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Neomi held on tight as they sped across the plains. Although both she and Murlynd were riding a standard swoop bike, it seemed to be going a lot faster than she thought possible. Had Murlynd customised the repulser engine or did the Force allow him to do this? She was eager to learn more, and she would not give up on her desire to become his Padawan learner.
"How much further, Master Murlynd?"
"I am not certain, but the Force will guide me. We are travelling south, perhaps some distance."
"Can you not use the Force to just... teleport straight there?"
"The Force is many things, but it does not provide simple solutions to any problem. Remember that, for without temperence the Jedi would rule rather than keep the peace."
Neomi thought upon the matter. She had outlined the region, but had no idea where any Lord would want to set up a base of operations. Certainly there were many abandoned fortresses, stations and settlements in this area, but why would anyone want to settle in this region? Between them, they were unable to narrow the list either. What had this Lord done that required a Jedi to... she didn't want to think about it, or what Murlynd had to do. The Jedi, as far as she knew, were peaceful and did not strike in anger. She was confused.
The Swoop came to an abrupt halt. Neomi thought she would go flying off the seat, but Murlynd was unmoving. "Master Murlynd? What is wrong?"
"I sense that a transportof some kind is approaching. Please be quiet while I concentrate, for our presence here must not be detected."
Neomi thought back to the things that they had left behind on the farm at Murlynd's request, leaving many servo-motors working and leaving other signs that she had only left for a short time... why were such precautions necessary? Neomi shuddered suddenly as the air began to shimmer around her. She held up her hand and it began to become immaterial. She almost let out a gasp of surprise, but restrained herself, not wanting to betray any sign weakness for Murlynd. She, the bike, and Murlynd were invisible. Within moments, a desert skiff appeared above a rise ahead and passed by. After anxious minutes, she was able to see everything as it had been. Murlynds breathing had not quickened in the slightest.
"Amazing!" Was all that she could say.
"The Force allows a skilled master to do many things, young Neomi. You seem quite sensitive, perhaps I might just teach you a few ways to control the environment around you... to assess your potential as an adept?"
Neomi smiled.
To be continued.