A rough first day

[Adar Bolner]

As they were being led around in Koda Station by Master Kenobi, Adar did not forget to take in the view of the station, as well as the space outside of it. He hadn't been in orbit in years, and so seeing space with its stars in its entirety was warming. As the Master explained to him what the role of the Jedi Knight was, he couldn't help but feel a bit hesitant. He didn't mind sacrificing himself for the greater good, for a galaxy in peace. No, he didn't mind that one bit. But to detach himself completely from his current life, his dreams, his loved ones? It was hard. Though aside from his family and a handful of friends, he wasn't going to be missed by many people. He was closed off as a person, mostly keeping to himself and his thoughts. But now, he had a chance to change all that. He had the opportunity to do more than any labor worker in a factory could. He would help those who could not help themselves, and fend off the evils of the galaxy. As they entered the chambers of the Jedi Council here on Koda Station, he felt a warm,lovely sensation. His rational mind thought they had extra heaters in the room, but something else told him the answer was more... mystical. Either way, he stood next to Varn and payed attention to the Jedi Masters, as well as to what Ben Kenobi was saying.

He was nervous, yet remained calm. He was worried of how the Counsil would perceive him, or what they would think of him. As Varn begun to recount what happened on that accursed ship, Adar begun to realized that the Masters must think of him as a young man, who would be putting himself in danger if he were to follow Master Kenobi and Varn in their mission. Yet he owed it to Evelyn to help her. If it wasn't for her, Adar would not have survived the ship's invaders. He wouldn't have realized that he wanted to join the Jedi. He would have lived a life of mediocrity as a poor man. But she showed him the light, both figuratively and literally, in the Light Side of the Force. A flash of determination and genuine desire to help flashed in his eyes as he was thinking this.

As Varn finished his speech, he stepped back in order to allow Adar to step forward, and he did. Now, before the council, he took a deep breath and started talking about his side of the story.

"I had boarded this vessel as a janitor, in order to earn some money. I was not informed it was a slaver's ship when signing up, and I would not have done so if I was made aware. As I was cleaning the halls, I spotted miss Evelyn walking... actually she was slightly limping, in the halls of the lower deck. Despite not seeing her board the ship along with the crew, I rushed to offer her assistance. She of course did not trust me at the start, but did accept my help. At some point, I... well it is hard to describe it, but I had a terrible feeling, as if I was an animal being hunted. It was then that I pressed the fire alarm on the ship." He paused a moment to catch his breath, and to allow everyone to take in the information. "Yes, I ringed the alarm that Varn spoke of. After that, Evelyn got on her feet and despite her injuries, she run around the halls and I followed. We ended up in a room from which we crawled up the vents, but not before she told me who she was, and asking me to join her and promising to bring me back to the Jedi. After that, we faced Abigail briefly, and took refuge in the room with Evelyn's items while Varn apprehended her. It was then that a Zabrak tried to take me hostage to get Evelyn to surrender, but Evelyn outmaneuvered her and she ordered me to run for Varn while she exploded something in the room. The rest is as Varn spoke of. The only thing I must tell you is that I was armed and tried to hold off the armed combatants." After his speech finished, he took in their reactions, and concluded with the following words. "I would like to say that although I do lack training, I am more capable than I may seem, and have faced a powerful foe before this incident. I feel I can accompany Master Kenobi and to Varn in their mission."

With that, he bowed slightly in respect, a bit shyly in comparison to Master Kenobi's bow, and headed back to position himself next to Varn, awaiting patiently to hear what the council would decide. Though he wondered if he should have expressed his interest in joining the Jedi Coalition. He wondered if any of them had been informed, as only Varn and maybe the crew of the Sylver Mylock would know and could confirm Evelyn's wish to bring Adar to the Jedi.

[Ben Kenobi]

Master Winters was not entirely sold on the prospect of sending the trio together off into the unknown and she folded one arm across her chest to hold her other arm up that she may rub her chin in thought. Master Shirra once more grunted and growled disapproval. Master Kilsar though remained silent in the matter all while Master Elysar spoke up with her opinions. Her voice was welcome in this room, it was smooth and gentle yet it carried the authority and experience that one could expect of such a sound Master of the Jedi. “Ranger Van’s participation, I feel, will greatly advance the cause of tracking these unknowns and likewise your missing Padawan.” She glanced to her peers, “I do not believe there is any objection to such an experienced Ranger accompanying you, Master Kenobi.” She looked now at Adar.

Master Winters gave voice, “I second the opinion. Ranger Varn should go on this journey.” With that the Council was set to that decision and there would be little more discussion on the matter. “Though I feel this would be a trying experience for Mister Bolner. Considering the facts; he is untrained and being considered to undergo a vital mission that will undoubtedly put him at great risk of personal injury or worse yet, there is the fact that neither Master Kenobi or Ranger Varn can assure his safety.” She fell quiet. Master Shirra agreed to these notions.

“The Council will not sanction Adar Bolner to go into these conditions. As he is not a member of the Jedi Coalition we cannot risk the life of such an individual nor to the compromise of the task at hand.” Master Winters concluded to the affirmation of all others save for Grandmaster Kilsar to remained ever silent. Jade Winters was watching Adar in this moment to see and even feel his reactions to the decision that he would not attend Ben Kenobi and Varn Badaash on this rescue attempt.

This was as much a test of his character as it was a test of his willingness to join the Jedi or not. Would he risk defiance of the Council before he was even a Jedi Padawan and with their ire he could be assured that he’d never be trained at all? Or would he be willing to give everything that his future could promise as a Jedi Knight to help someone he barely knew?

Patiently the Jedi Council awaited Adar’s response to the matter.

[Adar Bolner]

“Though I feel this would be a trying experience for Mister Bolner. Considering the facts; he is untrained and being considered to undergo a vital mission that will undoubtedly put him at great risk of personal injury or worse yet, there is the fact that neither Master Kenobi or Ranger Varn can assure his safety.”

“The Council will not sanction Adar Bolner to go into these conditions."

Adar could not believe what he was hearing. Were the entire Jedi Council underestimating him? Sure, he would be in danger, and his skills were nowhere near the level of Master Kenobi or Varn, but he wasn't useless! He always came up with plans and ways to get the upper hand in confrontations. His focus and cunning were indeed his strong points, if it weren't for his naivety holding him back. Could this Council of not only various Jedi Masters, but the Jedi GrandMaster herself, not see this? He wanted to go and help someone who despite their weird situation, tried to save not only herself, but him as well. He wanted to go with a passion...

Passion...

The entire council was looking at him, patiently waiting for him to react in some way. Adar was unable to keep his gaze up, instead looking slightly at the floor. His fists were clenched. He felt judged. Probably because he was being judged. The Council did not underestimate him, nor did they feel he would be useless in the rescue effort. They were judging his character. In general, he had pretty good control of most of his negative emotions, but as a young man with dreams, he was passionate about many things. But only now did he realize that maybe his passion clouded his mind from making the best decisions. And it might have costed him the respect of the Jedi Masters, maybe even Varn's.

"As he is not a member of the Jedi Coalition we cannot risk the life of such an individual nor to the compromise of the task at hand."

Adar took a deep breath to clear his mind and relax. There was a possibility that those who attacked them were Sith, or closely working with them. Even if they were just extremely well organised traffickers, it would indeed be dangerous for him, and would burden Kenobi and Varn a lot. It was indeed very selfish of him to think that right now he could face the darkness and come back unscathed. But if he were to undergo a Jedi Knight's training... then he would be prepared for everything. To protect, to heal, to save, to sacrifice. Maybe he always had the potential to do good, to be one of the many beacons of hope for everyone, and that is why the Force was strong in him. Or maybe not. Adar was still unsure how the Force worked. Either way, the Jedi did not hold the monopoly on sacrifice, but they were the only ones who could risk their lives and return back unharmed and successful.

After all that and with his mind made up, Adar raised his gaze to meet that of the Masters, and had a faint smile brightening his face.
"Maybe you are right. Right now, I am not ready to face this task. Whatever evil has taken Evelyn would consume me and slow down both Master Kenobi and Varn". He paused for a moment to glance at them. "However, Evelyn was kind to me despite me being a complete stranger, or worse a potential hostile at that moment. I want to return that kindness to her, and everyone else I meet from now on in my life." Adar took a deep breath. "And with that being said, I wish to join the Jedi Coalition. I have been told I am Force sensitive, and I understand that the life of a Jedi Knight is not an easy one. But in this instance, there is nothing else I want to do, and I have a feeling that I always had the potential to be a Jedi. If I fail my training, so be it. But I wish to try at least once."
Adar bowed and held that position for a while, waiting without thought at what the council would make of his words.

[Ben Kenobi]

They watched and awaited his response. For a moment perhaps they thought he’d agree and step down; yet the youth failed to disappoint as he gave a reply and one fitting of a Jedi Knight. His words were passionate which was concerning and they would speak on that, but they were from the heart and they sensed that he meant every word. Not only that but that he was fully prepared to accept the consequences of what he was about to get into. Adar had a strong will and he had much to learn, but if he could overcome the great odds stacked against him then he would go far as a Jedi Knight and the good he would accomplish would be long lasting.

“I do not approve of the risks being taken here.” Master Winters replied though she added, “However, this Council grants your petition. You, Adar Bolner, will attend Master Kenobi and Ranger Varn. Upon your return you shall begin your training as a Jedi Padawan, as Master Kenobi currently has an Apprentice he cannot be asked to take another and one will be assigned to you at that time.”

Master Naomi Kilsar, Grandmaster of the Order, stood from her chair. The holograph flickered as she did so and she nodded in agreement. “Then it is settled. Master Kenobi, take these few and go see to Padawan Swann. May the Force be with you all.”

Ben bowed respectfully and in a moment the meeting was adjourned.

As the doors closed to the Council Chambers upon their exit, Ben turned to both Varn Badaash and Adar Bolner. He had a smile on his face despite the daunting task ahead of them all. “Looks to be that we’re heading back out there.” He looked specifically to Adar, “Thank you for doing this. I do not believe you will be as much of a burden as the Council thinks. In fact I feel that your company will be crucial to finding Evelyn again.” He turned away and started walking, “We should get going, if any of you need to grab some gear then feel free. And we can take my ship or feel free to take your own.”

He took a moment and checked his chrono, “I’ll be departing in about an hour once my ship is refueled and resupplied.”

[Varn Badaash]

Varn quietly stood at attention as the Masters spoke with Adar. He had been relieve initially when the young man was denied the ability to join the mission to rescue Padawan Swann however when Adar responded the Masters seemed to have a change of heart. Varn still did not approve of the idea but he knew it was not his place to question the Jedi Council. The Dashade followed Master Kenobi out of the council chambers and studied Adar as they walked. What the council saw in him Varn did not know and would probably never truly understand due to his disconnect with the Force.

When Kenobi addresses them, the Dashade gave a nod. “I will gather my gear from the Mynock and inform Captain Alim before meeting you at your vessel.” Varn’s gravely voice responded. “I will also check in with Lunter to see if any information was garnered from our prisoners.”

His dark eyes met Adar and gave him a brief nod before he left for his supplies.

—

“Well you were right Lunter, the slaver has little information that would help in finding Padawan Swann but it was good to know the Empire was footing their bill to grab her in the first place,” Srid conversed with the Bothan just outside the three cells.

“As expected,” Lunter said matter of factly. “And the third party operative continues to be uncooperative in our questioning however I was able to find some traces of foreign soil on her gear which may help us track where she’s been.”

“Well at least that’s something,” Srid replied as he continued to review his data pad. “And the sister didn’t give us much, though it seems she also came from Imperial space.” Srid shook his head, his Lekku briefly shivering. “What a nerf of a mess, what did Padawan Swann get herself into?”

[Adar Bolner]

It was relieving to see that the Jedi Council allowed Adar to join Varn and Master Kenobi. What was even more exciting, was that they accepted him into the Jedi Coalition. That decision would lead to a lot more down the road, but for now, they had work to do. As they excited the Council chambers, Adar did not reply to Kenobi's words. He simply smiled. When the Master called for departure in one hour, he responded positively, and nodded back at Varn before he set off for to see what the other Rangers were doing. He needed a bit of firing training before he went to his mission. His accuracy in the ship and in previous engagements was far from adequate. If he was going to assist in rescuing Evelyn, he needed to do better. He found a few members of the rangers and they pointed him towards their firing range. There, Adar spent some time with an instructor and improve his gun handling and aim. His discipline still lacked, but there wasn't much that could be done in under an hour. Adar made sure to thank everyone, and it surprised him that they were so welcoming and open to some stranger who, as far as they knew, could never return again. Their kindness warmed Adar, and he slowly begun to open up as well.

After that, Adar met up with Srid, whom he found exiting the prisoner complex. The two exchanged talk, and he informed Adar that no info came from the prisoners.

"That is unfortunate, though I am sure the operative will give us something. We just have to push."
Srid nodded. "Yeah, but who knows what Padawan Swann is going through right now. We are all just so... worried."
Adar smiled and put his left hand on Srid's shoulder. "We'll get her back. I still haven't thanked her for the rescue, and the kindness she showed me." "Oh, so you are going? Nice! Good luck! And do be careful. As far as I am aware you are a civilian going into battle!" "A civilian soon to be Padawan. But yeah, I will. And I will ensure Varn and Master Kenobi are safe too."
And with that, Adar asked one final thing from Srid. Where Varn was. Srid pointed him to where he needed to go, and left to continue his duties.

Adar finally found Varn ready to go, having aquired all the supplies he needed. His expression wasn't easy to read, but Adar worried he was still annoyed at him. Still, he needed to talk to him.
"Hey, I came here to return the cloak you gave me. If nothing else, I am sure it gave me good luck on the council meeting. Thank you." He handed back Varn's cloak, and thought to end the discussion here. But he realised now would be a good time to say somethings, so that he could focus on the rescue effort.
"Listen, I didn't want this outcome either. I wanted Evelyn to be here right now and be proud of the path I am walking. Some part of me still believes I should have been captured, or worse, and not her. But no matter what, I will get her back. I couldn't save her then. I was confused and scared. But I... We will save her now." Adar knew this wasn't enough to change Varn's view of him, but it was important to make things clear. How the Dashade responded was unimportant to Adar. He would prove to him the truth of his words soon enough, when they are on enemy ground together. "Now, let's not keep Master Kenobi waiting."