Tag frowned a little, moving to the side and seating herself on the reed mat, cross-legged.  She brushed a few stray hairs out of her face and stared at Les for a long moment, as if choosing her words carefully.  “You’re Marcus Leslye Wyler, son of Marcus Wyler and Janet Skyy, the nephew of Trevvik Wyler and the brother of Asya Wyler.  You’re Chase Kel-Solan’s best friend and your baby sister’s hero.  You’re part of the second generation of the Aurora Force, part of the legacy we’ll leave behind when we’re gone.”  She paused, then said more softly, “You’re the padawan Jinx Katarn failed and the second student I’ve taken on since Indiana Bridger herself—the only one I’m not related to, too.”  She smiled wryly.  “You’re still you, Les.  You’ve just…seen more, felt more, experienced more.  It’s part of growing up.  Not easy by a long shot, but…it’s part of the deal.”
            Karinlyyn leaned quietly against her staff for a moment, then spoke again, slowly easing her mask up and back to reveal her very familiar face. “Maybe he should talk to Davil about the death of heroes.”
            Tag blinked up at the other woman, tilting her head.  “Do you think so?”
            She shrugged a little.  “I don’t think it would hurt, anyhow.”
            Tag nodded, brow furrowed.  “Perhaps.  It’s not quite the same, but…maybe you’re right.  Maybe it couldn’t hurt.”  Tag patted the floor next to her as she looked back at Les.  “There is something I need you to understand, though, Les.  While Jinx probably made a mistake and you weren’t ready to fly solo as a Jedi, he didn’t leave you out of spite or because you were a burden to him.  Sometimes, leaving is a way of protecting someone.  Jinx always had a terrible habit of disappearing at the worst possible times without so much as a word.  I always imagined that was his way of trying to keep people from worrying, though it always had the opposite effect.  If you don’t believe me, I’ll pull the files from Admiral Bridger’s office myself so you can see how many times he just kind of disappeared.”  She smiled wryly.  “And I’ll make you another promise.  If I have to go somewhere and leave you behind, you’ll know why I’m going and you’ll know why you’re not coming along.  Okay?”

~ Erin