The Jedi Temple
Coruscant
As the debriefing by the Council went on, the Padawans wait outside, where they are joined by Gundark's Padawan, Jeb. Gundark's condition has not been great these last two years since her poisoning, and Jeb may have to go to someone else for some more active training, much as he likes his Master.
Jeb and Vilpa sit together on a sofa. jeb, as ever, looks bright and full of energy and life. Vilpa isn't looking so good, tired and slightly pale.
Sunda is standing with his two lightsabres out, twirling them against imaginary foes from all angles.
"Was it the job?" says Jeb. "I told you I should have gone instead."
"You can'y fly a ship," says Vilpa.
"How hard can it be? Joystick, buttons... I'd work it out."
"It's not like one of those hologames you play. It's all power-to-weight ratios and wingspans in atmospheric flight. It's really no fun."
"Suits you then," said Jeb. He moved his head to one side to make way for Sunda, who was quickly spearing an invisible enemy between Jeb and Vilpa.
"Got 'im," said Sunda. "You guys should be careful." He twirled around again as more legions came his way.
"Well if it's not the mission, what is it?" asked Jeb. "Have you not been sleeping again?" Vilpa nodded. "Is that yes you have or yes you haven't?"
"I haven't," said Vilpa, snappily.
"Hey hey, Dark Side boy, watch that temper! So what is it, more dreams?"
"I think so. They're becoming very similar now. But I can't ever remember anything from them."
"What, nothing at all?"
"Well... just one thing. There's a women in them."
"Uhh.... you know, Vilpa, I hate to say this, but you're a growing man... they warned us about this kind of thing..."
"Jeb!"
"Sorry, sorry, that was just way too easy. So that's it then? Just a woman? Nothing else?"
"Nothing else. Except... she had white hair."
"An old woman then?"
"Yes. No. I... don't know."
"Hmm. What do you think, Sunda?"
Sunda paused in his manoeuvres and turned around.
"Sorry, what was all that?" he asked. Jeb looked at him for a few moments.
"Never mind..." he said. Sunda nodded and returned to his feint on his Dark Jedi opponent. "Your mother?" asked Jeb of Vilpa.
"I don't have a mother."
"Oh, I'm sorry, of course not. But maybe that is what she looked like?"
"I don't think so."
"Well... don't sweat it, Vilpa," said Jeb, getting up. "I'm sure it doesn't mean anything."
"No. I guess not. Jeb... don't tell the old man. He has enough to worry about."
"Sure thing, Vilpa. Just in case, I'll keep a look out for old ladies pestering you though."
"Hey!" said Sunda. I nearly hacked off your head there!"
"You think about that," said Jeb. "I could have been some poor bystander."
"This is a war zone! Get out of here, gee!"
Jeb turned back to Vilpa as he left.
"He worries me more than you do, you know..."
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End