The New Jedi Knights

Chapter 2: A Jedi on Vacation

Upon completing his meal, he rose, meandered about, and paused to gaze serenely at the water. The ship gently rolled with the ocean's rhythm, the soft rush of waves below a soothing constant. Lost in contemplation of his parents' new life in a distant land, he scarcely grasped the depth of his longing for them.
They'll find contentment in their new home,
he assured himself. Having always shared his existence with them, their absence now left a void. Standing there, he allowed the tranquility of the water to wash away his sorrow.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden ripples across the sea. The ship was alive with activity, the hum of life growing as he extended his awareness through the vessel. Voices rose and fell — laughter, chatter, the occasional bark of a commanding voice. The sound of children playing reached him first, their laughter clear and bright. On one corner of the expansive deck, a group of them had devised a game involving hoops and small beanbags, their imaginations turning the ship's limited amenities into a playground.

Nearby, families gathered in tight-knit clusters, some sharing meals, others engrossed in conversation. A mother read to her children from a well-worn book, her voice soft but animated, drawing them into the story. An elderly couple leaned against the railing, pointing out something on the horizon — perhaps a distant ship or a flock of seabirds — their shared smiles speaking of decades spent together.

But what truly set this voyage apart was the diversity of its passengers. While most were human, the ship also hosted an array of beings from realms far beyond Earth, their presence a quiet testament to the interconnectedness of this vast world.

At a table near the stern, a trio of towering, scaled beings with glistening emerald skin shared a meal. They spoke in low, rumbling tones, their gestures deliberate yet somehow graceful. Their eyes occasionally scanned their surroundings with a wariness born of instinct. Further along the deck, a pair of short, stocky figures with rough, stone-like skin and glowing amber eyes inspected a map, their voices a harmonious blend of grunts and clicks.

One particularly striking figure, tall and willowy with skin that shimmered faintly in the sunlight, stood apart from the others. They gazed at the horizon with a serene expression, their hands folded as if in prayer or deep thought. When approached by a human passenger with a question, they responded with a soft, musical tone, their words carrying a wisdom that seemed beyond their years.

The crew, accustomed to such a varied assortment of travelers, moved seamlessly among the passengers. A uniformed steward guided a family to their quarters, his practiced smile never faltering. Another crew member deftly balanced a tray of drinks, navigating through the crowd with ease.

As the ship continued its steady journey, the atmosphere was one of vibrant harmony, a tapestry of lives intertwining, each with its own story. Standing there, he took it all in, letting the bustling energy of the ship meld with the serenity of the sea.

Mary Paterson has a warm and friendly demeanor that immediately puts others at ease. She is of average height, with soft, chestnut-brown hair that falls in gentle waves to her shoulders. Her expressive hazel eyes seem to shine with genuine concern and curiosity, framed by delicate lashes and a thoughtful gaze. She has a light, natural complexion with a faint blush that complements her kind nature. Mary dresses in practical but elegant clothing — a soft cardigan over a neatly tailored blouse and jeans, exuding a balance of comfort and grace. Her voice is calm and soothing, making her presence both reassuring and uplifting.
She asked,
"Are you all right? Just a moment ago, you looked depressed."

"I was thinking about my parents not being on Earth anymore.
They are living on Yavin 4."

"Is that the place where the Jedi Knights live?"