loveme7

* * * * *

    Half an hour later, Mon Mothma finally contacted Leia. "All the members of the Senate have arrived," she informed them.
"Good," Leia said. Mon Mothma called the Senate to order.
"I have called this meeting," Leia began, "to inform you that the New Republic has made contact with another government. They are willing to trade technology with us. Their technology is more advanced in certain areas than we are. There are other areas that the New Republic is more advanced in. It would be beneficial to both parties to trade technologies. We would have a definite edge in our war with the Imperials. At this time, I will answer questions from the Senate members."
"How did the New Republic make contact with them?" Admiral Ackbar asked.
"General Antilles and the crew of the 'Yavaris II' happened upon them. Their ship, 'Voyager', was being attacked by Admiral Daala and the 'Kraken'. The 'Yavaris II' came to their aid, causing Daala to retreat. The Captain of 'Voyager', Kathryn Janeway, invited General Antilles and Major Jade aboard to discuss that area of space. The crew of 'Voyager' was stranded out here and are looking for a way home. Captain Janeway believes that the New Republic may be able to help them."
"Are we sure they can be trusted?" Borsk Fey'lya asked Leia, his tone was cool.
"Major Jade has probed their minds and has found no malicious intent. Their biggest concern is whether or not they can trust the New Republic. Apparently, they haven't had much luck in this area of space."
"I still have my doubts and I forbid the New Republic from making any sort of technology trade with these people," Fey'lya said, standing up, his fur rippling along his back.
"Councilor Fey'lya," Mon Mothma said, her tone curt and sharp, "*you* have no authority to forbid the New Republic from doing anything. Sit *down*." The Bothan's fur rippled once again in annoyance as he reluctantly took his seat.
    Mon Mothma turned to the Senate. "I think we can leave the judgement of whether they can be trusted to Major Jade, General Antilles and Chief of State Organa Solo. Major Jade has proved herself a good judge of character in recent years. I value her judgement and recommendations."
    Senator Garm Bel Iblis rose from his seat. "What type of technology are we talking about?"
    Leia allowed herself a smile smile as she gave her explaination. "We are talking about a ship wth only twelve banks of energy weapons, but it can scare a Star Destroyer enough to make it flee. We are talking about a ship with some of the most sophisticated shielding and sensor technology the New Republic has ever seen, with computers that outrank ours in sheer speed and capacity. Add to that some of the most advanced medical facilities that lack nothing short of a bacta tank. They have machines which are far more advanced than our food processors; they will make food out of bulk matter, with no need to carry space-consuming foodstuffs. Their holographic technology is far ahead of ours; their holograms actually have substance, they are not just reflected three-dimensional images. Their engines are efficient and powerful, and they use an extraordinarily sophisticated form of interstellar transportation. They are willing to share some secrets, but not others."
    Bel Iblis, and the rest of the Council, was impressed. The senator sat down and the silence was Leia's cue to continue.
"If there are no further questions, I suggest we put this to a vote," said the Chief of State. "Al in favor of a technology trade with the United Federation of Planets, say 'Aye'. All opposed, say 'Nay'." She went around the room asking the members of the Council for their votes. All were in favor except Fey'lya, whose vote was overruled by the majority. Leia nodded and let out a brief sigh.
    She smiled. "Well then, if there is no further business, I will meet with Captain Janeway to begin the negotiations. I declare this meeting adjourned." She shut down the holovid and closed er eyes in relief.
*That went well,* she thought. *For once.*

* * * * *

"Has there been any contact with the 'Voyager' since I arrived?" Leia asked.
"Negative, Madame Chief of State," Mara responded, "they are awaiting our signal."
    Leia nodded her head slightly. "Then I suggest we give them one. Hail the 'Voyager'." Leia stepped to the holotable and waited, while Mara opened a channel to the ''Voyager'. The holotable activated, raising the central platform, while the lights dimmed. Above the platform was the image of an attractive woman in her forties with auburn hair and gentle eyes. Leia knew that this had to be the Captain Kathryn Janeway of whom Wedge had spoken.
    The woman spoke. "Greetings, 'Yavaris II'," she said in a dry, diplomatic voice. "What can I do for you?"
"Captain Janeway, I presume?" Leia asked and received an affirmative nod. "I am Leia Organa Solo, Chief of State of the New Republic. I have looked forward to meeting you, Captain."
    Janeway gave a polite nod. "As have I, Madame Chief of State," Janeway said, smiling.
"General Antilles tells me you are interested in a technology trade," Leia said. Captain Janeway gave an answering nod.
"We are very much interested, Madame Chief of State," Janeway said respectfully. "I would be very honored if you would come aboard and see if we can work something out."
    Leia nodded. "I would love to come aboard, for you see, I am also very interested in what you have to offer. I heard of your scuffle with Admiral Daala. I believe that we can work out a deal which would be mutually beneficial to us all. However, you must understand that we have concerns for my safety."
"You may bring over as many bodyguards as you feel necessary," Janeway responded understandingly. "Take any precautions you need to ensure your safety."
"Captain," Leia said, "I appreciate your willingness to comply. However, the risk is still too great. My apologies."
"I understand," Janeway said.
"But," Leia said, "I would have no trouble if you and your senior staff transported to the 'Yavaris II'. We would appreciate holding the meeting on a New Republic ship."
    Janeway nodded in approval. "Very well, Madame Chief of State. My senior staff and I will transport aboard at 1645 to the coordinates we are transmitting on this frequency." Leia noticed a small holographic window which displayed a large bank of numeric data.
"Excellent," Leia said. "We have received your coordinates. I look forward to seeing you aboard."
    Captain Janeway laughed. "As do I," she said smiling. "Until then, Madame Chief of State, "'Voyager' out!"
    The holotable deactivated as the transmission was cut off. The platform sunk back into the center of the table, and Leia let out a long sigh. That conversation was more pleasant than most of her diplomatic engagements and, for once, she *didn't* have a bad feeling about this.

* * * * *

    Janeway and her senior staff felt the tingling sensation characteristic of having your atoms broken apart and reassembled again. The Captain, Chakotay, Tuvok, Tom, B'Elanna, Harry and Kes, who insisted on going so she could speak with Mara Jade, materialized inside a huge room decked with terminals, display panels, and chairs. Crewmen bustled around, going about their respective duties. In the center of the room were two command chairs facing a large, clear viewport which gave an astounding view of space. A few meters in front of the chairs was a large table with some controls on it.
    Their hosts stood facing them, smiling as they marveled at the enormity of the bridge. Mara and Wedge stood next to a dark-haired, gentle woman in flowing white robes, whom Janeway recognized as Chief of State Leia Organa Solo. Beside the Chief of State was a cocky, slightly unkempt-looking man in well-worn breeches and a black vest, who carried a pistol at his belt. At his side was a tall, furry humanoid who wore a metal sash that reminded her of the ceremonial pieces that some Klingons wore. The furry creature carried what looked like a metal crossbow. Next to him stood a shiny, golden android with a vaguely humanoid shape. Beside him was a small, barrel-shaped android with three legs on wheels. The Chief of State smiled warmly and welcomed them.
"Welcome to the 'Yavaris II', Captain." She stepped forward and gave a slight nod. Janeway took a step toward her and returned the gesture. "I have looked forward to meeting you, Captain."
"As have I, Madame Chief of State," Janeway said. She turned to Wedge and Mara and held out her hand. "General, Major, I can't tell you how good it is to see you again."
"The pleasure is all mine, Captain," Wedge said. He took each of their hands in turn, as did Mara.
    When Mara came to Kes, she reached out through the Force to touch her mind. *I'd like to speak with you later,* she thought.
*When?* Kes asked. *Where?*
*Not now,* came Mara's response. *After the meeting. Have the Vulcan come with you.*
    Leia went on to introduce the other four present. "Now, Captain. If you'll allow me to introduce my husband, Captain Han Solo, and his companion and copilot, Chewbacca the Wookie." Solo reached shook Janeway's hand and murmured a quick "How-do-you-do?". It was obvious that he wasn't used to diplomatic functions. Chewbacca just let out a muffled growl as Janeway shook his hairy paw.
    The golden robot spoke up in a prissy voice. "He says that he is very pleased to make your acquaintence. Allow me to introduce myself. I am See-Threepio, Human-Cyborg Relations. And this is my counterpart, Artoo-Detoo." The little robot bleeped and whistled cheerfully. "He expresses his salutations as well."
    The crew gave their greetings to the two droids. Organa Solo took the opportunity to press on. "If we've all said our greetings, now is the time to move onto business. Please follow me."
    Leia led to them to the rear of the bridge and through a set of doors into what was obviously a readyroom. It was much larger and more luxurious than Janeway's own readyroom. A long table and several chairs were set up at far side of the room, with a computer console at every seat. Leia led them their and beckonned for them to sit down. A New Republic escort waited on either side of the Chief of State, with another pair of guards inside the door. Leia took a seat at the head of the table, with her husband sitting next to her. Adjacent to them were Mara and Wedge, then came Chewie and Threepio. Artoo rolled to the emtpy seat beside Threepio and plugged into the terminal, through a port in the table leg. Janeway and Chakotay sat in the two seats at the foot of the table. Then came Paris and B'Elanna. Next came Tuvok and Harry. Kes took the seat opposite Artoo at Harry's side.
    At Leia's seat was a shiny brass bell, perfectly formed and rounded, with a ringer beside it. She took up the ringer and tapped the bell six times, pausing a little after every two rings. The bell gave beautiful, crystal clear tones that silenced any conversation that might have been present in the room. Leia put down the ringer and spoke.
"This meeting is now in session," she said. "We all know why we are here--to discuss a technology trade between the New Republic and the United Federation of Planets. I have already spoken at great length with the New Republc Senate, and they have agreed, by a majority vote, to allow these talks to proceed. And now, without further ado, let's get right down to it." She looked over her guests, her gaze briefly lingering on the alien female with long blond hair. She was sure that this was Kes the Ocampan that Mara told her about. Her gaze then flicked back to Janeway. "Captain Janeway, what are you interested in offering the New Republic?" She activated the computer terminals at everyone's seat. The screen displayed a word processing program.
    Janeway sat up a bit straighter. "I am the only Federation Captain in the Delta Quadrant. No other Starfleet Captain has come this far. Therefore, I have full authority to represent the United Federation of Planets. Normally our Prime Directive forbids contact with under-developed cultures, though I would hardly call the New Republic under-developed. I am, however, forbidden from giving you technology that would grant you a decisive edge in your current war with the Galactic Empire. Therefore, I am prohibited from giving you our transporter technology.
"However," she continued, "I can offer you other things." She turned to her staff. "My senior staff and I have decided on what we are willing to offer you."
    B'Elanna sat up and addressed the New Republic representatives. "The Engineering Department offers you our holographic technology. We realize that ours is far more sophisticated than your own technology and that it is commonly used throughout the New Republic. We will also throw in a fully capable copy of our own Emergency Medical Holographic physician. The program is capable of skill beyond what is humanly possible and will be of great use."
    Tom piped up before she could continue. "On a side note, I'd like to personally offer you our complete stock of leola root." 'Voyager's' senior staff looked at him as if he had no understanding of tact or subtlety whatsoever, but given his track record with the Maquis they shouldn't have been that surprised. He continued. "It's supposedly the best source of nutrition in the quadrant, and, since you're at war, you'll need all the nutrition you can get."
    Leia nodded enthusiastically and made notes on her terminal. "An excellent offer. Please continue."
    Tom gave a look as though he were surprised they actually agreed. To him, it was like a starving planet buying a shipment of hemlock. He quickly brushed the look aside and gestured for Harry to take his turn.
"We are also prepared to give you our food replication technology. The replicator unit will come preprogrammed with all the recipes in our database, including two favorites from each of the senior staff and whatever Neelix has developed over the years. We are also prepared to give you sensor equipment and our bionueral computer technology, as well as our tricorders, which are far more efficient and compact than whatever equivalent machinery you use."
    The look on Leia's face told him she was most pleased with how the trade was going so far. She made more notes, as did Mara, Wedge, and the droids. Chewbacca and Han sat there, looking like strangers in a strange land.
    Tuvok sat up and took his turn to address the Chief of State. "From the Security and Tactical Departments," he said in a flat, emotionless voice, "we offer you our phaser technology. This doesn't violate the Prime Directive because you have blasters and turbolasers, however our phasers are significantly more powerful and efficient. Though they are not so much more efficient that they give you a decisive combat edge against the Empire. You will receive the full line of personal phasers as well as shipmounted versions. You will also receive photon torpedoes, which are slightly more powerful than your heavy bombs. In addition to our weapons, we are willing to offer our shielding technology which is more powerful and more efficient than your own shields. There will also be no need for you to have two types of shields as you do now." He looked to Kes who sat up straighter. She appeared uneasy, as if she was somehow preoccupied. She kept looking in the direction of the Chief of State and Mara Jade. The Chief of State looked toward her to signal her to speak, but Mara just stared back, as if similarly preoccupied. Kes collected herself and spoke.
"From the Medical Department," she said steadily, "we are willing to offer you our full database of medical knowledge, including any recent breakthroughs we might have made. In addition, we are willing to give a sample of all the drugs and medications we have stocked. Also we will give our tools, including medical tricorders, dermal regenerators, hyposprays, biobeds, anabolic protoplasers, and much more." She looked to Janeway.
"That is our offer for this technology trade, "Janeway said. "My crew will assist in all of the refits that will be made on the 'Yavaris II'. We would like to hear what you will give us in return." Leia looked very pleased by the deal Janeway had offered her. She made her final notes on her terminal and turned to Wedge. The General sat up, grinned reflexively, and addressed 'Voyager's' crew.
"We are aware that your resources are limited. You are a long way from any one of your bases and your energy supply, most of all, must be conserved. Our engineers have discovered a way to modify your antimatter reactor to function on substances other than deuterium and anti-hydrogen. In fact, after these modifications, you will be able to use almost any type of fuel." B'Elanna perked up like a thirsty plant in a refreshing summer rain. She wanted to burst forth with a million questions, but Janeway looked at her and she immediately restrained herself.
    Janeway, obviously pleased so far, nodded for them to continue.
    Han Solo spoke up next, a little uncomfortable at addressing an audience. "Um... We've run some tests and developed a scale for measuring the speed of a ship in hyperspace. It turns out that, according to our calculations, hyperdrive is a faster way for you people to get home. We are willing to give you a Class One hyperdrive unit, modified to run from your unique power source. You will also have a navicomputer, fully programmed with all our known jump coordinates. However, if your Stellar Cartography Department will work with our astronomers, we can pinpoint a safe course through hyperspace in no time."
Everyone looked as if they couldn't believe their ears. They would be going home. They wouldn't wait until they were old and feeble from age and have their grandchildren run the ship, they would be home soon, maybe within months. And this wouldn't be a one-shot deal either, they could come back and visit the Delta Quadrant anytime they wished. It was better than a dream-come-true. It was real.
    Mara spoke up next. "We are willing to give you our ion cannon technology. Since we know you have no need of turbolasers, we are not offering them to you. The ion cannons will be of great use to you if you need another combat option. We will also reload your torpedo launchers and restock your supplies with all the types of warheads available to us. We know you have been running short on shuttles lately, so we are offering four 'Lambda'-class shuttles." Janeway thought that was more than acceptable, but she was too stunned to respond. Artoo bleeped and Threepio dutifully translated.
"Artoo says that we are willing to offer *our* medical technology in the way of artificial limbs and bionics, which are far more advanced than your equivalent techniques." Kes looked very pleased, but she was still preoccupied, as if something else were consuming her attention...
"We will also fully restock any supplies you may need. This is our offer. Do you find it acceptable?" Leia asked.
    Janeway smiled. "*Most* acceptable, Madame Chief of State. We will gladly accept your offer. That is, if you will accept ours."
"Of course, Captain. I would not turn down a deal this good. If I did, I don't think I'd hold my position very long." Both women gave a wry laugh and they set to work putting the trade agreement in writing. They worked their terminals with lightning speed. There were some minor disagreements in wording and such, but it was all straightened out. The finished document was sent via HoloNet and reviewed by the Senate. It was ratified by unanimous vote. Leia and Janeway then put their thumbs on the respective scanning devices in their terminals. The document floated above the table with the Senate Seal of Ratification and the thumbscans of both Captain Kathryn Janeway and Chief of State Leia Organa Solo. It was now reality.
"It was a pleasure doing business with you, Captain," Leia said standing up. She took the ringer and tapped the bell in the same sequence that she had at the start of the meeting. "I officially declare this meeting adjourned!" Everyone shook each other's hand and most were turning to leave the room. Mara kept looking at Kes, who looked back and turned her gaze away. Kes approached Janeway.
"Captain, I'd like to have some time to speak to Major Jade alone, if that's all right," she asked kindly.
"Of course, Kes," Janeway said.
"Thank you." Kes beckoned to Tuvok.
"Ah, Kes," Tuvok said in his logical voice. "How may I assist you?"
"Follow me, Tuvok," she said.
"Where are we going?" he demanded.
"No time to explain, just follow." Kes turned to Mara and followed her past the guards and out the door.

* * * * *

    Kes and Tuvok followed Mara Jade out of the ready room and across the bridge. Mara stepped into the turbolift and held the door open for them. They both stepped inside and the doors *swooshed* behind them. Kes had wanted the opportunity to speak to Mara from the moment she had detected the woman's mind probe in 'Voyager's' conference room. She couldn't guess how she had tapped such abilities. Mara was biologically human, and very few humans showed any type of psionic capabilities. Kes was also uneasy about following her to an unknown destination for an unknown purpose. Was this a trap? Kes pushed aside her fears and waited for the turbolift to reach their destination.
    Tuvok wasn't so trusting. He reached out a hand toward the control panel and halted the turbolift. He turned toward Mara Jade with his dark eyes.
"Major," he said in a slightly harsh, impatient tone, "I wish to know where you are taking us and why, and I wish to know now. We will travel no farther until you have answered me."
    With an invisible hand, Mara reached out through the Force and touched the control to resume their progress. Tuvok turned in as much shock as a Vulcan could express to stare at the panel that had operated seemingly of itself. He stopped the turbolift again and turned back to Mara, pulling a phaser from his belt.
"Who are you?" he said in a low voice, leveling the phaser at Mara. Kes stared at them both, afraid that a firefight would start.
* That would be really nice, to have a New Republic officer shot by our own Chief of Security after we just forged a technology trade with them.* Right now, she was afraid for them both.
    Mara calmly regarded Tuvok's drawn weapon before addressing him. "I'm Major Mara Jade, First Officer on board the 'Yavaris II'," she answered. "Who else did you think I was?"
"Tell us where we are going and why. *Now*." Tuvok said, his voice deadly calm and emotionless. He raised his phaser to aim at her chest. "Or I *will* fire."
    Mara pointed to the phaser and said, "That isn't necessary. You will put your weapon away." Kes thought she felt a flicker of *something*, but she couldn't put her finger on what it was or where it came from.
    Tuvok looked suddenly dazed. "This isn't necassary," he said in a flat, calm voice. "I will put away my weapon." Kes stared at him, confused as he strangely repeated what she had just said. Tuvok returned the phaser to his belt.
    Mara continued, lowering her arm to her side. "As for our destination and why we're going there, we are going to my quarters. You will find out why when we get there." Kes felt the flicker again.
    Tuvok nodded. "We will find out why when we get there."
"Have the turbolift resume it's destination," Mara said with a slight edge of command. Tuvok nodded and worked the controls to get the turbolift moving again. Kes felt the flicker... and figured out what it was. Mara Jade was somehow using her powers to manipulate Tuvok. It was frightening to Kes. She knew from experience that Tuvok's mind was nearly impregnable from all the mental barriers he placed around it, and even though she herself had effortlessly broken through all those barriers before, when she had been possessed by the Warlord Ti'ren, who had pushed her mind from its more relaxed applications to the very limits of its capabilities, but for a *human* to manipulate a powerful mind such as Tuvok's so easily... it was unheard of. How could she possess such power?
    The *swoosh* of the turbolift doors interrupted her thoughts. They had arrived at their destination. They walked out into a wide corridor which had much less activity than the bridge. Crewman walked up and down the corridor talking to each other. Doors lined the walls all along the corridor. These were obviously crew quarters and, judging from the spacing between the doors, probably the quarters of high-ranking officers. Mara led them down the hall to a door with a brass plaque proclaiming her residence there. She entered the security code to her quarters and the door opened for them. She led them inside and gestured for them to have a seat on a comfortable-looking couch. She ordered three drinks from the food processor and took a seat herself on a plush, self-conforming, pseudo-leather chair.
    Kes finally found her nerve. "Major," she said uneasily, "I would like to know what you have done to Tuvok."
    Tuvok looked at her in surprise. "I do not know what you are referring to, Kes," he said. "I do not recall anything unusual that occured between the Major and myself."
    Kes looked at him as if he were crazy. "You mean you don't remember *anything* about what happened in the turbolift? How you stopped the car and Mara started it again with her mind, or how you drew your phaser on her and she manipulated you into putting it away?"
"I recall no such event," Tuvok said, not a little confused.
"He recalls nothing because that is what I intended," Mara said. "Don't worry, Kes. He is fine." Tuvok stared at her, even more confused than before.
"Alright," Kes began, "Next question: how can you do this? Humans have no inate psionic talents, and I know that one cannot control Tuvok's mind easily. How do you command such power?"
    Mara sipped her hot drink and smiled slightly. "Do you remember what I told you about the Jedi Knights?" Kes nodded and suddenly realization struck like a meteor against the hull.
"You mean... You're a...?"
    Mara nodded. "I am a Jedi Knight. It isn't something I always mention to people I meet. You remember how I told you of the fall of the Old Republic and the Jedi?" Kes nodded. "Well," Mara went on, "what I didn't tell you was that the Jedi are rising again. The Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, one of my old opponents, is seeing to that."
"I remember the name," Kes said vaguely. "Wasn't he the one who you said stopped the resurrected Emperor?"
    Mara nodded. "I told you that only two Jedi Masters were left after the Emperor's great purge. Skywalker was not one of them. Those two Masters were Obi-Wan Kenobi and Master Yoda, Skywalker's teachers, both of them are deceased. Skywalker was the son of a very powerful Jedi Knight named Anakin Skywalker."
    Tuvok nodded, drawing a conclusion. "So Skywalker's father was killed in the purge."
    Mara shook her head. "Skywalker's father *became* part of the purge. He fell to the Dark Side and became the Emperor's chief vassal, changing his name to Darth Vader." Kes gasped in shock, but Tuvok just cocked an eyebrow.
"So what happened to Skywalker?" Kes asked.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi knew as the Emperor did that any children of Anakin Skywalker would become a threat to him. So for his own safety, he and his twin sister were seperated and hidden from their father when they were born. Luke was taken to be raised on the remote backwater planet of Tatooine, while his sister was raised by the Senator Bail Organa as a Princess of the Royal House of Alderaan." Kes interrupted before she could continue.
"Chief of State Leia Organa Solo? *That's* his sister?!"
    Mara nodded. "The same. Those two, along with Han Solo have been some of the greatest heroes of the Rebel Alliance and the New Republic."
"I thought I sensed something about her," Kes said distantly. "I don't know what it was, but it was *different*."
"Your insight serves you well," Mara said.
    Tuvok spoke up. "You said that Luke Skywalker was one of your old opponents. Why?"
    Mara looked at them uneasily and stared into her drink as if searching for an answer. "Because," she began, "I was instructed to kill him. I was the Emperor's Hand. Through the Force, I heard his call from anywhere in the galaxy, and I made sure his will was enforced. I was instructed to kill Luke upon the Emperor's death. I thought it was because Luke killed the Emperor, but it turned out that Vader killed the Emperor after Luke defeated his father in lightsaber combat. Anakin Skywalker returned from the Dark Side and threw the Emperor down the power core of the Death Star. Skywalker's father died shortly thereafter. I was instructed to kill Luke as a last vengeance against Vader, but we've reconciled our differences.
"As I was saying," she said, going back to the original topic, "Luke is establishing a new order of Jedi Knights. He believes the Republic can't survive without the Jedi and I believe it, as do many. With the help of the Council, he has established a Jedi 'praxeum' on the fourth moon of the planet Yavin, a system not far from here. He's already had a number of Jedi Knights graduate from the Academy. Which brings us to why I want to talk to you."
    Kes stared at her uneasily. "What about?"
    Mara sipped some more of her drink. "As a Jedi Knight, I must always be on the lookout for possible Jedi candidates, for those who have the potential to use the Force. The Emperor's purge was not as complete as he'd have liked to believe. While he and Vader killed almost all of the Jedi Knights, they did not eliminate their descendants or families. The potential to use the Force often runs in a family bloodline, or it could spontaneously develop in any individual. Some species, however, have a natural affinity to the Force. Thus, Master Skywalker conducted his Jedi search. That same search goes on."
"And what does this have to do with us?" Tuvok asked.
"She thinks that we have the ability to use the Force," Kes said. "But she is more interested in me as a candidate for the academy than you."
    Mara had already felt the tendril of thought that had probed her mind for the answer that was about to surface. A rather primitive technique, but effective and most impressive for one who was never properly trained. "That is correct," Mara said, smiling proudly at Kes's abilities. I'm wondering, if you truly have the potential, if you would be interested in going to the 'praxeum' to learn how to use your powers."
    Tuvok spoke up. "May I point out, that I am already training Kes in her mental abilities on board 'Voyager'."
    Mara looked with sympathy at Tuvok, as if she didn't know quite what to say without insulting him. "Mr. Tuvok, I understand what you've been doing with Kes's training, but... from what I've seen, the disciplines you've taught her are very primitive. She has so much potential. There is only so much you can teach her. Master Skywalker is an experienced instructor. He can show her how to take full advantage of her abilities."
"May I also point out," Tuvok went on with not the slightest sign of hurt pride, "that on past occasions Kes has been given the opportunity to take full advantage of her powers. Those opportunities have always ended up with someone hurt or killed due to lack of control."
"She will *learn* control," Mara insisted. "Every student must learn control, if they are to truly use their abilities. Without control, your powers are useless."
    Kes spoke up. She knew she was interrupting, but she couldn't let either her mentor or this woman decide her future for her. "Excuse me," she said, "but this is *my* decision, right?"
    Mara and Tuvok looked up from their arguing. "Yes, of course it is," they said in unison.
"Mara," Kes asked, "you said that the mission of the Jedi was to defend the New Republic?" Mara nodded, and Kes continued. "Would I be bound to New Republic space in any way? Would I be allowed to leave and see the galaxy for myself?"
"Of couse you could," Mara said, "as long as you adhere to the Jedi Code and serve the Force. Since we made contact with 'Voyager', I think that the mission of the Jedi has changed. I think that the whole galaxy needs the Jedi. You could be the first of our ranks to go out among the distant stars and teach those with the potential to use the Force." Kes nodded in understanding.
"If she has the potential," Tuvok pointed out. "How can you be sure that she *can* use this Force?"
"First of all, by her reputation for psionic abilities," Mara said. "Like I said, some races have a natural affinity for using the Force."
"Suppose those abilities are just inate psionic talents?" Tuvok asked.
"They might be," Mara admitted, "but I don't think so. When I first came aboard 'Voyager', I probed everyone's mind to see if your intentions were hostile. When I reached her mind, I sensed *enormous* potential for using the Force."
    Kes looked at Tuvok and said, "I felt her probe on the other crew members before she got to to me. When she probed my mind, I...communicated with her. She was impressed. She asked if I was a Jedi, but I didn't have another opportunity to talk to her until now."
"I admit," Mara said, "it wasn't a very accurate appraisal of her potential, but I have one test to perform just to be sure."
    Tuvok looked skeptical. "And what does it involve?"
"You both know about reflexes, don't you?" Kes and Tuvok nodded. "Good," Mara continued, "because the test I'm going to give you involves your telepathic reflexes. When you hit your knee in the right place, it jerks, right? Well, Master Skywalker found that if you probe someone's mind in the right place, and that person has Jedi potential, they will give a telekinetic shove to the one giving the test. I can indirectly guess your potential by the force of the shove."
"Will we be in danger in any way?" Tuvok asked.
"No," Mara said. "I have a feeling it is I who will be in danger. Do you agree to be tested?"
    Kes and Tuvok both nodded, and she gestured for them to stand. Mara rose from her chair and stood facing Tuvok. She put her hands on his head and reached out through the Force. She searched in the area of primitive emotions, raw instinct, searching for the nub Skywalker had taught her to find. She found it and *pushed*.
    Nothing happened. There was no force pushing her backwards, nothing. She tried again, and again. But nothing happened. She put her hands to her side.
"I'm sorry," she said to Tuvok, "but you have no potential. It appears your telepathy is an inate psionic talent of your species."
"Are you certain?" Tuvok asked.
"Yes," Mara answered, "I am. Your turn, Kes." She walked over to Kes and put her hands on the Ocampan's head.
    Kes reached out with her own tendril of thought. *I'm scared,* she said.
    Mara smiled at her and thought back, *Don't be. It'll be fine.* Mara then reached out through the Force and searched the primitive areas of Kes's mind for that small nub. She found it, pushed-
    And flew across the room. It was as if a rancor had body-slammed her. Mara sailed through the air and connected with the opposite wall. She fell to the ground, gasping for breath. Kes and Tuvok ran to her side and helped her to stand. Mara finally found her breath.
    Kes looked at the young woman in shock. "I'm sorry," she said hysterically, "I didn't do anything! What happened?"
"You're right," Mara said. "You didn't do anything. Like I told you it's a reflex. You didn't *have* to do anything. I knew this would happen going in. Little did I know that your potential would be so strong." She stifled a groan and used a Jedi pain control technique to ease her suffering.
"Are you all right?" Tuvok asked.
    Mara nodded. "Fine. But this means that Kes *definitely* has Jedi potential. She is very strong in the Force, perhaps even stronger than Kyp Durron."
    Kes and Tuvok looked at her. "Who?" they asked in unison.
"Kyp Durron," Mara said. "One of Master Skywalker's students, and perhaps the one with the most Jedi potential documented. Kes either equals or exceeds him, no doubt about it." She turned to Kes and smiled. "Kes, you have enormous potential for using the Force. I'd like it very much if you would come to the Jedi 'praxeum' on Yavin."
    Kes looked at Tuvok and thought of all her friends here: Harry, B'Elanna, Tom, everyone. The thought of leaving them was devastating. But if she would really learn to use her powers, to use them for the good of all beings...
"I'll have to think about," Kes said.
   Mara nodded. "Let me know if you decide to go. The 'Yavaris II' is due to deliver supplies to Yavin anyway. We could drop you off." She looked at them both. "I think you both need to be getting back to your ship now. The refits will be starting soon."
    They both nodded, took their leave of Mara Jade and exited her quarters. Mara sat back down in her chair. Her Jedi search had been fruitful.

On to Part 8

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