A Search within the Force and Flame

IV

It had been a week since Logan's incident in the maintenance bay. Try as he might, the experience still rattled his mind. He replayed the event over and over, trying to make sense of it. The two small mercies were that his back was returning to normal—though a faint scab remained over the marks—and that his dead master hadn't plagued him since.

Otherwise, life carried on as usual. Logan followed his daily workout regimen, completed his assigned tasks on the duty roster, and worked on his X-wing. That was until today, when he received a coded message from Zuko. It contained only two words: "Trip's on."

Having already given his word, Logan packed his duffel bag and headed out.

Now, he sat at one of his favorite ramen shops in Caldera. He was strict about his diet, but when it came to this particular dish, all bets were off. Just as he reached for his next bite, his holocom buzzed. Retrieving it from his pocket, he pressed the activator key. A five-inch holographic version of Zuko's face materialized in a flickering blue hue.

A coy grin flashed across Logan's face. "See? It is possible!" he exclaimed.

"Don't get sarcastic with me, Logan," Zuko replied sternly.

"Hey, a win is a win. You got the holocom to work," Logan said with a smirk.

"BARELY!" Zuko snapped before his tone shifted to something more serious. "Listen, the others are on their way. I'd suggest you make your way to the pal—"

Before Zuko could finish, two pairs of hands yanked Logan from his seat. He barely had time to react as he was forcibly dragged out of the shop, his holocom slipping from his fingers and clattering to the ground.

Zuko shook the holocom in frustration. "COME ON!" he growled.

"Prince Zuko," a wise voice said calmly. "I do not believe that metal contraption is to blame for the abrupt end of your conversation."

Zuko turned to see his uncle, Iroh, stepping forward.

Stroking his chin in thought, Zuko exhaled sharply and looked at his uncle. "Uncle, would you go down to that ramen shop? I have a feeling Logan is... not in a good situation."

Iroh gave a slight bow. "Of course, nephew."

Logan hit the ground hard, gasping for air and clutching his stomach.

"GET HIM BACK UP!" a voice barked.

Two Jedi Padawans, a Chiss male named Attrom and a Togruta male named Worani, hoisted Logan up. Standing in front of them was their ringleader—Cediri, an Altiri male and fellow Jedi Padawan, slightly heavyset and seething with fury.

Through ragged breaths, Logan managed to get out, "Fellas... whatever this is... I didn't do it." He winced at the pain before forcing a grin. "Furthermore... for future Jedi... upholding civility and justice... you're not acting very... civil. And this is far from just."

"SHUT UP!" Attrom snarled before kneeing Logan in the stomach.

Logan groaned as the two Padawans kept him restrained. He gasped for air as Cediri grabbed him by the hair, forcing him to look up.

"All three of us have been here for almost a year, and suddenly you show up and get buddy-buddy with the Avatar and his crew?! How is that fair?!" Cediri spat before letting go.

Logan exhaled, letting his head droop slightly. "Right place, right time, I suppose."

"Spare us that kriff, you freak," Worani hissed. "You wanna know what I think?"