Enigma Pt.2 - A Star Wars FanFic

Chapter 13

        "Evander!" Flint called out eagerly in a panic as he jogged after him down the hall of the Temple.

"What?" Evander asked in a sharp, pissed-off voice. He didn't look at him- he just kept walking.

Flint caught up and walked beside him, huffing and puffing. "Good news! The Council wants to take direct military action to protect Zhar and take it into Republic control. There's old hyperspace lanes that can directly bring resources to factories in the core worlds very quickly and-"

"Looking for Jolie?" He asked flatly, checking his watch.

"Yes. Have you seen her?"

"Nope. You guys must've driven her away- possibly for good," his voice was full of annoyance and anger with a slight touch of sarcasm, but it morphed into a kind of sadness,"Again..."

"I understand, but I have to point out that Alda-"

"Just shut up, okay? I'm dealing with enough in my own head right now, Jolie, and my apprentice. So please, just shut up. If-" he quickly interjected himself,"When I find her, I'll let you know." 

Flint nodded,"Thank you."

        Jolie wasn't sure what to say as her old master stood before her. If she was being honest, he was more of a father. That's why it hurt more when she learned the truth about herself and Dan's role in it. She was nothing. Just a sick experiment gone wrong.

"H-how are you?" He asked carefully, stumbling over his words.

Jolie studied his face. He was fairly old and grey when she first joined the Explore Corps. all those years ago. Now his wrinkles were deeper and more vast, his eyes weary and worn- but that's just what war does to someone. Although, he still had his signature white, full beard.

"I've been worse," she replied shakily. She'd thought tirelessly about what she'd say to him, but didn't ever make up her mind.

"Why are you here?" He asked, legitimately confused.

"I'm... not really sure. I can't pinpoint it." There were lots of reasons. Making peace with her demons, facing her past, saving Zhar, and a certain Jedi she can't seem to get to far away from.

"I've thought about what I'd say to you so many times, but it's all just one jumble now so forgive me if it seems messy," Dan said with a tentative chuckle. Jolie listened intently, on her guard but not prepared for whatever was about to happen.

"Not a day goes by where I don't regret what happened... what I did. It was my job to observe and record you, but I was really meant to protect you," he finally looked her in the eye. She could've sworn there were tears in his wise, green eyes. "I failed you. I'm so, so sorry."

Jolie stood and smiled. "I know."

Dan smiled a bit and then gestured to the hallway through the open door. "Can I show you something?"

Jolie furrowed her brow in a slight confusion, but nodded her head. "Sure."

The pair walked the halls of the Temple. Mornings on the surface of Corascaunt were always so scenic and peaceful. The orange, purple, and pink hues of the sunrise shone onto the floors through the window, casting long shadows.

Dan was so star struck by the difference he saw- and sensed- in his old student that he barely recognized her. Her blonde hair was long and mangy, but shaved on the sides of her head. Her eyes were decorated with lines and bags. The effects of her life were written on her face for the world to see. No wonder she wanted to hide, he thought to himself.