Nar Shaddaa

Most of the people Galen cared about were easy enough to check on. Shaisha had warned him about the bombs. Aphr had been with him when the explosions happened. Zane had checked in not long after. Xereau and the Starcross were off-world. He'd come across or heard chatter regarding others as he'd helped pull survivors from the rubble. There was one, however, who he'd always run into directly. He could have tried calling, but he wanted to see her himself.

"Lyshea! Are you here?" he called out as he made his way through the enclave.

Lyshea walked about the Enclave, moving rubble out of the way via the Force. She turned her head to Galen and gave him a smile. "Hello Galen. I knew you would come search for me."

"Of course." he smiled. "You shouldn't even need the Force to know that. I am happy to see you're not hurt."

She returned the smile. "I did not see you in a vision, actually. It was pure intuition." The Miraluka nodded. "I was not in the compound when the explosion occurred. I suppose the Force may have led me away."

"I am relieved." He moved close to her. "Many things happened last night. Many of my friends were in danger. Fortunately, everyone is safe."

He looked around at the damage. "I wish there weren't so many casualties overall, though."

"Such is the nature of life, Galen. Some continue on and some pass on." She lowered her head. "That is how it must be."

"All the more reason to cherish those who remain." he hugged her.

The Jedi Master paused in her place and then reciprocated the hug. "I suppose that much is true, Galen," she agreed softly.

He held the embrace for a few moments, before relaxing. He didn't entirely let go, however.

"I understand that I must be willing to let go of those I care for to help those who need me." he said softly. "To me, that's another reason to hold on while you can."

"That is one interpretation, Galen." She let out a soft chuckle. "I wonder what the Jedi Council would say in response to that."

"I don't know. I'm more interested in your response." he said.

Master Mersl giggled. "I think it is a wise notion, Galen. While we must be ready to let go, we cannot abandon our attachments entirely. If we were to care for nothing in this galaxy, then what would we strive for?"

"How highly can we value peace, if we don't appreciate the opportunities it gives us."

He was still holding her, his face close to hers.

"What opportunities are you referring, to, Galen?"

"Sometimes, you just have to take a chance." he said softly, before he kissed her.

The Jedi Master did not reject nor actively kiss him back. When she finally pulled away, her cheeks were red. "I have never kissed anyone before," she blurted out, "It is a strange sensation." She gave a nervous smile. "I hope that is not surprising."

"I'm pleased I could be the first, then." he smiled. "A kiss is something everyone should experience at least once."

The Miraluka pressed her fingers on her lips as she pondered on the experience. "I believe I understand why many people on this moon enjoy it. It is a vulnerable act."

"One of many." he nodded. "Intimacy is about trust, as much as it is about affection and pleasure."

"I see. What a marvel it must be to partake in such a relationship." She bowed her head. "But if I am to teach you, then we should not progress furher in that direction. I am sorry, Galen."

"I know." He nodded, releasing her from the embrace and stepping back. "But, I had to feel certain there was no potential for this. To avoid further distraction."

The Jedi Master nodded. "I do not hold it against you, Galen. If our lives were different, perhaps it would have been nice to be intimate, as you said." She then paused and stayed in thought for a few moments. "What will you do in regards to the Starcross?"

"I have said my goodbyes and freed them from an obligation here." he replied. "They will go on without me. Without Aphr, as well."

"I see. How is the young lady, Aphr? My visions pertaining to her are still cloudy, full of darkness. And yet there is also a Light." She took a breath. "It lies in her hands whether or not it is snuffed out."

"She is conflicted." he sighed. "She has a strong connection to someone within the Sith and feels it is best for her to be there. But, she knows their way is not for her. She simply doesn't see another path."