“You know, you really shouldn’t get so mad over the little things.” Rush says teasing as he steps up behind Kaylee. “Anger is the path to the dark side.”
“I’m not mad.” Kaylee says with a smile threatening to form on her face. “You’re just a bantha jockey.”
“That may be, but I’m the best bantha jockey in the galaxy.” Rush jokes. “But that’s not why I found you.” He finishes, his tone becoming more serious.
“What is it?” Kaylee asks, concern growing in her voice.
“Master Datch was looking for you. I think you have an assignment.” Rush said, excitement creeping into his voice. Ever since Rush and Kaylee arrived on Yavin IV together, Rush has had feelings for her. When she passed the trials and became the youngest Jedi Knight in the order, it was as if he had accomplished this feat with her. And now that she may have an assignment, he was equally excited for her, as this was to many, the final step of becoming a full fledged Jedi Knight.
“What?” Kaylee asks not able to hide the surprise in her voice.
“I overheard Master Datch talking to Master Skywalker. But we should head back, it might be urgent.” Rush tells her, and with that, she followed him back to the Temple.
Kaylee rushes back to the Temple eager to find her master. The prospect of her first mission excites her, perhaps more than she knows it should.
A Jedi seeks not adventure and excitement.
One of the first things Master Datch had told her when she was but a young Padawan crosses her mind, and as it does, she tries to suppress her excitement. She reaches the clearing in the trees that borders the Academy and sees her master standing just outside the main Temple. She sees that he is not alone, standing beside him is Master Aamaw, an Ithorian Jedi Master and one of the best lightsaber duelists in the galaxy. Again, she tries to suppress her excitement and approaches the masters.
“Master Datch, I understand you were looking for me?” She says, more as a question.
“Indeed I was.” Master Horn Datch says, nodding. “Kaylee, the council has recently been made aware of some…troubling reports out of Tatooine, and we think that you should go there to investigate.” Horn tells her.
“I understand Master.” Kaylee replies, then adds, “But what am I to investigate?”
“There has been a rash of mysterious deaths just outside of Mos Eisley. The cause of death is- unclear. So you are to go investigate what is causing the locals to die and report back to the council.” Horn explained.
“Yes Master.” Kaylee says bowing her head. “Will you be coming with me?”
“Unfortunately, I will not. I have some business on Coruscant that must be seen to. However, Rush is to accompany you to Tatooine to conduct your investigation.” Horn explained.
“Very well, Master.”
“You should gather some supplies and get to the landing pad to board your ship within the hour. Time is of the essence.” Horn instructs her.
“Yes Master, I won’t let you down.” Kaylee says with a smile.
“And Kaylee…”
“Yes Master?”
“May the Force be with you.”