New Lessons

Keran's face twisted in discomfort at Serenity's realization that he was not dressed. "Yes, an unfortunate requirement of my own disguise." He went to a nearby footlocker and opened it. Inside was a small set of Jedi robes and a tiny lightsaber. Keran quickly got dressed and hooked the lightsaber to his sash before looking back to Serenity. "Ah, better now?" He rubbed his chin as he listened to Serenity's story.

Mira could see the girl's unease and went to her and pulled her into a hug. "Oh you poor thing!"

"An Inquisitor you say?" He recalled the bounty hunter Serenity had been with. "You mean to say that man who was strong in the Dark Side was your 'master?'" He let out a small chuckle. "A curious story however if you claim he is an Inquisitor... do you think his story was an elaborate ruse to make you trust him?"

"No. It's the truth." Mar said suddenly appearing in the doorway. He had his hands outward, trying his best to be as non-threatening as possible. However both Keran and Mira had produced their weapons. Mira trained her blaster on him while Keran ignited his lightsaber.

Mar merely smiled warmly. "Have our new friends been kind to you, Serenity?"

Keran bared his fangs at Mar. "Inquisitor... Have you come to kill me?"

Mar shook his head. "No... I came here to ask for your help. My name is Mar Leto, former First Brother of Darth Vader's Inquisitorius, Grand Inquisitor of the Inquisitorious... and by the will of The Force I was brought to this young girl, and a couple other prospective jedi, and have been trying to be their teacher..." Mar grimaced. "However... I only know the Dark Side... I have studied the Jedi texts I have been able to collect over the years but actually putting those teachings into practice is difficult. I need help... your help..."

Keran studied Mar's features. He frowned, then after a long pause he disengaged his lightsaber. "In spite of my better judgement... I sense you are speaking the truth. I sense the bond you and this young one have. The Force is... distinct with you two... I cannot ignore this or your appearance here. It is clear to me, The Force is working through us all right now." Keran nodded to Serenity. "I will help you."

Mira smiled, "We both will help. If Keran's going with you, then I'm coming too. We're partners." She grinned to Keran. "You're not getting rid of me that easily."

Keran nodded. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

Mar crossed his arms. "Good. We should retreat to my ship then... We have friends who are no doubt waiting for us on another world. And I'd rather not stay on this sludge-filled moon any longer than necessary..."

"We will gather our effects and join you." Keran said.

It didn't take long for Mira and Keran to pack their things and join Mar on the Void Swift. Soon the group were on their way to Ghost's home world once again and Keran was quick to take Serenity to the cargo bay to start teaching her. Much to Mar's annoyance.

"I was under the impression we were going to teach her together..." Mar said.

Keran shrugged as he curled his legs underneath him into a meditation position and flicked his ear. "You are more than welcome to join us in meditation, Inquisitor..." The venom in that word was plainly visible.

Mar sat next to Serenity and joined them in mediating regardless. Ignoring Keran's disdain.

"Breathe..." Keran said. "Reach out with The Force and explore your surroundings. Feel the hum of the hyperdrive, the flow of the cosmos... sense the chicken as it pecks at the bulkhead... Or Mira as she sits in the pilot's seat of this vessel, feel her sense of excitement at being on a new adventure..."

Mar was following the mediation exercise, however he felt his mind get pulled elsewhere. He was suddenly in the jungle again. The crackle of a campfire was all he could hear. And then Tal appeared to him. She smiled warmly.

"Hello, Mar..." She said.

Mar's heart skipped a beat. "...Tal..."

"It's good to finally talk to you again." Tal said as she smiled warmly at him.

"How are we?"

"The Force is life... All who live become one with it in the end. I have always been with you, my love."

"You shouldn't... I don't..." Mar's heart filled with guilt and pain.

"You are okay, focus. We are able to speak because you are finally on the right path... your are finally beginning to heal... I'm here to tell you that. You are on the right path. The path I wished for you from the very beginning. Serenity needs you, and you need her. Together the two of you will walk a path to a better future." Tal's features darkened. "However... like Peren warned you before, Serenity is not ready for the truth. In time she will be capable... but now is not that time... I know you hate to keep this secret, but it is necessary..." She went to him and kissed his cheek. "You can do this... I have faith in you."

And then Mar snapped back to the present.

"Tell me, Serenity..." Keran was speaking to Serenity. "How is your connection to The Force? Have you felt it weaken or strengthen over the last couple years?"