The Search Within the Force and Flame

IV

It's been a week since Logan's incident in the maintenance bay. Try as he might, the experience still rattles his brain. Every moment he plays the event in his head repeatedly trying to make sense of it. The two saving graces from the matter is his back is returning to normal, albeit a slight scab over the marks. Furthermore, his dead master hasn't plagued him since then.

It's been business as usual for Logan. Waking up and following his daily workout regimen, following his assigned tasks on the duty roster, and working on his X-wing. Until today, he received a coded message from Zuko that only entailed the words, "Trip's on". Having already given his word, Logan packed his duffel bag and headed out.

Logan currently finds himself sitting at one of the local ramen shops he frequents in Caldera. He may not break his diet for many things but when it comes to this unique food he discovered on this planet, all bets are off. His holocom emits a buzzing chime. Retrieving it from his pocket he presses the activator key. A five-inch version of Zuko's face springs to life in a blue hue.

A coy grin flashes across Logan's face. "See, it IS possible!" Logan exclaims enthusiastically.

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

"Hey, a win is a win, you managed to get the holocom to work," Logan says.

"BARELY!" Zuko exclaims. "In all seriousness, the others are on their way. I'd suggest you make your way to the pal---" The image of Zuko abruptly disappears as two pairs of hands forcibly pull Logan from his seat, causing him to drop the device, and manhandle him out the door.

At the palace, Zuko shakes the device in annoyance. "COME ON!" Zuko yells in anger.

"Zuko, I do not think that metal contraption is to blame for the abrupt end to the conversation" a wise voice says as Zuko and Azula's Uncle, Iroh, steps forward.

Zuko strokes his chin in quick contemplation. He *sighs* and looks at Iroh, "Uncle, would you please go down to that ramen shop. I have a feeling Logan is...not in a good situation," Zuko says with concern.

"Of course, Nephew," Iroh says, slightly bowing and leaving the room.

In the alley next to the ramen shop, Logan falls to the ground, gasping for air and clutching his stomach. "GET HIM BACK UP!" a voice sternly commands. Two Jedi padawans, a Chiss male named Attrom and a Togruta male named Worani, around Logan's age, hoist him up as the ringleader, a slightly heavy set Altiri male jedi padawan named Cediri, also around Logan's age, furiously stares down at him.

Through ragged breathes Logan manages to get out, "Fellas...whatever it is...I didn't do it." Logan winces slightly at the pain. "Furthermore...for the future Jedi...upholding civility and justice...you aren't acting very...civil, and this is far from just," Logan says as he smiles sarcastically at the trio.

"SHUT UP!" Attrom snaps as he knees Logan in the stomach.

Cediri steps forward and grabs Logan by his hair and forces him to look up. "All three of us have been here for almost a year and suddenly you show up and are 'buddy buddy' with the Avatar and his crew?! How is that fair?!" Cediri spits out, letting go of Logan's hair.

"Right place at the right time I suppose," Logan says nonchalantly.

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

"Not really, but I feel like I'm gonna anyway," Logan fires back.

A fist connects with the side of Logan's cheek, jarring his senses. "Show some respect runt!" Attrom says.

"I think mommy and daddy paid some people off," Worani says confidently.

Logan's head is dangling down, still slightly dazed from Attrom's surprise sucker punch. Logan's shoulders move violently up and down. His head whips up in hearty laughter that echoes down the alleyway. Still restraining Logan, the three padawans look at each other in confusion.