"Evander!" Flint called out eagerly in a panic as he jogged after him down the hall of the Temple.

"What?" Evander asked in a sharp, pissed-off voice. He didn't look at him- he just kept walking.

Flint caught up and walked beside him, huffing and puffing. "Good news! The Council wants to take direct military action to protect Zhar and take it into Republic control. There's old hyperspace lanes that can directly bring resources to factories in the core worlds very quickly and-"

"Looking for Jolie?" He asked flatly, checking his watch.

"Yes. Have you seen her?"

"Nope. You guys must've driven her away- possibly for good," his voice was full of annoyance and anger with a slight touch of sarcasm, but it morphed into a kind of sadness,"Again..."

"I understand, but I have to point out that Alda-"

"Just shut up, okay? I'm dealing with enough in my own head right now, Jolie, and my apprentice. So please, just shut up. If-" he quickly interjected himself,"When I find her, I'll let you know." 

Flint nodded,"Thank you."

        Jolie wasn't sure what to say as her old master stood before her. If she was being honest, he was more of a father. That's why it hurt more when she learned the truth about herself and Dan's role in it. She was nothing. Just a sick experiment gone wrong.

"H-how are you?" He asked carefully, stumbling over his words.

Jolie studied his face. He was fairly old and grey when she first joined the Explore Corps. all those years ago. Now his wrinkles were deeper and more vast, his eyes weary and worn- but that's just what war does to someone. Although, he still had his signature white, full beard.

"I've been worse," she replied shakily. She'd thought tirelessly about what she'd say to him, but didn't ever make up her mind.

"Why are you here?" He asked, legitimately confused.

"I'm... not really sure. I can't pinpoint it." There were lots of reasons. Making peace with her demons, facing her past, saving Zhar, and a certain Jedi she can't seem to get to far away from.

"I've thought about what I'd say to you so many times, but it's all just one jumble now so forgive me if it seems messy," Dan said with a tentative chuckle. Jolie listened intently, on her guard but not prepared for whatever was about to happen.

"Not a day goes by where I don't regret what happened... what I did. It was my job to observe and record you, but I was really meant to protect you," he finally looked her in the eye. She could've sworn there were tears in his wise, green eyes. "I failed you. I'm so, so sorry."

Jolie stood and smiled. "I know."

Dan smiled a bit and then gestured to the hallway through the open door. "Can I show you something?"

Jolie furrowed her brow in a slight confusion, but nodded her head. "Sure."

The pair walked the halls of the Temple. Mornings on the surface of Corascaunt were always so scenic and peaceful. The orange, purple, and pink hues of the sunrise shone onto the floors through the window, casting long shadows.

Dan was so star struck by the difference he saw- and sensed- in his old student that he barely recognized her. Her blonde hair was long and mangy, but shaved on the sides of her head. Her eyes were decorated with lines and bags. The effects of her life were written on her face for the world to see. No wonder she wanted to hide, he thought to himself.

Jolie quickly realized she was being led to the Halls of Healing. She'd been there before. Every Jedi of any rank had been there at one time or another.

"I almost became a Healer instead of a traditional Jedi," Dan began to explain. Jolie remembered all of this, of course. "After everything that happened I knew I had to give back and begin to make something good of my regret and general horribleness."

Dan held the door at the end of the hall for Jolie and she entered what looked like a large classroom. The lights flickered on, revealing desks, chalkboards, and plants everywhere.

"This is where I teach Jedi how to not only heal others, but to heal themselves and monitor their own mental and physical health," he began to explain. "That has clearly been lacking. I've only ever taught you my skills."

Jolie listened as he went on, describing the details of what his students learn from day to day and how they learn it. Then he began to ramble on about each of his students.

Jolie walked around, examining the various plants and artifacts in the room, taking in the general vibe. It was peaceful and pure. Two things she was not.

As she listened to Dan in the background, she was reminded of what a truly great person he was. Deep down, she did forgive him- and she couldn't afford to keep that from him.

"You did all this?" She asked. "Was it because of me?" She stared innocently, completely shocked at it all.

He nodded and smiled nervously. "Yeah."

She chuckled,"At least something came of it."

He chuckled a bit, knowing she was kidding around. Jolie then started walking back towards him.  "You don't have to forgive me-"

She just opened her arms and wrapped him in a hug. He stood frozen for a moment before returning the embrace.

"I forgive you."

"Flint?" Alda whispered as she walked through the vast library looking for her brainiac friend.

She saw the pale, pointy eared, young man ride from behind a desk. He waved her over.

Alda hurried over and sat at the desk next to him. He was typing and reading something about secret comm-link channels. "The Council is gathering a few Jedi Generals and their commanders tomorrow to make a plan for Zhar."

Flint kept doing his thing, but was able to be present in the conversation still. "When do they want to depart?"

Alda signed,"Three days."

"Three days?!" He shouted in disbelief, only to be shushed by Madame Jocasta.

"Yes," Alda replied quietly. "General Lorus and her team, back from the rescue mission, found intel that suggests the Separatists are planning to invade and take over."

"We need to get there first," Flint said in agreement. "But we also need Jolie."

"Flint-"

"No, just listen. I don't trust her anymore either, but the one thing she wants to do is protect Zhar. That's the entire reason she's here. She will help us, I know it."

Alda signed and lowered her head briefly, thinking it over. Then she looked back up with determination. "If you say so. I'll see if Evander will talk to her."

"That's not the best idea. I'll do it," Flint replies sharply.

Alda just gave him a questioning look.

"Alda, think about this. You gave Synyc, his apprentice, a complete anxiety attack. That kid has been thrown into the deep end and is probably feeling very torn and lost with this whole situation," he looked bad to his computer and went right back to his
work,"I'll handle Evander."

       A few hours flew by while Jolie observed Dan Rursi's lessons for that day. There wasn't that many Jedi. It was a small, intimate group. She joined in for a lot of what he didn't already teach her.

She finally felt at peace with this huge broken piece of her past. She was happy then.

The day went on and on. Jolie, Dan, and his students wrapped up that day's lessons. Jolie stayed back and kept sharing stories and recounting her many adventures from Zhar. The many Merchips she has befriended, the locals she pissed off on the daily, and the bountiful fields, caves, and mountains. Everything was just perfect for once. But of course that never lasts long enough.

"Jolie? Jolie!"  She heard from outside the room.

She rolled her eyes. "Oh come on."

Dan smirked a bit and laughed,"Is this the boyfriend?"

Jolie nearly spit out her food. She covered her face and subtly wiped her upper lip, her eyes bulging and her face suddenly turning a bright, bright red. "What?"

"He really let me have it," Dan said with s chuckle. "It's all justified, don't worry."

Jolie just looked confused,"When did you guys talk?"

"About a week or so ago. He came into this very room with all your old crew-mates. They needed help trying to find you. The pale kid and the really strong girl... Flint and Alda I believe."

Jolie laughed and nodded, then he continued.

"They were quite civil and just wanted to get in and out. Don't get me wrong, they were very cold. But boy oh boy did the other one just let it out," Dan recounted the interaction with a vivid tone, perfectly illustrating the scene. Dan couldn't help but notice a brief, sheepish smile on Jolie's face. "He cares for you."

"Jolie, you in ther-" Evander came jogging into the room, trying to hide the fact that he was breathing heavily. He gave Dan an icy glare and then turned his attention back to Jolie. Right away his cold, callous, intimidating expression melted away and was replaced with worried, soft eyes. "Are you okay?"

Jolie just smiled. "Yeah. All good."

Evander smiled too. Not only because she'd patched things up with Dan Rursi, but also because he had good news for her regarding Zhar.

        After Evander told Jolie about the plan, she told him she'd go announce her involvement the next morning. In the meantime, Evander went to meet Synyc for some training.

They sparred with their lightsabers for some time, the blue and green hues lighting up the dimming room. There was a large skylight stretching across the entire ceiling. As the night came closer, the other students and masters petered out of the training hall. Eventually, only Synyc and Evander were left. However, they were soon joined by a familiar face.

Jolie leaned against the doorway, her hair tied back in a bun instead of the usual braid. She was smiling fondly while she watched Evander and Synyc laugh as they clashed sabers, practiced Force techniques, and wrestled.

Evander looked up when he sensed her walk in. Suddenly it was like the world around him got fuzzy, making him focus on her. The bright light from the hall illuminated the side of her face, creating a mysterious appeal.

She looked over as well and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She smiled softly. Evander had missed seeing that look.

Suddenly, Synyc went for the final swing and stopped just short of Evander's neck, then threw his saber to the side and tackled him, pinning his arms down. "Ha!" He shouted triumphantly with a laugh. "Oh, don't get so distracted," he said, mocking Evander's earlier instruction.

Jolie laughed, covering her mouth with her hand.

"Oh, okay then you punk. You want a real challenge?" Evander asked as he stood up.
"Try her now!" He pointed to Jolie and then tossed her his saber.

She, of course, caught it perfectly. Her face got pale and she made a questioning look. "Really?"

"What? You scared?" Synyc said with a joking, sarcastic tone.

Jolie finally broke her expression and just laughed. "You've been around Evander for way too long," she said with a laugh.

Evander smirked and raised an eyebrow at her. "I thought you liked my attitude?" He asked with a sarcastic tone and wide smile.

She just laughed and shook her head.
"Okay... maybe a little."

Synyc couldn't help but smile. He rarely saw Evander this happy. He'd seen him at his happiest when he was sparring with him, eating junk food, or being with Jolie. How did they used to hate one another? He asked himself that a lot.

"You're up," Evander said as he walked around to watch, patting Synyc's shoulder on the way.

Synyc and Jolie began to test the waters with their saber skills. They each struck a few times, blocking each other pretty well. Soon they amped it up a bit, seeing that they wouldn't hurt each other. They went back and forth with different techniques and various acrobatics. Soon they used Force movements as well- which Jolie hadn't done in the Temple since her return.

But eventually Jolie stopped playing dumb and gave a little more effort. She used her saber as a sort of bait for her young opponent and then casually stuck her foot out, tripping him. Then she simply glanced down at his wrist and nodded her chin, deactivating his Saber with the Force.

Evander just looked at her with awe.

Synyc stood up, looking at his Saber as if she had rigged it beforehand and he needed to find out how. But nope, she hasn't rigged anything.

Jolie just laughed at both their reactions and offered a hand to help Synyc up. He took it and then stood, noticing Evander's expression.
"I've always wanted to try that."

Evander looked as if he wanted to say something, but couldn't find the words. He just beamed in complete and utter amazement.

Jolie's face turning cherry red and Synyc suddenly got a bright idea. One that he'd been planning in his head recently. He started walking for the door, then began walking backwards to say something. "I'm gonna turn in. You kids have fun- but not too much fun!" Then, before Evander could protest, he waved and began running out the door. With a flash, he was gone.

Evander mulled it over for a moment, then signed and held his hand out to the beautiful young woman in front of him. "Well?"