Chapter 1
When Tenel Ka returned from her meditation, she went straight to Jacens
quarters. Jacen and Tenel Ka had become very close in the past few
weeks. When they were around each other they both felt a strange
connection." This was a feeling that neither of them had felt before.
She approached the door and quietly turned the corner, looking
through the door quickly to see where Jacen was in his room. He was
leaning over the bed, she suspected that he was getting packed to go to
Hapes along with Jaina, Lowie, and herself. They were going to see Tenel
Kas parents, Prince Isolder and Teneniel Djo.
Jacen was wearing an orange flight suit. He often wore this
around his quarters because it was comfortable, and allowed movement.
Tenel Ka, who had smiled only a few times in front of anyone, did not
mind smiling around Jacen. In fact, Jacen was the only person she ever
really smiled to.
Tenel Ka tip-toed into the room until she was facing Jacens back
side. She yelled loudly and dove at him, knocking him onto the bed.
Tenel Ka flipped him on his front and pinned him down, You must keep
aware, She said in a strong but not harsh voice, what if I had really
been trying to hurt you?.
She looked over at his dresser and saw Jacens lightsaber sitting on it.
She looked down at him, smiled and shook her head in disappointment. It
is not wise to keep your weapon, something that may one day save your
life, ten feet away from you. She said softly.
I was cleaning out the cages, and I...I...left it there by
accident, Jacen said, trying to catch his breath, yeah...thats it...I
left it there by accident! Wanna hear a joke? Jacen asked quickly
changing the subject. Ever since he had met Tenel Ka, he had tried to
make her laugh using ridiculous jokes. He had never succeeded, so he
kept trying.
Do I have a choice? Tenel Ka said sarcastically. Tenel Ka had
changed drastically in the past few weeks. Before, she was totally
serious, she would never even think of using sarcasm. But now, only
around Jacen, she loosened up a bit and smiled quite often.
Okay, I wont tell you a joke. How bout a riddle? Jacen said.
What is a riddle? Tenel Ka asked, she turned her head in a
questioning fashion.
Its a question that I ask and you try to answer it correctly
Jacen said smiling. He hoped that Tenel Ka would like riddles.
Ah. A-hah... She said using one of her common phrases, Yes, I
would like very much to answer one of these riddles. Tenel Ka said slowly
try to prepare herself for the challenge.
Okay, are you sure youre ready? Jacen asked
This is a fact. Tenel Ka said using her most common phrase.
Okay, If a transport shuttle crashes on the border of Imperial
Territory and New Republic Territory, Jacen paused and let the words sink
in. Where are the survivors buried? Jacen said quickly, then smiled.
Friend Jacen, your riddle as you call it makes no sense. Tenel
Ka said puzzled, The survivors of this accident would not be buried. She
said, still puzzled.
This is a fact, Jacen said mimicking his best friend, that is the
point of the riddle...you must listen carefully to it, and then figure it
out! Jacen in a frustrated tone even though he was trying his best to be
nice about it.
Ah, A-ha...I am sorry for not realizing this. Tenel Ka said in a
truly sorry tone.
Its all right...I am just glad I was able to tell it to someone, I
had been keeping it to myself for a while, waiting for the perfect time
to ask it! Jacen said, trying to make her feel better.
We had better get going! Jacen said looking at his watch. ill go
get Jaina He said getting up and tapping Tenel Ka on the leg.