I sighed hard and brushed errant strands of hair away from my face. We had been at this hours, and I was tired and sore from being thrown onto my back more than once. Qui-Gon had decided that the first order of business this morning was to give me a simple lesson in self-defense, using fighting techniques familiar to the Jedi. While he instructed and supervised, I sparred with Obi-Wan, learning how to use my natural instincts and what strength I had to fend off any attack. The apprentice was careful, not wanting to injure me, but it was clear he was far more skilled and could cream me in seconds flat. Clad in a sleeveless shirt and my new blue trousers, with my hair pulled back into a ponytail like it often was these days, I stood still a moment while I caught my breath, eyeing Obi-Wan as he circled around me. Some of the fighting incorporated my newfound Force sensitivity, not so much to predict my attacker's moves but to augment the motion of my body. I couldn't quite get the hang of it like I wanted to, but I was trying my hardest and feeling a bit of an adrenaline rush from the physical exertion. Master Qui-Gon's instruction was valuable, and I listened eagerly, recalling moments on Rodia when I wished I would have had this knowledge. "Yes, Master," I said to acknowledge his most recent piece of advice. "Control."

"It may be as little as stifling your fears, just so you appear to be in control of your situation," he continued, more gently. "Especially if you anticipate an attack which hasn't come yet. Whether or not you know for certain that your enemy is behind you, beside you, waiting for his chance, you must be prepared. But don't tense up." His hand brushed firmly across my shoulders as he passed, in effect forcing me to relax and let my shoulders drop.

"This is a lot more complicated than I thought," I remarked.

"Yes, it is," the Master agreed. "Peace and safety should be your first thought. But peace can fail and safety can be compromised."

I nodded at him, holding his gaze as he walked a few steps away, his face thoughtful. I expected him to give me another command, or show me another move, but before he could say anything a vision flashed into my mind: for just a millionth of a second, I could see Obi-Wan grabbing me from behind and wrestling me to the ground before I could apply my knowledge and throw him off. I flinched and turned to him, intending to ask him if he was thinking of trying anything sneaky, and saw that in fact he was moving toward me, and fast. I ducked and stepped to my right, rolling my shoulders out of his range, and his body slid over the top of mine. The next thing I knew, he was sprawled on the mat on his stomach, looking sharply up at me in surprise. Qui-Gon also started. "That was remarkable!" he exclaimed, frowning. "How did you manage to throw him? You barely touched him."

"I don't think I touched him at all," I corrected, alarmed at his expression. "Are you okay, Obi-Wan?"

"Yes, I'm fine," the apprentice assured, picking himself up. "You learn quickly."

"How did you manage to slip out of his attack?" Qui-Gon pressed.

"I saw him, I saw what he was going to do," I said excitedly. "He was going to get me from behind again, because I wasn't paying attention to him. I was watching you. Just a split second before he did, I saw it all happen."

Master Qui-Gon's eyes narrowed, and he folded his arms over his chest. "You did." It was a statement, not a question. He looked troubled, and spoke slowly, giving each word weight. "I see. There can be no mistake. That is the power of the Force."

"I didn't broadcast my intent," Obi-Wan insisted. "I made sure she wouldn't sense me coming."

"But she did anyway," Qui-Gon observed. "The Force alerted her itself." He glanced at me, and the look on my face made him smile one of his slight, ambiguous smiles. "It appears your abilities are growing stronger. You have just displayed the trait that some call 'Jedi reflexes.' The ability to react to something before it happens."

I stared at him, and felt my knees weaken beneath me. I nearly crumpled to the floor. "You're kidding," I breathed. "Jedi reflexes. Oh my gosh."

"Perhaps we've had enough of fight training for today," the Jedi Master determined, stepping away from the practice mats in the center of the room and toward the door. "This is more important than fighting skills. Come."

Obi-Wan and I followed him out, down the hall and through the spacious main hall to the living quarters on the other side. I glanced briefly at the tables and decorations being set up for tonight's party as we passed, and smiled at Shassa, who directed some of her kin where to go and what to do. They were certainly making more of a production out of this than Qui-Gon expected. Once inside our quarters, Qui-Gon asked me to take a seat, and he pulled a chair across from me, so he could face me. As per our request before beginning, a pitcher and glasses were left on the table for us, and Obi-Wan immediately poured himself and me a glass of cool, sweet juice to refresh ourselves after so much physical activity. The Jedi Master wore an intent look as he sat down and leaned forward, peering thoughtfully at me. "I must know one more thing, before I begin. The other night, at the Race. Were you able to see Obi-Wan through the Force, like I suggested?"

I nodded as I lowered the glass from my lips. "Yeah. For a little bit, until Shassa started getting excited and distracted me."

Qui-Gon hummed in his throat as he digested that. His eyes were alight with the rhythm of his thoughts. "So. Your feelings can be sensed by Obi-Wan and I, and you can sense our feelings, and our presence. Not greatly, but you can. However, you cannot sense other beings at all, not even Jedi. You were able to use the Force to heal me, to see from a distance, and to avoid the attack with quick reflexes. In most beings, that would be considered the low threshold for Jedi training. This is very peculiar indeed," he added, musing.

"You don't think I should be trained, do you?" I wondered with some disbelief. Something about that idea didn't seem right.

"It's not a matter of training," Qui-Gon corrected, relaxing his stance and leaning back in the chair. "You're too old, and this is more than a little unnatural for you. If not for the transfusion you received from me, none of this would be possible. Not to mention, there is still no indication that other Jedi can sense your feelings, just as we can."

I frowned a little at him. "So, what am I? What can you do with me?"

A slight smile lightened his features. "We will find that out, one way or another." He glanced at the table, at the tray in its center with the pitcher and one untouched glass sitting on it. His brows twitched, and he suddenly reached out and moved the empty glass over next to him on the table. "I want you to attempt something, for me. Reach out with the Force, and try to move this glass closer to you." I stared at him, as if to call him crazy. His expression softened, as did his voice. "Don't think about it, just concentrate on the Force, feel it. I simply want to know if you are able to do it, so if you can't, don't be frustrated."

Shaking my head, I shifted my eyes to the glass and frowned curiously at it. Obi-Wan was standing just beyond my line of sight, arms crossed loosely over his chest and a half-empty glass in one hand. I tried to ignore him, and found it easier to close my eyes before beginning to concentrate. I recalled feeling the power of the Force the day before, in the forest, and searched for that same feeling. When I finally grasped it, I sank into the glorious energy until its strength surrounded me, the Jedi, the table, the glass. Opening my eyes, I silently asked the Force to slide that glass toward me, and waited for a response. But the glass didn't move. I concentrated harder, but still nothing. I stared at it until my head hurt, and then sat back with a sigh. "It's no use. It's not going to move."

"She's not trained to do this, Master, she doesn't know -" Obi-Wan began. Qui-Gon held a hand curtly up to silence him.

"Relax. You're thinking too hard," the Jedi Master encouraged gently. "The Force is all around us, you can feel it. Let it direct you, it will be your guide."

The sweet, moderate tone of his voice made me want all the more to make him proud, to show him I could do it. I took a deep breath and tried to relax, to let my mind seize on the Force's energy in its own way rather than demand a response. I could feel it all around me, a tingling under my skin, a warmth within my mind. I could feel the vibrant, electric presences of my companions, the life exuding from them, the tranquility of Qui-Gon's mind and the attentiveness of Obi-Wan's. I tried noticing the glass as if in passing, not focusing completely on it, but giving it the mental equivalent of a glance out of the corner of my eye. The Force moved around it, toward it, swirling like smoke in drafty air currents, but it stayed put on the table. I shook my head sadly. "Nope. It's not working."

"That's all right." Qui-Gon's large hand alighted on my knee. "Don't worry about it. The manipulation of objects is one of the easiest things to do, but it takes the longest to learn and to master. It requires the utmost in concentration, which is why it isn't taught to apprentices until after they've learned control of thoughts and of themselves."

"So...it doesn't necessarily mean that I don't have the ability," I guessed, "just that I don't know how to do it yet."

"All I wish to test in you is what abilities you have managed to cultivate without benefit of training," the Master said, in essence agreeing with my statement. "It will give me some grasp of how strong the Force is with you. I regret that I had not thought this out before we began, the other day," he continued, turning his attention away from me long enough to reach for the pitcher, upend the glass, and pour himself something to drink. "I launched into questioning without clarifying what I intended to seek. It did not make it easy on you."

I smiled faintly. "It's all right..."

"Things will be different, now," he assured. "I will take more care. Be patient, that's all I ask." His eyes returned to my face while he sipped from his glass, and the light of curiosity brought blue out of the gray. "Have you given any thought to how you got to our galaxy?"

I sat back and gazed at him in interest. "No. Not really. What makes you ask?"

"Just that I had not thought about it either, but that will be one of the questions the Council hopes to have answered by this retreat." Qui-Gon set the glass down and leaned forward again, resting his elbows on his knees and clasping his hands in front of him. "What are your memories of what you were doing just before you found yourself on the ship? Where were you? Do you recall?"

"Gosh, I don't know..." I strained to think, racking my brain to locate the faint memories of the last moments I spent in the world I once thought was the only reality. I remembered waking from unconsciousness on the Republic cruiser, in the darkened access tunnel, but before that... "I don't remember," I said after a long, pensive silence. "I was probably at home, but for the life of me I can't remember anything that happened. I just...woke up on the ship. I have no theories," I added with a cautious laugh. "I couldn't begin to speculate how in the world I got here."

"I could propose something, but it would answer no questions," Master Qui-Gon said seriously. "The Force brought you here. Obi-Wan and I both felt a surge in the Force's power, corresponding with the time when you arrived. Master Yoda also sensed it, from a distance. Only the Force could do such a thing, no technology exists even in our wildest dreams to bring a person across space and time from one galaxy to another."

"Not in my world, either."

"You're right, Master, that doesn't answer any questions," Obi-Wan murmured with a kind glance at Qui-Gon. "How did the Force do it? And why? What is the purpose for bringing one woman from a distant planet all this way?"

"Questions that may never be answered," the Master mused, tapping his fingertips together.

"And why me?" I persisted. "Who the heck am I? I'm just an average person, one girl out of five or six billion, who lives alone in a tiny apartment, works at a store, and thinks Jedi are cool. It's not like I'm smarter, or braver...or more in tune with the Force, because I wasn't until I got here. I have no qualities that would make this journey logical."

"Perhaps you do," Qui-Gon speculated, his gaze hunting out my eyes and studying me intently. That look used to unnerve and intimidate me; well, honestly, it still did, even though I'd gotten used to seeing it. "You have knowledge of the Jedi, and of this galaxy in general. It is easier for you to understand where you are than would someone who has no knowledge whatsoever."

"There are people a lot more into...this than I am." I hesitated saying "Star Wars," because they'd both look at me funny. They had no idea what that meant. "I know far less than they do."

"The Force doesn't need the one with the most knowledge," Qui-Gon wisely reminded, "but the one with the mindset to take what knowledge he or she has and apply it, seeking to learn rather than lording that knowledge over anyone. Such is the case for any situation, and any student of the Force."

A brief silence passed among us. Obi-Wan was the one to finally break it. "So the question is, what does the Force see in Stacey that caused it to reach out from across unfathomable depths of space to draw her into our presence?"

Qui-Gon's tense expression eased with a faint smile. "That, my Padawan, I do not know. And I suspect I may never know. Her purpose here is a mystery, but purposes by nature are elusive."

"One thing I do know," Obi-Wan offered, with a hint of a smile, "is that if no one knows by what means she got here, there is no way anyone can force her to go back."

I looked up at him and smiled warmly, knowing what he was getting at. "As if I wanted to go back. Being here is like a dream come true."

"All the more reason for the Force to choose you," Qui-Gon noted, sitting up again and reaching for his glass. "You desire to be here. Whatever purpose the Force intends you to fulfill, it needed someone who would not want to abandon this strange and often hostile place for the familiarity of home."

"Being around you two helps, you know," I remarked. They both smiled graciously, but for some reason my thoughts churned with that statement, turning darker. The smile left my face. "What if I'm here to change the things I know about? Change the future?"

Two pairs of blue-toned eyes focused intently on me, two faces looked hard and uncertain. "Do you want to change the future?" the Master wondered.

I closed my eyes to block them out. Yes, I do! I don't want... But I had to clamp down on my thoughts before an emotion they could understand passed into their senses. "I don't think I can," I muttered lamely. "It's not right. I can't burden you with the knowledge of something you can't guarantee will or won't happen. The future is always in motion, right?"

More silence, this time with the unnerving tang of discomfort. Qui-Gon glanced up at his Padawan standing over him before gathering himself for a reply. "I have given some thought to that. For us the future is in motion, but from your perspective, it is already written. The fact that you are here and can communicate to us your point of view does not change that. I believe...whatever you do or don't do, whatever decisions we make, the outcome you have knowledge of will not change." His face took on a challenging expression, his eyebrows lifted just-so. "It could also be, that you are here to ensure that we make no decisions that would sway us from the path that results in the future you know."

"Oh, that's hard, Qui-Gon," I warned, shaking my head. He didn't have to know why.

"I never said it would be easy." His eyes narrowed, boring deeper into my face, and I felt the whisper of the Force in my mind. "But simply knowing the events of our future is not easy, is it?"

"Can we talk about something else?" I said defensively, squirming away from his deadly gaze.

"Like what?" Obi-Wan broke in. "The party?"

I glanced up at him. He had the audacity to grin. "Well..."

Qui-Gon studied the exchange between us and let that faint, ambiguous smile creep onto his face again. "We are finished, here. I believe I have enough information about your strength in the Force to meditate on, perhaps draw some early conclusions. But," he quickly added, holding up one finger in a gesture of caution, "we are by no means finished with you. It is clear you have some ability with the Force, and it would be wise to at least teach you to use that ability, even if it is limited. It may come in handy."

I lifted my eyes and took in the sight of both Jedi, intent, light-hearted. "Just don't let the Council know you're training another 'apprentice,'" I chided him. "They frown on that."

Master Qui-Gon chuckled as he slapped a hand to the table and rose. "That they do. But I will work with you another time. I suggest we all make ourselves scarce, for the time being, or Shassa will have our heads for getting in her way." With a gesture he called Obi-Wan to him, and the apprentice obeyed instantly. They faced each other and spoke quietly, but it wasn't confidential. At least, I hoped it wasn't, because I heard everything. "We should take advantage of the time between now and this party to finish what we started yesterday. I thought about what I said, and I think I will make that examination after all."

"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan reflexively answered. "I am ready."

"Your readiness is not in question, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon clapped him on the shoulder with a smile, and his Padawan turned and started for the doorway, giving me a cheery nod on his way out. The Master returned to my side. "Obi-Wan and I will be in the larger practice room, at the end of the hall, if you need us. My evaluation of his progress is not yet complete."

I nodded and said, "All right," as if giving him permission to withdraw. He smiled kindly and followed Obi-Wan out, leaving me by myself. There was really only one thing I could do, besides sit around and stare at the walls, so after quickly freshening up and pulling my tunic on over the sleeveless shirt, I headed into the main hall of the temple and located Shassa. "Need any help?"

The elderly Chadra-Fan stood watching her kin scrambling to decorate with long, hanging garlands of flowers, and flicked a large ear in my direction. "Always need help," she replied, setting her paws on her hips, "especially with sons like those. Watch what you're doing, it's not centered!"

"How does this go?" one of the young males whined.

"Oh, just fasten it there, I have the Jedi take care of it later." She waved a hand at them and turned away, grinning at me. "You want to come shopping? I could use a pair of strong hands to carry."

I shrugged. "Sure."

It was past midday, the sun was at its highest behind a thin veil of graying clouds. As we walked along the dirt road toward Kalinda, Shassa talked endlessly, sharing her life story with me. She told me about her three sons, how the youngest went off-planet to work on a freighter, to see the galaxy and have adventures, while the other two remained in the family trade of herding lactils, the native beast that looked rather like a cow to me. Shassa lived with her eldest son's family, not far from the temple, as per clan tradition. While the young ones learned to herd lactils in the open fields above Kalinda, she walked up to the temple every day to keep it, and knew every square meter of land in this area. As we neared the city, Shassa suddenly sniffed the air and gave the sky a dubious look. "We in for rain tonight, I think. Yes..." She sniffed again, and nodded knowingly. "Definitely rain tonight. Not much, no big storms. Won't keep our guests away, that's for sure. Eh!" She chuckled to herself.

"Must be nice," I mused, smiling down at the furry form waddling beside me.

"To forecast weather? Heh. Humans don't know what they miss. But your Jedi, they come close. They know things, they see things, no one else knows. How they do that, not even Chadra-Fan senses can tell." Shassa looked up at me, her eyes twinkling but her face serious. "You're not Jedi."

"No."

"How you come to be with them, then? Jedi don't have bodyguards." She laughed again. "Jedi are the bodyguards! But really, now. How you get to be here, with them?"

I stayed silent for a while, trying to phrase my answer in the least revealing, least peculiar way. "They're...friends, I guess."

"Oh? Hmm. Where you from?"

"Oh...a long way from here," I answered with a laugh. "Far, far away. I'm not from Coruscant or Alderaan, or anything like that."

"No?" Shassa eyed me with practiced wisdom that saw through my evasiveness. "Something different about you. Eh?"

"You might say that." I kicked at a rock in my path as we walked. "I'm a long way from my home, and I have no hope of ever seeing it again. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan...kind of took me in, took care of me, because I have no home and no one else to trust."

"Mmm. That must be it." The Chadra-Fan caretaker was thinking, it seemed, but she didn't share her musings aloud. "Good men they are, yes?"

A wide smile spread across my face. "Yes, they are. Very kind."

Shassa laughed outright at that, but only shook her head and walked on, evidently enjoying some private joke. "Well, then. We see if we can't get them to loosen up a bit tonight, eh? A little drinking and dancing does every heart good now and then. I have to get a few things for the feast, specialties the Jedi don't have when they send supplies. Specialties you will like, I think. Ever had sweet ice?"

"No...not that I know of..." I replied carefully.

"Oh! Is the best dessert around. Bad for the body, but good for the soul. I don't know what you have on your world, or what the Jedi have given you, but you will love it!"

She went on to describe it, the process of taking milk from the lactils and freezing it, with a sweetening agent, and as she chattered, I suddenly realized what she was describing. "That's ice cream!" I said triumphantly. "As a matter of fact, we do have that on my world! And you're right, it's the best. Bad for the body, good for the soul, yep."

Shassa squealed happily. "Then we make sure and get some! It will go well with the feast, top off the night in a good way. So glad I mentioned it, then!" An ear flicked my way, and her eyebrow lifted to join it. "You think the Jedi will like it?"

"Oh, they'll like it. I'm sure of it," I grinned, imagining Qui-Gon with a dish of ice cream and trying not to burst into laughter. "They've probably been treated to just about every delicacy the galaxy over, but this beats anything. And if they don't like it, well...then they're not as adventurous as I thought!"

*****

Weaving through throngs of Chadra-Fan who had nothing better to do than hang about in the marketplace between haridi events worked up hunger and thirst in me, but I had to be content with waiting until we got back to the temple to satisfy either. Shassa was on a mission, and would not be deterred by anything, not even disruptions in the flow of traffic. She moved swiftly among her kinsmen, going straight to the vendors she needed to buy from, bypassing any who would try to sell her something she did not need. I followed along behind like a clumsy puppy, tripping over the diminutive creatures and trying not to bonk any of them with the packages I carried for Shassa. I noticed that the haridi was an all-day, all-night event, varying in tone somewhat depending on the time of day, but we stayed away from the main areas where it rocked and rolled in favor of the marketplace. By the time we finally started back along the old road to the Jedi center, I was so glad to get away from the bustle and noise. On the way Shassa detailed some of the party's highlights, the menu for the feast, and the guest list, but all I could think about was getting back and having a tall glass of juice. Or water, I wasn't picky. I wondered what the Jedi had been up to while I was gone, and smiled to myself at the fleeting thought of Qui-Gon agonizing over having to get ready for a party, of all things. He wasn't as opposed to the idea as I thought, considering that the Chadra-Fan were truly sociable and friendly, unlike partygoers the Jedi Master had met and mingled with at the countless official receptions he had likely attended over the years. His reservations stemmed from his personality alone, and that he was willing to overlook for the sake of showing his gratitude to Kazik and his clan on behalf of the Order. I love that man, I mused to myself, looking ahead of us to the tree-lined curves in the road and the glimpse of the lake beyond. The sky had been covered by a thick blanket of gray, seeming to prove Shassa's prediction right. It looked like rain would come around nightfall. The air was full of scent drawn out by the humidity, making the hedges full of wildflowers a veritable chaos of perfume. The sensitive nose of the Chadra-Fan just in front of me had to be overwhelmed.

I followed Shassa into the temple and through the halls to the kitchen area, which had been a hive of activity all day as she prepared the feast and had others look after the final touches. Some of the snacks were done and just waiting for their time, but the caretaker had a little more work ahead of her before the start of the party - and there was the ice cream, or sweet ice. I was prepared to tuck it in a refrigeration unit as soon as we got to the kitchen. Rounding a corner, I saw an unusual sight: off-white tunics, sandy ponytail, hunched over the counter where the snacks had been laid out. I hesitated in the doorway of the kitchen, wondering what Obi-Wan was doing. He did not notice our entrance. His hand was stretched out over the platters of finger food, hovering, deciding which to try a taste of. Shassa didn't stop, shuffling right up behind him and popping him on the rear end with the money bag in her left paw. Obi-Wan straightened up with a surprised yelp, rounding swiftly on his attacker with his blue eyes wide. "Keep your hands off, boy!" Shassa scolded, pausing only to shake her money pouch at him before going to a table and laying down her packages. "It's not time yet! You can wait, you have patience. Eh?" She snorted and went about her business.

Obi-Wan stared at me, one hand sneaking around behind him to feel where he had been struck. "She hit me," he exclaimed in disbelief.

"Well, that'll teach you to sneak food before the party," I retorted, still giggling over his surprise. He had moved pretty quickly, his back arcing as he twisted around to see who had violated him. "She totally got the drop on you. Pay attention, Padawan!" I laughed outright at his wary look. "Did you think you'd get away with sneaking a bite?"

The apprentice frowned, but chose not to defend himself. He reached for the bags in my arms and helped me unload them. "Did you get everything?"

"I think so. Ask Shassa." I smirked again at his bemused look, and went to store the sweet ice before it could melt. "Did you two have fun while I was out?"

"Fun is not the operative word," Obi-Wan replied, his smile returning. "We accomplished much, though. Master Qui-Gon seemed pleased."

"Where is he, now?"

"Showering, I believe. Getting ready for tonight." The young man leaned on the counter while I moved back and forth past him, putting things in their rightful places so Shassa could get at them when she needed them. She muttered to herself while she worked at the other end of the kitchen. "What do you think?" Obi-Wan continued, brushing a hand along his tunic. "With or without the robe, tonight?"

I stopped and let my eyes travel up and down his lean figure, grinning to myself. Control those thoughts! "Oh, you gotta wear the robe," I implored. "It's so noble, so mysterious."

"Hard to dance in, though."

My eyebrows nearly shot off my head. "You plan on dancing tonight?"

"It depends on the music, I suppose. I don't know what dear Shassa has planned." The caretaker glanced over her shoulder at the mention of her name, and smiled cutely at the kind, polite look she received from the young apprentice. "Very well, then. When I go get ready, I'll put on my robe. But what about you?"

"You're looking at it, kid," I said smartly. "Stacey doesn't get dressed up. Not that I have anything to dress up in, anyway."

Obi-Wan accepted my explanation with a smirk, and pushed himself away from the counter. "I'll go see if Master Qui-Gon is finished. Everything looks wonderful, Shassa," he added with a gracious bow. "I look forward to this evening. Thank you very much."

"Yes, yes, now go before you get in any more trouble," Shassa dismissed him with a quick gesture. "Boys. All the same no matter where they come from."

I laughed at that, and found a way to excuse myself. I was underfoot, now, so I figured perhaps I should take a moment and freshen up as well. If Qui-Gon was indeed finished, Obi-Wan would beat me to the washroom, but I could at least change and try to do something with my hair. Keeping it pulled back in a ponytail was the easiest, plus I felt it made me look older. Being so dependent on the Jedi made me feel a little like a child, so I wanted to counteract that impression any way I could. However, it didn't exactly give me the "party" look, so I started yanking the tie loose before even entering our rooms. Just as I stepped through the open doorway, shaking my head and combing a hand through my shoulder-length brown hair, Master Qui-Gon stepped from his room and stopped short. I just smiled at him, and a gentle smile appeared on his face in turn. I noticed he looked different, but very slightly. Cleaned up, maybe that was it. His long, dark hair was brushed and lay like a lion's mane on his shoulders, his freshly-washed tunics were crisp and perfectly arranged, his robe looked like it had been cleaned as well. As he started towards me again, and drew near, I could see that his boots were polished, no longer muddy. His beard was neat and distinct, even his nails were trimmed. It was as close to dressed-up as a Jedi got. He came to a stop in front of me and clasped his hands together in front of him. "Hello. How did the shopping go?"

"Fine," I answered, a little distractedly. I felt small and scruffy next to him, especially with my hair down. "Shassa's putting the finishing touches on dinner right now."

"That's good." Qui-Gon's eyes traveled over my face, not in a studious manner, but giving me the impression that he was inspecting me nonetheless. "Well," he said suddenly, as if finding a lost thought, "I take it our guests will be arriving soon, so you had best get ready. Unfortunately, Obi-Wan got to the refresher first."

"I know, I figured as much. It's okay," I assured. "Won't take me long to get ready anyway." I left him and went into my room, wishing I had the means to improve my appearance now. Not that I could ever hope of getting his attention, striking him with my beauty or something, but I wanted to at least live up to the standard he set by his mere presence. Stopping in front of the mirror above the bureau, I frowned at the reflection and mentally berated it for being so plain. All I could do was brush my hair out, tuck a strand of it behind my ear, and leave it at that. I had stuffed my bag in one of the drawers of the bureau, since there was little in it to unpack; pulling the drawer open, I rifled through the contents in dissatisfaction. I had the uninteresting blue tunic on, and had packed the t-shirt I came to this galaxy in and one other shirt. The other was something long-sleeved I had been given in case the weather turned cool on Chad over the duration of our stay, but I had not worn it at all yet. I pulled it out and looked at it, and some of my concern began to ease. It was made of some soft material, like a cross between cotton and silk, with flowing sleeves and a deeply v-necked collar closed with laces. Very peasant-like, but attractive. I unwrapped the sash and peeled off tunic and undershirt, and threw the peasant shirt on quickly. Another glance in the mirror, and I was happy. If only I had something to go over it.

There was a light tapping at the door, and Shassa pried it open to peer in. "I am not intruding, yes?" I waved her in, and she closed the door behind her. "Forgive me for overhearing you and young Obi-Wan in the kitchen, but I could not help. You say you have nothing nice to wear tonight?"

"Well, sort of," I started to reply.

The Chadra-Fan brought something from under her shawl. "My youngest son, the one who went off to see the galaxy, brought me something. I was planning to wear it tonight, but...really, is too big, you see. Perhaps it would fit better on you?" She held it out, and I saw it was a silken vest, dark, dark green which shone like an emerald in the dim evening light of my room. Along the front were embroidered abstract patterns in silvery thread. "Try it on," Shassa implored. "I have other things to wear, it might help you."

I took the vest from her and slipped it over the shirt, finding it an ideal fit. It looked glorious against the plain, off-white shirt, giving me an almost elven appearance. I grinned when the thought crossed my mind. "It's wonderful," I noted. "Thank you so much, Shassa!"

The caretaker's nose wrinkled up as she smiled toothily. "My pleasure, my friend. A woman among men, you need someone to help you find what you need, eh?" Her black eyes twinkled merrily. "I have more to do. Just wanted to see if I could help. Oh, this will be a splendid night indeed!" She clapped her hands together and shuffled back out, back to her work. I fought wistful tears at her kindness. She was right, though. Where I came from, I had girl friends in whom I could confide, who would see to my needs when they could. Here, I had only the Jedi, and while I loved their company and their patient, listening ears, there were places where they lacked expertise. I did my best to put that thought out of my mind as I admired the new reflection in the mirror, deciding that a couple of small braids would help complete the mildly elven look I had been able to cultivate. Too bad I didn't get any jewelry from the marketplace, I never thought I could or should. But it would do. Yes, I encouraged myself as I started braiding a small lock of my hair, this will do nicely.

I stepped out of my room and paused to see what was going on. Qui-Gon sat in a chair, his back to me, while he conversed with his apprentice. Obi-Wan paced in front of him, hands behind his back under his robe, which floated along behind him nearly brushing the floor. He spun and looked right at me, and his pacing halted abruptly. Qui-Gon followed his gaze, turning around in the chair. "Well," the Master remarked. "Is that what Shassa had hiding in her arms?"

"You like it?" They were both staring, half-smiling, so I held out my hands and showed off the vest. The sleeves of my shirt draped elegantly off my wrists, I was liking the effect more and more. I crossed the room to them, noting silently that Obi-Wan did look better with the robe on, shrouding his masculine figure in so much mystery. He had showered, but his hair was dry and soft, and the end of his braid looked like the stray wisps of hair had been trimmed. "Are you done, now?" I teased him.

"It's all yours," he said with a smile which stirred up dimples in his cheeks, and a flourish of his hand toward the washroom we all shared. "I like the shirt," he added as I turned away. "It's very nice."

"Thanks." My pride bolstered, I went in to just wash my face and check my appearance once more. "Is it time, yet?" I called out.

"More or less," Qui-Gon answered. "We should be in the room when everyone arrives. I heard the musicians rehearsing while you were out - it sounds like it may be more of the music you enjoyed so much the other night."

I grinned, pleased. Chadra-Fan music had a vibe to it that reminded me very much of Celtic music, with drums and pipes and whistles. I had tried to describe it to Qui-Gon at the haridi as best I could, but ended up simply stating, "You'd have to hear it." Satisfied with the vision staring back at me in the mirror, I joined my companions and followed them into the main hall of the temple.

We didn't have long to wait before the first of the guests started arriving, shortly before nightfall. One of Shassa's grandsons had been keeping an eye out for them, and came rushing in excitedly with the announcement that someone was coming up the road. Obi-Wan and I hurried to the tall, stately doors flung open wide to see, and both paused on the threshold in at the sight which met us. Snaking up the dirt roadway from Kalinda was a long line of twinkling lights - lanterns and glowlamps - held in the hands of furry figures dimly visible in the dwindling overcast twilight. The lights peeped at us from between the dark hulks of trees and bushes lining the road, and as the leading members of the travelling party came into the temple's yard, we could see their faces at last, broad with smiles. I glanced at Obi-Wan, who stood staring with his mouth parted in wonder. That a trail of primitive lights carried by Chadra-Fan guests should evoke such a reaction in this well-traveled Jedi made me smile. "This is going to be fun," I remarked.

"Absolutely," he agreed, taking a calming breath and smiling at me.

We both were made suddenly aware that Qui-Gon had joined us, as he quietly murmured, "Ah, the sight of a world and a people at peace. Perhaps this was not a bad idea after all."

I grinned up at him. "No regrets?"

His smile shone down in response. "No regrets. Of course, no one's had anything to drink, yet."

Leading his kin, friends, and people, Kazik hopped brightly up the steps of the temple and held both hands out in greeting. "Good evening, friends! We are so grateful that you have opened your home, your world, to us."

Qui-Gon bowed deeply. "Good evening, Kazik. Please, come in. Make yourselves comfortable. It is our turn to show our hospitality," he added, extending a hand in invitation as he stepped aside.

"About time, too," the chieftain chuckled as he passed, clasping hands with the female beside him. His mate, I guessed. Some of those following him I recognized from the prelude feast, and smiled in greeting as they passed by. The rest Shassa had invited, knowing much more about the relationships and circles of influence in Kalinda than we did. Among them was Yatah, the young champion who had nearly lost the Race and his life if not for Obi-Wan. His grin directed up at the apprentice showed no hard feelings, apparently.

The Jedi stood graciously on either side of the door until the last stragglers had come up the steps and entered the temple, smiling peacefully and nodding to acknowledge their visitors. I stood with Obi-Wan, just watching, fascinated at the cross-section of Kalinda's native population represented here. Great chieftains like Kazik were mingled with herders, crafts-workers, elderly, children, and everyone in between. A swell of music skirled out of the main hall toward us, and my companions shared a knowing glance - the party had begun. Leaving one door open for anyone arriving late, Qui-Gon ushered me and Obi-Wan inside, tucking his hands into the sleeves of his robe as we passed between the high columns and came into the midst of the happy melee. "Well, here we are," he said.

"Is it time to eat, yet?" Obi-Wan wondered. I made a face at him.

The Master nodded toward the tables lined up along one wall, blocking any access to the training rooms. "The food seems to be out, so I would guess, yes."

"Then that is where I will begin." The Padawan turned to me and inclined his head. "Stacey? You must be hungry as well."

"I'll get there, eventually," I said to decline his offer. He shrugged and started off, leaving me to stand by Qui-Gon's side, watching the crowd that had filled the temple's main hall to overflowing. The music was bright and cheery, the lights blazed from high in the arched ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room. A multitude of well-dressed Chadra-Fan mingled and chattered, leaping straight into the partying without a moment's pause. Qui-Gon stood silent as a tree, arms folded, the robe shrouding his form protectively. He reminded me of a great, strong pillar, there to uphold and support, as his eyes roamed alertly over the bustling activity. I glanced up at his solemn face and quietly wondered, "What'cha thinking about?"

A little smile curved his lips and glinted in his eyes. "Nothing," he assured, his eyes still riveted on the crowd. "Just...observing. There is much joy here, I'm glad to be part of it."

So much heaviness lay in that simple response. I tentatively reached up and rubbed his shoulder, supportively. He closed his eyes, and the smile deepened. "Thanks for agreeing to have this party," I said. "You did the right thing."

"In all honesty, you were right," Qui-Gon noted, opening his eyes and looking down at me. "I couldn't object just because I don't like parties. But something tells me, I may enjoy this one more than I expected."

I smiled back. "Then I'd better not see you standing here in the shadows all night."

The Jedi Master laughed. "No, I won't. I promise."

We stood there in comfortable silence for a while, watching the Chadra-Fan in curious amusement, and I had to laugh at their enthusiasm for partying. I'd seen drunken college guys who couldn't hold a candle to these furry, animated creatures who seemed permanently exuberant about everything. My stomach reminded me that I had not yet had dinner, though, so with a gentle touch to Qui-Gon's arm, I left his side and went to fill a plate with some of the fantastic-smelling food laid out in an appealing presentation. Shassa had outdone herself, that was for sure. Whatever the Jedi had sent to stock the temple's provisions had been dragged out, spiced up, and set out for anyone to grab at will. Meats, cheese, fruits and vegetables, sweets, just about everything you could think of. Chadra-Fan milled about the tables, and most of them greeted me loudly and boisterously as I moved among them, either thanking me or asking me if I was having a good time. I laughed at them and retorted, "The party just started! How do I know if I'm having a good time yet?" That only made them promise to show me a good time, and I just laughed - while secretly hoping they didn't mean what I thought they meant. As I started away from the table, I looked around to see where my Jedi friends were, finding Obi-Wan seated on the floor with his plate balanced in his lap and a couple of enthusiastic Chadra-Fan hanging around him. The apprentice was laughing, his ice-blue eyes sparkling with mirth, so without further thought I joined him.

"Well, there you are! I knew you would be after the food soon enough," Obi-Wan commented as I curled my legs beneath me. The Chadra-Fan scooted aside to make room. "Quite a party, isn't it?"

"Yes! And it's only just begun," I reminded him. Dancers whirled by us in pairs and long chains, far enough away that they posed us no danger. "Are you going to get out there?"

"And dance? Well, I..."

"If you dance like you race, then I must see you dance!" one of the Chadra-Fan squealed. She was female, I noticed, and huddled rather close to the young apprentice.

Obi-Wan laughed again. "I'm afraid I'm not much of a dancer. Especially to this music - I'm not familiar with it. It's too fast."

"Too fast? No such thing!" she said brightly, slapping him playfully on the arm. My gosh, if I didn't know any better, I'd swear that thing is flirting with him! "We can show you. Is not hard to learn."

"Well..." Obi-Wan glanced at me, and decided to avert attention. "Are you going to dance?"

"Me?" I gulped around bites of fruit. "Uh...I don't know."

"You said it was similar to music from your home planet."

"Yeah, but not that similar. Besides," I pointed out, "I'd be afraid of stepping on somebody."

"Yes, that was my thought."

At that moment, someone I recognized drew near with a large cup in his paw. It was Yatah, Obi-Wan's challenger. "Well, Jedi," he said in greeting. "My thanks for inviting me into your home."

Obi-Wan wiped his hand off on his trousers and held it up, gesturing for the Chadra-Fan to take a seat on his other side. "The pleasure is mine, my friend. Sit with me."

Yatah did so willingly, still holding the cup delicately. The female ]moved out of the way with a grumble of frustration. "Again, I am thankful. I say, would you drink to friendship with me? You do well to overlook my impatience and failure, I would be glad to drink to alliance with you."

So that was the reason for the giant cup, which was full as if no one had drunk from it. Obi-Wan carefully considered the offer before smiling. "It would be an honor, Yatah. You have taught me a number of lessons. It is I who should be grateful."

The Chadra-Fan grinned, and held up the cup so that the Jedi could also place a hand on it. "To peace and friendship, may they last beyond the nine moons," he intoned, and drank deeply before offering it to Obi-Wan. The Padawan also drank, and they clasped hands as friends. "You are a good one, Obi-Wan," Yatah complimented, setting down the bronzed cup at last. "I know few humans, but you and your Jedi Master are the best ones I know."

I smiled warmly at that, thinking how close to my own impressions that was. Obi-Wan chose that moment to lean down and whisper to me, "Boy, is that stuff strong. I'd better not have any more, at risk to making even more of a fool out of myself. What would they think of Jedi then?"

The laugh tumbled out of me, as I was unsuccessful at holding it in. The image of a drunken Jedi was too much. I smacked Obi-Wan's arm and went back to my full plate of food.

It was a splendid night, as far as parties go. The uncontrollable revelry of the Chadra-Fan did not seem to bother Qui-Gon much as he strode among them, bestowing smiles and kind comments on anyone who got his attention. He did spend a good portion of the night talking with Kazik, a comical sight despite the serious tones of their conversation as the Master sat on the floor with his arms resting on his knees just so he could be on Kazik's level. The music waxed and waned with the mood, growing fast like a jig but then slowing to a waltz or a soft ballad. Full of food and sweet drink - mindful to stay away from the alcohol - I was content to sit and listen and watch, indulging Chadra-Fan in their stories and even telling one of my own at one point, finding that the tale of our battle and escape from Rodia was rather fascinating to some of our guests. At one point, earlier in the night when Qui-Gon stood near me and his apprentice, just watching the crowd, Shassa bundled by with a tray in hand, and the Master's face sank with a disturbance. "Shassa, what are you doing?"

She glanced over her shoulder at him. "Bringing more food, what does it look like?"

"You've done enough," he cajoled, "please, sit. Enjoy yourself."

"There's work to be done," Shassa sighed, ignoring him as he followed her. "I told you, I would take care of everything. You just -"

Qui-Gon overtook her with just one of his normal strides and seized the tray from her hand. "No, Shassa. If there is anyone here tonight who deserves to be thanked for their devotion to the Jedi temple and their friendship, it is you." Much to the startled wonder of onlookers, he set down the tray and picked Shassa completely up off the floor, carrying her to a chair and setting her down. He looked forceful, but it was clear he was being very gentle. Shassa wriggled in his grip, but he refused to let go until she relaxed and eased into the chair. "Now. Will I have your word that you will sit here, and eat and drink, and have a good time? And not lift a finger to clean or serve again this night?"

The caretaker gazed into his warm, smiling eyes, and sighed loudly. "You such a trouble-maker, Master Jinn. Very well. I will, but if things start falling down..."

"I will take care of it, then," Qui-Gon quietly assured her as he withdrew his arms. "We are indebted to you, my friend, you've done the most for the Jedi out of the goodness of your heart. If I knew what to get you, I would have given you a gift, but to me the greatest gift is to see you enjoy yourself without worrying about anything."

Embarrassed and touched, Shassa nodded and allowed someone to hand her a filled cup. Smiling beautifully, Master Qui-Gon rose and bowed to her, deeply, before subtly backing away to be swallowed up in the party. I could only look after him, smiling to myself, filled with love and admiration for him.

Before long it was time to serve the special dessert Shassa had brought for the Jedi, and since she was not allowed to serve, it fell to Qui-Gon and select volunteers to bring it out. He stood by and watched in curiosity as the Chadra-Fan scooped out dishes of the creamy sweet ice and handed them around to anyone who wanted some. I immediately went for a dish, and brought back one for Obi-Wan and another for Qui-Gon. "What is it?" the Padawan wondered.

"Try it. You'll love it," I answered, handing the second dish to the Master. He gave it a scrutinizing look as I sat down. "Come on! It's not going to bite you. They call it sweet ice, but where I come from, it's ice cream, and it's everyone's favorite dessert."

Obi-Wan eyed me warily, but was willing to test it for himself. Qui-Gon waited until both of us had tasted it before spooning a bit for himself. I exaggerated my reaction a little bit, but not much, because the all-natural ice cream was absolutely rich and delicious. I had been told the swirls of color and frozen chunks were crystalberries, which had an exotic sweet-hot taste. They bit at first, like spice, but then cooled like mint, only sweeter. It didn't take long for Obi-Wan to indulge himself, it was a riot to watch his reaction. "It's wonderful," he murmured with his mouth full. He swallowed and then added, "you have this on your world?"

"Not crystalberry flavor, but yeah. Ooh, you'd love chocolate. I can just see you with a big dish of rocky road or something." I shifted my gaze to Qui-Gon, and grinned at the sight of him peacefully working his way through the dish of ice cream. His face concealed his reaction, but I could see - and sense - that he was enjoying it greatly. "Well?" I prodded.

"I agree, it's wonderful," he said, licking traces off his lips. "But chocolate? You mean, like Alderaanian chocolate?"

I smirked. "I've never had Alderaanian chocolate."

The Master's smile was positively sly. "You should. It's very good." His glance shifted to Obi-Wan. "And if that's the case, then yes, chocolate would certainly be more his style."

The apprentice laughed, but chose not to agree or disagree with the assessment. All over the hall the Chadra-Fan were settling down to have dessert, and accordingly, the music slowed. One young, female Chadra-Fan stepped in front of the band, clasping her hands before her, and I realized by the way the room hushed and turned their attention to her, she was going to sing. My Jedi companions and I also quieted, finishing off our ice cream as the song began. The young one had a voice which warbled like a bird's, soaring lightly through the hall as she sang a ballad of Chadra-Fan legend, weaving a story of young lovers whose clans were at war with each other. The pipes and stringed instruments carried the tale with a haunting melody, and the singer's birdsong voice spiraled effortlessly over it. I felt like I was caught up in an old story from my own recollection, like I was in the great hall at Rivendell with elves and hobbits, listening to an ancient song of Elbereth. So strange how it all felt so familiar. I found myself unconsciously relaxing and leaning into Qui-Gon's shoulder, drawing from his support, and only vaguely heard the rustle of his robe as his head turned to regard me. The song was sad, ending like so many ballads with the unfortunate death of the female and the endless pining of her lover who would never love another. The music, the voice, and the vivid imagery of the story hit me deeply, and I found myself sniffling in spite of my efforts at being controlled and unaffected. Perhaps it was because the mood touched something in me that was not so distantly related. When the song told of the female's death, tragic and accidental, the result of the clans' fighting, I couldn't help but think of the man beside me, felled by a similar stroke of a weapon. The tale mirrored the future too closely, and I tried my hardest to avert that line of thinking before something worse happened. I tried focusing on the instruments of the band, on the lingering snap of crystalberry on my tongue, on the enraptured look on Obi-Wan's face as he listened. The song ended, and the young Chadra-Fan bowed to the corresponding applause that filled the hall. Qui-Gon applauded gently, Obi-Wan enthusiastically, but I could barely muster a response of my own, so hard was I fighting my emotions. I got up and picked up our empty dishes, muttering something about taking care of them, and headed away from the Jedi as the music returned to a bright, reel-like tune. Setting the dishes on the otherwise empty table where dinner had been, I turned and looked about the hall. The gigantic windowpanes on the east side were like dark eyes as deep, clouded night peered in, and I was struck by the urge to get away from the heat, scent, and noise of the party and find fresher air. The patio was easily reachable through the open doorway, and it would take relatively little maneuvering to make my way from the tables to the door unseen. At least, I hoped Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan would not see me leave. Clasping my hands behind me so it would look like my wandering was a little more aimless, I gradually made my way toward the patio and escape.

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