Tenel Ka no longer appeared feverish, and Jaina was amused to note that the warrior girl had braided her red-gold hair carefully around her face so that her bandage looked like a primitive warband across her forehead.
“I’ve invited Tenel Ka to come and visit GemDiver Station, since she missed it last time,” Lando said. “We have some good bacta tanks there that’ll fix up that cut on her head no time. Lowbacca, looks like you could use a few days in one of our tanks, too.”
Lowie barked his acceptance and a thank-you.
“Oh, that would be exceedingly kind of you, Master Calrissian,” Em Teedee said. “Master Lowbacca is most anxious to complete his healing and begin repairs on his incapacitated vehicle.”
“His little skyhopper ain’t the only vehicle that’s incapacitated.”
Jaina jumped when Peckhum’s loud voice boomed out behind her.
“I know just what he means, though. The boy and I can’t wait to get started fixing the Lightning Rod. But I think Zekk is going to be laid-up here for a while recuperating.” Old Peckhum stood by the damaged Lightning Rod, one hand on Zekk’s shoulder, the other arm heavily bandaged.
Zekk’s face was as pale as the dressing that wound around the base of his skull. His eyes seemed curiously empty, his face expressionless. He did not meet Jaina’s gaze.
“I think you’ve got two more candidates for your bacta tank, Lando,” Jaina said. “Can Jacen and I go along with them, Uncle Luke?”
Artoo-Detoo twittered.
“Oh, indeed! That’s a marvelous idea,” Em Teedee said.
“We promise not to get kidnapped this time,” Jacen added with a lopsided Solo-style grin.
Luke chuckled. “All right, I think that would be good for all of you. You young Jedi Knights are stronger together. If you have some time away to heal, then you’ll come back ready to help us rebuild … ready for a new beginning.”
“Thanks, Uncle Luke,” Jaina said.
“Jacen, my friend,” Tenel Ka said. “Perhaps we had better leave soon. We do not want all of the injured students to come away with us and leave Master Skywalker here alone.”
Jacen gave Tenel Ka a quizzical look. “What do you mean?” he said. “Why would you worry about that?”
“Because,” Tenel Ka said solemnly, “a Jedi must have patients.”
Jacen blinked at her, uncertainty written on his face. Then a shy grin lit Tenel Ka’s face. It was the first time he had seen her smile so broadly.
“I don’t believe it … ,” Jacen began.
Jaina shook her head in wonder. “Sounded to me like she just told a joke.”
“This is a fact!” Jacen said.
Lowie chuffed with delight. Jaina giggled.
Soon the entire clearing rang with laughter.