“I was hoping to speak with you,” he said. Which was obvious. But at least Master Cohmac didn’t point that out.

Instead he descended to the ground and walked with Reath to a gathering area just outside, one where a carved fountain bubbled. “How can I help you, Reath? I assume it is urgent.”

“I didn’t want to interrupt you,” Reath said, “but I saw that you had put in to leave on one of the next transports to the frontier, to take up your original assignment. Since I didn’t know when that would be, exactly, I figured the smart thing to do was find you right away.”

Master Cohmac cocked his head. “Yet you still have not told me why.”

He wasn’t sure how to phrase what came next. “I wanted to ask—just ask, no pressure, no hurt feelings if you say no—”

“Ask me.”

It came out in a rush: “Would you consider taking me on as your apprentice?”

Master Cohmac stared, as though he had never dreamed of such a thing. Probably he hadn’t. But it wasn’t such a strange request, was it?

Maybe Reath hadn’t made himself clear enough. “During our adventures on the Amaxine station, I came to have a great respect for you. In many ways you’re not a typical Jedi—but I think, maybe, I need to expand my idea of what a Jedi can be. Of the kind of Jedi I can be. Training with you would teach me so much, and I want to learn. If you’re willing to take me, that is.” After a moment’s hesitation he dared to add, “Returning to the frontier is what Master Jora would’ve wanted for me. We’re both heading out there. I thought we might go together.” Master Cohmac still looked nonplussed. Reath decided to offer a tactful out. “If this isn’t the right time, I understand.”

“It is…an interesting time,” Master Cohmac said. He began to pace slowly along the courtyard, and Reath fell into step beside him. “I have heard Jora Malli described as the kindest and wisest of teachers,” he said. “It’s difficult to imagine picking up where she left off. But what she had to give you and what I have to give are two very different things.”

Reath brightened. This sounded promising. “Yes, exactly. I mean, yes, sir.”

“You’ve shown initiative in coming to me, and in wanting your training to proceed along a new path. Now I must show courage and be open with you.” Master Cohmac stopped in place and met Reath’s eyes. “I have had doubts, these past weeks, about whether the ways prescribed by the Jedi Council are invariably the best course to follow.”

Had he heard that right? He couldn’t have. “Sir?”