the clones and by Reetha herself. 

Celebrations went on till past midnight, and let's just say there were several curious minds among the small squad, where they mainly tried to test each other's limits on alcohol tolerance. It was rather amusing for everyone to watch, but Reetha had to tend to her slightly tipsy brothers. 

Thankfully, they weren't as wasted since the previous happenings from the celebration was still clear in their minds the next day. The evening of the following day was the squad's departure from Ryloth. Hera, with a heavy heart, was reluctant to let Reetha and the others go but calmed a little when the padawan assured her that they'd come back to visit. Of course, she took the opportunity of her flight back to the cruiser's hangar to send a bunch of holo-images to her 501st.

---

Rubbing his forehead, Scowl tried to get Reetha to calm down. Neither boys knew the details of the conversation she had with the council, she wouldn't talk. She didn't want to. 

"Pacing about is not going solve anything."

She ignored him. 

"Reetha.." 

Silence. 

"Reetha, please!" Jumping from her bed, Scowl reached out to grip her shoulder and ground her in place as he spun her around to meet him. "Just.. please. For one moment." He calmly coaxed her to relax. She gave in. 

Scowl waited a few seconds to make sure the young padawan had calmed, then spoke. "You alright ad'ika? What happened during the call?" 

Silent and frustrated eyes looked into Scowl's, then Jex. "The council called to check up on me." 

"...and?" Jex prompted.

"And... they told me to hold back on my wolf form." Gently pushing off Scowl's hand, she walked towards her bed, plopping down beside Jex "Apparently it makes me vulnerable to the Force and fear I may accidentally fall to the dark side, so I'm not to use it. Even during training."

A confused look fell on Jex's face. "Is that possible? I mean, your wolf thing is more of an instinct right?" 

"It is, but the Force kinda plays a part in it. It's the Force that allows the transformation, instinct just triggers it. I'd explain everything else, but I would confuse you and myself."

"So, you just can't transform right? Just don't do that and do all your other Jedi stuff." 

"Scowl, it doesn't work that way. The only reason even here is because I need to train myself not to fall to the Dark Side. I need to learn to control my anger and my emotions so when I transform I get carried away and get manipulated by some sorry excuse of a Sith assassin and hurt anyone."

The boys could only keep quiet as the young padawan continued. 

"The Jedi want me to get control over my abilities, and by suppressing my abilities it is never going to work. How am I supposed to learn by shutting out the source of my problems, huh? How am I going to fight better and not lose control when I transform? How do they expect me to learn if they want me to shut out my ability and not use it? It's my instinct. I was born with it!" 

The room plunged into a deathly silence, Jex nor Scowl dared to break it. Noticing the bunched sheets under Reetha's now white knuckles, Jex gently placed a hand above hers, detangling the sheets from her grip. 

Cautiously eying her, he tried to console her. "Ad'ika, look. I may not understand fully what's going on, but I know your frustration. I don't agree with the Jedi not let you transform. I don't know the full extent of your abilities, but maybe there's a reason they choose that decision for you." 

"R-Reetha, Jex is right. There must be a reason." Scowl walked and kneeled in front of the brooding girl. "Maybe, if you asked the General, he would know. He could explain the council's actions."

Nearly growling under her breath, Reetha snapped. "So they can explain their lack of trust in me? Why do they want to keep me from learning about myself? Or maybe because they can't plan on how they want to use my abilities for themselves. How many lies have I been told by the council? "

"Reetha-" 

"NO! No. I'm not going to listen to you defend the Jedi. You don't know what it feels like to have every purpose hidden from you. You guys know your purpose full and well, I don't and I never have. Neither of you understand me, and neither of you are helping anyways." Standing up abruptly, she made her way to her room door, furiously punching in the key code to open the door.

When the light of the hallway greeted her, she stepped out, with every intention to disappear from everyone and anyone that night, only to double-take and almost trip in her step. A sharp pang hit her chest as she recollected the last few words she spoke to her brothers. 

Sensing waves of hurt and confused emotions rolling of Jex and Scowl only made her regret her actions even more. She started to consider that the Jedi might be right to not allow her wolf transformations. She was just as capable to hurt people even when talking. 

Seeing their sister nearly trip on her way out urged Jex and Scowl to lunge forwards and try to help her, but halted their steps when they heard a faint, but hurt whisper, "I-I'm sorry." Before they could stop her, Reetha ran off to be alone. 

---

Just seconds after the young padawan ran out in her outburst of anger, Jex and Scowl were in hot pursuit of their sister. Running down the corridors of the Negotiator they could only see glimpses of the padawans feet as they carried her off to who knows where. 

Thankful for their training, Jex and Scowl's collision of feet upon the metal floors were light, not alerting Reetha of their presence. However, in the height of the silent chase, both troopers ran into two walls, one armoured, and one donning a  Jedi robe. 

Cody and Obi-Wan were cleared on the situation. Obi-wan sighed, stroking his beard "I was afraid this would happen. I was actually on my way to meet her." 

"How bout we go look for her. She can't go anywhere else on this ship. If one of us finds her, just comm the others." 

Obi-wan and the other two clones nodded in agreement to the commander's suggestion then spread out to look for their lost padawan. 

Cody turned down another corridor, hoping to find the padawan. So far Reetha made it well known that if she wanted to disappear and hide, she could do so with absolute ease. If she were in real danger, he'd be proud but this was just worrying. 

Cody searched the rooms along that corridor and finally came to the last room, the gym. Before he could open the door, he heard grunts and frustrated cries. Partially smirking to himself, Cody quietly opened the door. 

Reetha was venting, taking out her anger on a punching bag. Her armour had been discarded to the floor alongside the robe. She wore her tank top and her black pants had been folded up above her calves. Cody reached for his comm.

Punch

Kick

Punch and punch

Repeating the exact patterns like she'd done it a thousand times and over. Each punch was underlined with a silent mental beating. She cursed at herself for being over sensitive. With each kick, she cursed at herself for screaming at her brother's. With each punch, she stripped herself of her pride and confidence, the Jedi don't trust her.

 How could she trust herself. The Jedi see her as a liability. How could she respect their decision if they could not even trust her to learn? How could she show respect when they choose to lie behind her back and hide secrets about herself? A presence entered the gym, she kept on punching and ignoring Cody completely.

"Good skills you have there. You done yet?" 

Releasing one final punch, Reetha steadies the swinging punching bag and turned to face the commander with a dull and unimpressed look. Instead, she walked over to the items on the floor, Cody followed.

Crouching down to her level, Cody gently reached for her hand and held them delicately, examining the torn tissue of her knuckles. 

"Next time, use protective gloves when you want to punch your frustration out, kay." 

"Let's take a look here." Flipping her hand to check her palm. There were crescent-shaped marks on them, a sign that Reetha had a tight and strained fist. Wordlessly, Cody brought Reetha to sit on a bench and then he read for a med-kit. He began to treat her wounds, while the two sat in silence. 

Reetha kept her eyes down. "M'sorry.." She muttered out. 

Cody hummed. 

"You're upset." She spoke a little louder. 

"Maybe, maybe not. Was I worried, yeah." 

Guilt flooded Reetha's senses, she opted to be quiet. Cody finished wrapping her wounds and disinfecting them, Reetha whispered her thanks and was about to leave when Cody's strict voice called out for her to sit down. She obeyed. 

"Running off like that really made us worry. We thought you might have found a way off the ship." 

Reetha scoffed. "We're in space."

Cody chuckled. "I know." Silence enveloped them, Cody reached for his sister's hand, checking over her bandaged knuckles. Reetha assured him that she was all better now. "I know you are, but what kind of responsible person would I be if I didn't take care of you, eh? Imagine the look on Rex's face when he sees this." 

The padawan smiled, imagining Rex dragging Kix to check on her over and over. "I shouted at Jex and Scowl." 

Cody noticed her head hanging low at his peripherals. She had felt guilty for her actions. The commander rubbed her knuckles soothingly. 

"They were making a point, I-I got angry and.. and..." 

A small smile made to Cody's face. "And you realized it and apologized. That's all that matters. They understand too." The two meet each other's eyes. Reetha's black iris held her upset. 

"Know then, General Kenobi, Jex and Scowl are waiting for you. The General has asked to meet you in the war room." 

Cody stood and pulled Reetha with him. She collected her robe and threw it on, hiding her bandaged hand under the long sleeves. 

Seeing a scowl on her face, Cody playfully decided to boop her nose. "Vod'ika, smile for me"

---

The war room was empty, except for three souls, Jex, Scowl and Obi-wan. Meeting their eyes, Reetha saw instant relief wash over them. She moved in beside Cody, greeting the others. "Master, Jex, Scowl." Scowl noticed her bandaged hand but made no move to address it.

"Hello dear. It's nice of you to join us." The older Jedi greeted her with his signature cheer. 

"It... is." She observed the holo table in front of her. "We have a mission. Where?" 

"On a gas planet called Bespin. Have you ever been?" Reetha shook her head, but she has heard of the planet. An entire city in the clouds seems extraordinary but the sight must have been to die for. 

"Well, that is where we are headed. The Republic is in need of more fighter jets. We have a man on Bespin who manufactures these jets, unfortunately, some agreement went south and they have threatened to break off their deal with the Republic."

Cody approached the table, backing up the general. "If the manufacturer pulls out, it could mean us a crippling blow. Only General Kenobi and Reetha will be carrying out this mission." He informed his boys. "We will wait in orbit."

"What if a fight breaks out?" Reetha questioned. 

Obi-wan gave a knowing smirk. "That my dearest padawan is where negotiation comes in." 

---

The LAAT waited for the master and padawan at the hangar. Jex and Scowl were there to send Reetha. 

Before boarding, she turned to face the two clones. They looked at her expectantly. "You alright ad'ika?" 

Reetha's mouth opened but no words came out of it, so instead, she ran and jumped onto the two clones, arms surrounding them in an instant. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for shouting at you both." 

The boys didn't hesitate to hug her back, squeezing her gently. "We know." Jex patted her head. "And we forgive you." Feeling comfort, she reluctantly let them go nodding to them before turning on her heels.

"Reetha!" Scowl shouted getting the girl's attention. He nodded to her hands "You going to be okay out there?" 

Smiling to her brothers, she nodded then boarded the transport and took her place beside the waiting general. 

"Good luck general, kid." 

"Yes. We just might need it, Cody, thank you." 

---

Bespin, the home to Cloud City. The LAAT hovered over the landing dock, dropping of the Jedi. Two officials arrived to greet them, they wore a special insignia on their right shoulder. 

"That's the manufacturing companies insignia," Obi-wan informed, sensing the girl's curiosity. She nodded.

"The boss is waiting for you." 

Obi-wan stroked his beard, "Let's not keep them waiting." 

The officials led the two Jedi into a room decorated with all sorts of statues and fine art. In the middle of the room was a beautifully crafted wooden table, glossed and polished. Behind it, a leather chair so pristine and magnificent. The owner was extremely wealthy, Reetha assumed. 

"My padawan, a word of caution. The boss isn't the most sensitive person. She'll be ruthless in her words and straight forward if she wants to be. Don't let your anger and frustration get the best of you." Reetha nodded silently. 

A proud voice echoed in the room, demanding attention and praise. "Well, if it isn't my favourite Jedi, Obi-wan Kenobi." The lady, dressed almost head to toe with expensive jewellery and wearing the most elegant gown stepped towards Obi-wan, extending her hand. 

Obi-wan smiled, "Charmed to meet you again, my dear, Kriya." He left a kiss on her hand. "I hate to rush this, but shall we discuss the matter at hand my darling?"

Reetha stood silently, watching the exchange, trying her best effort not to cringe but failed when Lady Kriya began to blush, tugging the Jedi Master over to a seat. Reetha followed quietly, taking a seat beside Obi-wan. 

"You should try this wine Obi. It's simply the best I've tasted." She handed him a glass then sat elegantly on her leather seat while taking a sip out of hers. Then her attention was drawn to a young girl. "Ah, a new face. I didn't know you took on a new padawan. Care to introduce us?" 

Obi-wan gave a dashing smile. "Lady Kriya, this is my padawan, Reetha Khan. Reetha, Lady Kriya." 

Kriya extended her hand, welcoming the new presence at the table. Reetha slowly reached forward and shook her hand once, then pulling away only to spike Kriya's curiosity. "Interesting. Anyways, Obi-wan Kenobi. I believe you know the matter at hand. The Republic has failed to deliver some of my, requirements. You know I am very particular about it, and I absolutely refuse to continue working under such conditions. Years ago, you came to me to reach an agreement on behalf of the Republic, and I agreed when my terms were met. Now, it seems that the Republic is failing to meet those term and I would not hesitate to pull out from this contract of ours." 

The older Jedi sighed. "Lady Kriya, the Republic wished to fulfil these needs, but we have reached a small standstill on the extraction of the Rizo gems. The mine had to be temporarily closed because it collapsed." 

Lady Kriya huffed, swirling her drink in her glass lazily. "Excuses, Master Jedi, excuses. I want my gems. No more, no less. Do you not realize the price of Rizo gems, how rare they are. Not to mention the mechanical properties of these beautiful gems. They provide soundproofing technology for our jets. Without them, your jets would alert any nearby enemies." 

Soundproofing, Reetha thought. How could gems provide soundproofing? Kriya caught on to Reetha's internal debate. 

"You girl, Reetha was it?" Kriya's voice demanded, thick in her posh accent. "You have questions. I can see it in your face. Care to share?" She asked, leaning in towards the padawan. 

Reetha glanced and Obi-wan who encouraged her to ask. "The gems, how do gems provide soundproofing?" 

Kriya hummed, unimpressed. Slanting back on her seat, she eyed Reetha from under her eyelashes. "You don't know of its uses? You are a Jedi of the Republic, you and your troops use my technology. My sweet girl, it's common knowledge, how can anyone not know."

Reetha's eyes shot up. She didn't mean to offend the client. Obi-wan went in to defend her but Kriya stopped him. "Don't interrupt Kenobi. If you brought this girl here, I want to see what she has to offer." Sipping from her glass cup, Kriya studied Reetha. "Your Master Kenobi is well versed in the topics of our discussion, do you know your purpose here, padawan?" 

"Y-yes." 

"You're stuttering. It shows you are not confident. Why exactly are you here if not to waste my time. I need to talk with knowledgable people, not a child who cannot speak with confidence."

Reetha's lips parted in shock. Obi-wan wasn't kidding. Confidence, she thought. 'I am confident, and smart. Who does this condescending woman think she is?' 

"I'm just curious. I know our jets use soundproof technology, I didn't know gems were the reason." Reetha tried to speak calmly.

"Curios, sure. But still, you came into my home with zero knowledge of it. How am I going to trust the Republic, if they send such an untrustworthy negotiator, a child non the less, to settle this problem." Kriya stood to her full height, ignoring the Jedi Master and made her way to tower above the seated padawan.  "I expect all those who sit within these halls to have a full understanding of my demands. I do not take lightly to those who learn on the go. It's revolting." 

Reetha began to feel her anger rise. She was a padawan, doesn't this Lady Kriya know anything. Reetha is still learning about everything and this pompous woman thinks she can have her way because the Republic happens to get on its knees and kiss her feet. 

"I, am still learning." Reetha tried to contain her anger, she really did, but she couldn't help but want to put this so-called Lady, in her place. "I learn on my feet, and I happen to be very knowledgeable in case you were wondering. In the light of the situation, I am becoming well aware that you are just too choosy and prideful!" 

Lady Kriya gasped, placing a hand to her chest. Her mouth hanging open and she was rendered speechless. Kriya's heavily dusted eyes landed on Obi-wan, showing her shock. 

Luckily the Jedi Master immediately intervened. He stepped in between the two women, "Well, it seems we are rather off to a rough start. Kriya, my dear, how about you take a seat and relax." 

"OBI-WAN-" 

"Know, know my darling. Take a sip of your drink and excuse me for a moment." Obi-wan consoled the shocked woman, filling her glass with some alcohol. 

"If you would excuse me, my lady, I would like to talk to my padawan." Kriya nodded silently as she watched the two walk to her balcony. 

The sunset on Bespin was beautiful at this hour. The clouds were painted with reds and golds, creating an illusion of fire and melted gold. Reetha was deadly quiet, knowing that she nearly jeopardized the negotiation. Obi-wan stood by her side, looking into the gas giants sky. Obi-wan sighed. 

"I know. I know." Reetha said quietly, not daring to meet Obi-wan's gaze. The Jedi Master was not angry, to say the least, he was just hoping his padawan wouldn't get irked so easily. Kriya was not an easy woman to talk to, he knew that. 

Reetha shook her head. "I know my mistake. I let my emotions get the best of me. My anger and frustration should be controlled. I'm sorry, master."

Obi-wan silently looked at the girl. He thought for a moment of how she reminded him of Anakin. Reckless and emotional people. He didn't blame her though. "It's alright, padawan. But that's not the only thing I need you to realize." 

Reetha looked at Obi-wan expectantly, her eyes reflecting that of a lost child. "Being a Jedi doesn't mean we aren't vulnerable to emotions. It's a natural thing for all beings in the universe to feel. Sometimes, however, things don't go our way. Certain things are said and done to irk and frustrate us. These things are exploited as a weakness to those who seek to harm us."

"But, a Jedi must not give in to emotions. Master, it's hard." Obi-wan kept silent and allowed his young padawan to speak. 

"Master, how does a person cope with being belittled? She doesn't trust me because I'm a child and I didn't know about those gems. She doesn't think I'm suitable to be a representative for the Republic, unlike what you are." 

Obi-wan folded his hands behind his back. "Reetha, living things are imperfect, no matter how perfect they seem. Kriya, she's a woman with a sharp mouth. She says the first thing that comes into her mind when she sees something. There are people in the universe who use someone else's weakness and preys on it. Kriya uses her sharpness to irk people, get under their skin. And for people like her, the more you entertain them, the more chances you give them to overpower you." 

"I know it's not easy, but you need to be patient with people like this." the Jedi Master placed a hand on her shoulder. 

"I'll tell you what I told Anakin. When someone tries to play on your irritation, just follow these simple steps. Breath, calm your mind and carry on. In other words, anger management."

Reetha raised her brows, "T-that's it? Huh, I actually expected more of a long lecture." This made Obi-wan laugh. 

"Well, I did learn from teaching Anakin. You, Ahsoka and Anakin are much more alike than you realize." Turning to look into the room where Lady Kriya patiently waited for them. "Hmm. It seems we still need to negotiate."

"I don't think I should step in. She might not like me in there." 

Obi-wan chuckled. "Nonsense. If anything, I think she's more interested in your capabilities than before. It takes a lot of courage to talk back to a woman of her power." 

Reetha blushed and shuffled nervously on her feet. "So, what do we do know. She wants the gems."

"Yes. We need an alternative, at least until the mine is recovered." 

Reetha scrunched her face, thinking. "I.. may have an idea. Uhm, for an alternative." Obi-wan nodded and smiled. He then turned to lead into the room. 

"Master," Obi-wan turned just before reaching the door handle.

"Hmm, yes Reetha?" 

Reetha hesitated "I... I need to ask you about-"

"About the council's decision on your training," the Jedi general spoke with a heavy heart. "We will my dear. In the meantime, let's make this negotiation work, together. What do you say, my young friend?" 

The padawan thought about it then agreed. She and Obi-wan would have all the time in the world after this. She'd make this negotiation work if it's the last thing she'd do today. Reetha smiled towards her master and bowed. "Thank you, Master. Let's go."