The Jedi and the Beast

Chapter III: The Secret

Exhaustion gnawed at Xon despite the sterile calm of his lab aboard the Venator Titan. The debriefing with Kenobi and Skywalker was a blur – a torrent of tactical analysis and political manoeuvring. Here, amidst the comforting whir of his equipment, his heart rate finally slowed to a normal rhythm. Battles weren't new to Xon; he just preferred them with predetermined outcomes.

The lab door slid open, and Krieger entered. "Not exactly textbook, Xon," he said with a wry smile, leaning against the wall. "But another successful mission nonetheless."

Xon glanced up briefly, his gaze flickering back to the console displays. "I may not understand much about your Jedi Order, Krieger," he countered, "but something tells me your council wouldn't approve of you dangling yourself as bait to lure out Trench."

"Trench had sprung his trap already," Krieger said, his voice steady despite the playful toss of his lightsaber hilt. "Besides, I knew Obi-Wan and Anakin wouldn't let us hang."

Their informal post-mission exchange was cut short by a clone officer entering with a salute. "Excuse the interruption, sirs. We have a holocall coming through – General Windu and General Yoda."

"I'll leave you to it, then," Krieger said, securing his lightsaber and heading for the door.

The door hissed shut, leaving Xon alone with the soft hum of his equipment. He stared at the console for a long moment before pushing himself away and crossing the lab. Reaching the far wall, he pressed a hidden panel, revealing a doorway bathed in a soft, green glow.

Inside, a kolto tank thrummed with life, its emerald fluid suspending a fragmented body. Xon stood transfixed, a storm of emotions swirling within him. "Maybe one day," he murmured, his voice tinged with a strange mix of hope and despair, "none of us will need to take such risks."

With a heavy heart, Xon sealed the hidden door and strode towards the bridge. The sterile corridor felt suffocating after the emerald glow of the kolto tank. As he entered the bridge, the two Jedi Masters were just finishing their transmission.

"Ah, Xon," Yoda chirped, his wrinkled face etched with concern that went beyond the usual wartime worries. "Good to see you it is."

"Sorry to interrupt, Masters," Xon replied, his voice carefully neutral. "Please continue."

Mace Windu's deep voice cut through the air. "The Council agrees it's time you began training a Padawan of your own. Due to the war's pressure on your schedule, we've chosen Zane Tachi for you. You will continue her training and watch over her."

"Of course, Masters," Krieger said, bowing deeply. A flicker of unease crossed his features, but it was gone as quickly as it came.

A humourless chuckle escaped Xon. "Well, Krieger," he said, his gaze fixed on some unseen point beyond the viewport. "Looks like the Council has a different view of your little escapade than I thought."

Krieger's brow furrowed. "This isn't a reward, Xon," he said, his voice low. "It's a leash."