The Archer

Chapter Ten: Whiplash

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

I took a deep breath before finally picking up enough courage to press the button on the door in front of me, which prompted a soft ring on the other side of it.

When I received a message from Master Ti inviting me to her office this morning it immediately made my thoughts spiral. What could she possibly want to see me for? Could it be...?

No. Why would she want to talk to me about Anakin?

Because it pushes the boundaries of what is appropiate and feels borderline forbidden at this point. It also just looks weird. And at this point, someone probably noticed it.

The last few days have always looked pretty much the same with little exceptions. I'd do my shifts at the Archives and in my time off I was meeting Anakin for flying lessons - and I had to admit I was actually improving. Another thing I had to admit was that seeing Anakin was easily my favourite part of the day.

Still, it seemed unlikely that Master Ti would adress something like this. It just didn't suit her professional character. And yet I was nervous standing in front of her office right now.

"Please, come in!", I heard her voice from inside the room, slowly opened the door - and felt immediate relief wash over me as I noticed the expression on her face wasn't hostile at all, but very friendly. "Oh, hello (y/n)! Thank you for meeting me. Sit down," she gestured towards the chair and I took a seat. "Thanks, Master Ti."

"You might have wondered why I wanted to see you." A little. "I'm just doing a check-up with all of the externs - to do a quick evaluation of your first weeks here, give you some feedback on your work, and most importantly see if there's anything you need or something I can help you with."

My stomach dropped and the relief I felt upon realizing this wasn't about Anakin quickly turned back into anxiety. Feedback on my work?

Master Ti picked up on my tension right away and gave me a compassionate look. "(Y/n), I'm deeply sorry these first weeks have been so.. hectic. With the attack... I assume that must have been a very challenging start for all of you. We as a whole are still recovering from the assault and the cracks it ripped into our community."

"Please, don't worry about me", I answered, and looked down on my hands avoiding her gaze. "We're in a war after all, I guess."

She slowly nodded before continuing, leaning back in her chair.

"From what I've learned, and from what Master Nu told me, you're living up to your responsibilities in the Archives. She pointed out that she was very pleased with your performance - she says you're punctional, reliable and a quick learner."

Oh, thank god.

I smiled lightly. "I'm glad to hear that."

"I have seen your efforts in helping Ahsoka Tano." Her gaze hardened and there was an unmistakable glimpse of sadness in it, a sadness I didn't expect.

"I knew her well. And admittedly I was part of her trial." Master Ti sighed and looked down on her desk. "Finding out the truth using facts, believing in the goodness of a person and holding on to their innocence - those were very Jedi qualities you showed. Just make sure you are not putting yourself at risk doing so."

"I'll try. I didn't want to overstep, I'm sorry."

"That is all for the time being, (y/n). Is there anything else you'd like to know - anything I can help you with? Please, don't be afraid to speak up."

I'm falling in love with a Jedi knight and I know I shouldn't-

I felt myself shaking my head. "No, nothing comes to mind."