Nar Shaddaa

It was surprisingly easy to convince someone to show him the way. But, unexpected meetings with Master Mersl were apparently not unheard of. Galen was soon directed to where she was.

Master Mersl turned to address him from her meditations, a slight smile on her face. "Galen, you are alive. I saw great danger with your hunt."

"A man nearly died for me." he shook his head. "It was a disaster."

"But he did not pass on. It was not meant to be, nor was your victory today," she replied plainly. She got to her feet and bowed her head. "Failure is not an indication that all is lost, Galen."

"No. But, it is a reminder of what can be lost." He said quietly. "Loss may be unavoidable, but I must do what I can to prevent it. At the least, my life needs to be worth the cost that could have been paid today."

"And what is the conclusion you have made then, Galen? What is the worth of your life?" she inquired calmly.

"It isn't enough simply to survive." he explained. "I want to combat the darkness you've spoken of. I want to do what I can to end the choas. But, I'm not ready."

"If this is what I really want, then I must be willing to do anything to prepare myself." he lowered his head. "Please, train me, Master Mersl."

The Jedi Master smiled faintly. "I thought you had already planned on learning from me, Galen. Or are you asking for a more rigorous regimen?"

"Yes." he nodded. "I know you have other matters to address, but I don't think I can simply wait to learn from you when our paths cross. I need direction. I need discipline."

"Would you be joining the Jedi Order or would you be simply close by, Galen?"

"Whatever is necessary." he replied. With a smile, he added. "I'll even stop flirting with you."

"It is probably for the best if you do not continue doing so," she stated with a smile, "That is not conducive for a mentoring relationship. As for your joining, I am unsure if it is necessary or the best course. The Council may not approve of you joining the Order; we usually induct children at a young age. However, they may also disapprove of me teaching someone outside of standard practice." The Miraluka shook her head. "In the end, it will always be unorthodox."

"I trust your insight." he lowered his head again. "I will follow whatever you decide."

"It is uncommon for a Jedi to take on another padawan. But I believe I could bring you along as a companion. There are many instances of Jedi traveling with others and guiding them in their journey with the Force."

"Alright." he nodded. "I have been considering leaving Nar Shaddaa and the Starcross. This would give me a path to follow."

"Wherever the path lies, we shall traverse it together then." She bowed her head. "I will consult with the Jedi Council with this matter after the negotiations are finished. Even if they reject you, I will still take you as a pupil." She gave a cunning smile. "Sometimes I do not follow rules."

"Sometimes rules get in the way." he nodded. "I have one particular thread left to sever. If I can take care of that, I should be ready."

The Jedi Master nodded. "May the Force be with you then, Galen."

He was quiet for a moment. "Did you ever intend to train me here on Nar Shaddaa? Every time I've come to you to learn something, to prepare myself for whatever darkness you see here on this moon, I leave knowing nothing new. I'm not questioning your methods. It's all beyond me. It's just a little confusing."

"I thought I had taught you to see the Force for what it is." She lowered her head. "I cannot teach you to wield a lightsaber or utilize other abilities in a day. But if you want to begin there, then we may now."

"I am grateful to you for increasing my understanding of the Force." he assured her. "I don't need to wield a saber, but I did ask about close-quarter combat when you came to see me at the Menagerie, days ago."

"If you will not use a lightsaber, then I recommend not engaging in close-quarter combat," she said with a smile, "There are ways to harm others through the Force. To do so directly will assuredly corrupt you. Otherwise, you may use the Force to move objects or individuals. Eventually, you may able to bind them in place.'

"I am willing to learn whatever you would teach." he shrugged. "I am comfortable with my rifle, but have limited ability without it. I could certainly have died this morning if the acklay had had more interest in me."