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Execute Order 66.”
Master Jaro Tapal awoke with a gasp, shoving the covers off his body as he recalled the sinister voice, the overwhelming feeling of grief, pain and despair echoing through the Force.
It was a grave vision indeed.
Glancing at the chrono, he saw that it was nearly time for morning meditation, meaning that there was very little point in trying to go back to sleep.
He got headed to the fresher to wash and get changed into his robes.
The vision still haunted him, even throughout the meditation.
The Force was quite insistent on him not ignoring this one it seemed.
Sighing, he headed to the sparring ring, where the initiates would be taking part in a demonstration in order to find a Master. With the war right on their doorstep, no Master, unless on assignment, was permitted to skip the proceedings, with the Council citing that the young needed to be given a chance more than ever.
More like the Senate had made a point to remind the Council that more Commanders needed to be trained.
“Is today the day?” Kit Fisto smirked at him, “Are you going to choose an apprentice today?”
“If the Force wills it.” Was Jaro’s only response, ignoring Kit’s cackle as they moved to the viewing stands, peering out at the crowds of young Initiates who were all chattering to each other in excitement.
“It’s a shame Quinlan’s on a mission.” Healer Bant sighed, “Cal’s down there. He could do with a teacher like Quinlan.”
Jaro found it hard to believe that someone would NEED a teacher like Quinlan… but then again, Knight Secura had turned out fine, so maybe he was being overly harsh regarding the matter.
“Why?”
“He has Psychometry.” Bant answered Kit’s question, “Much like Quinlan. He would be a good teacher, if it weren’t for all the missions he has to go on.”
Jaro was not going to admit that he was a little bit intrigued but said nothing as the event started.
For the first few matches, he had to admit that he was thinking of other things. It wasn’t until the fourth or fifth match, that he felt the urging of the Force.
‘Pay attention.’
He did as the Force bidded, looking down to see a red-headed humanoid boy facing off against a young Togruta boy.
“That boy.” He murmured, “Who is he?”
“Which one?”
“The red head.”
“That’s Cal Kestis. The boy we were talking about early?”
Jaro Tapal nodded, watching the match begin. Initiate Kestis was strong, that was for sure, his movements sure, but slightly aggressive.
They weren’t scolded for being slightly aggressive, not when I might save their lives in the future.
The war had changed many things in the Order.
The Force still sang when Jaro stared down at Cal though, watching when Cal used a Force push and sent her skidding backwards.
Yes, it wasn’t strictly appropriate for a lightsabre match, but nor was it against the rules.
The Force continued to sing.
Cal’s opponent’s movements got sloppy, clearly frustration at the powerful Force push, but unable to do anything about it.
“I don’t see why they don’t just add Force pushes into the curriculum.” Master Kit sighed, “You’d be amazed at how useful they are now, during the war.”
“You might as well be asking for chaos.” Bant sighed at her old master, “I deal with enough injuries thanks to impromptu spars in the corridors or training rooms. I don’t want to add concussions due to Force pushes to the list.”
“Healer Bant makes a good point.” Jaro interjected, “Although most Initiates wouldn’t even think about using a Push during a lightsabre duel. This Initiate Kestis is quite the quick thinker, if a little reckless.”
Cal’s movements were now getting sloppy in his effort to defend.
It was a weakness.
One that Jaro Tapal hoped to teach out of him.
As Cal was pinned to the ground, the master called an end to the duel, citing the Togruta as the winner.
To Cal’s credit, he took it in good grace.
As the Initiate was directed over to the changing rooms, Jaro muttered an excuse and left, heading down there himself, waiting outside the room patiently.
It wasn’t long before the Initiate was practically running out of the room, freezing at the sight of Jaro standing there, quickly bowing.
“Hello Master… Tapal?”
“Correct Initiate… Kestis, right?”
Cal nodded eagerly, the beginning tints of hope glimmering in his eyes.
“You fought well in there.”
It was clear Cal was trying not to preen under the praise, “Thank you Master Tapal.”
“And yet… no-one has taken you as a padawan yet?”
“… No Master.” Cal whispered.
“Have you self-reflected on why this might be?”
Jaro Tapal was expecting the boy to blame his psychometry. That a master might not want to take him on, and that was why he hadn’t been chosen.
The actual answer surprised him.
“I’m impulsive.” Cal stated, clearly having done a lot of self-reflection on the matter, “A little bit reckless… A lot of the Master are on the frontlines, so they probably don’t want to have to worry about teaching me control and making sure I don’t bring unnecessary risks on the battlefield.”
“Hm.” Whilst it was good that Cal was more than aware of his limitations… Jaro had to seriously consider whether he was the best Master for this young one, “Come. Follow me.”
He headed in the direction of one of the meditation rooms, hearing Cal’s footsteps following on behind him.
Once in the room, he moved into a meditative position, silently directing Cal to do the same opposite him.
“Close your eyes and stay very still.” Jaro gently instructed, “Feel the Force all around you, connect with it. Feel my presence nearby.”
Cal’s face screwed up a little in concentration, but did as he was told, connecting to the Force almost immediately.
“Good.”
There was no mistaking the pleased hum that Cal couldn’t stop himself from making.
He was certainly bright in the force, something that Jaro couldn’t deny. In fact, he was almost impressed at what he found there, feeling a little bit of excitement stir in his heart when he realised just how right this felt.
“Well done.” He praised with a gentle smile as they came out of the meditation, unable to hold back a fond chuckle when the child felt a hint of pride, quickly pushing it down and into the Force.
It was clear that Cal wanted to ask Jaro if he was going to be taken on as a Padawan, but as it was not the done thing, he remained silent.
“You have great potential young one.” Jaro kept his voice gentle, “Initiate Cal Kestis… would you do me the honour, of becoming my Padawan learner?”
“Yes!” Cal leaned forwards, “Yes, yes!” His relief was evident, as he lunged forwards, barely managing to stop himself before he landed on Jaro’s lap.
“Excellent.” Jaro could feel the Force hum with satisfaction, “Now, we had better get go and see your Creche Master, so that the next steps can be taken.
………………………………………
Raising a Padawan to Knighthood was considered to be a challenge… it was usually why many Knights were given the rank of Master if they successfully managed it.
It was a satisfying challenge to complete though, he mused to himself as he headed to go and fetch Padawan robes and other necessary supplies for Cal for when they went out onto the frontlines.
He had good feelings about this apprenticeship.
Very good feelings.