SithLore

Trembling breathing within the chest of a young Novice set the mood. As the Young Padawans gathered for their choosing day, Aliclair couldn't help but feel super nervous. This would be the third time she stood along this line... And had stayed. The fellow Padawans dressed in formal attire for their culture then stood alongside by side. Aliclair was probably the oldest of the bunch and still within the Enclave.

The group about-faced then began their walk to be presented to the Jedi Masters to see if they were ready to become a Padawan, and Aliclair never prayed as hard as she did at this given moment. She didn't want to disappoint her father, her only parental figure she knew of. The closer they walked, the more Ali's anxiety spiked. And, beyond huge open doors was the Masters in question. The young feminine gave a huge swallow before standing straight up. It was time; it was her time. She needed this- and wanted it. Her determination unmatched. But, she kept her posture and posture.

***Mid Rim - P-9***
***Mytaranor Sector, Kashyyyk System***
***Jedi Enclave of Kashyyyk***

Four Padawan Novices had been assembled here today. Out of the best and brightest these few had not only come of age but were fully capable of becoming a full Padawan Apprentice in the eyes of the Jedi Council here on Kashyyyk. As the doors opened to the Council Chambers the selected few were marched up to stand before a trio of Jedi Masters, the heads of this Enclave. First among them was Jedi Master Shirrwa, a male member of the Wookie species and a Jedi Guardian. Next there was Jedi Master Shia Kanu, a Twi’lek female and Jedi Consular. Finally there was Jedi Master Garrus Arteri an Iktotchi and Jedi Consular.

Arrayed to the rear of the Council Chambers stood three other Jedi. All three of them were Jedi Knights. These were the Jedi eligible to take up a Padawan Apprentice of their own as they’ve displayed the maturity and disposition withstanding to teach the next generation of Jedi Knights amid a Galaxy strewn with chaos and a growing evil.

The room soon was quieted as the Jedi Council began. One by one they spoke to the Novices arrayed before them. Two human females, one Wookie male and one Mon Calamarian male. First the Mon Cala was addressed and the Council gave him a few simple questions about his beliefs and a question that all the Padawans here would have to answer: ‘Why is it that you wish to become a Jedi Knight?’. He answered and stepped back in line. Next a female human was addressed and she too was asked questions not far apart from the first series. Stepping back in line gave the Wookie male his turn and he proudly proclaimed his answers to the Council before stepping back in line as well.

Finally the Masters looked to Aliclair Austjor. With their eyes upon her they not only spoke verbally but they sought her mind through the Force to see one final time if there was any Darkness in her heart. “Novice Aliclair,” the voice of Master Kanu penetrated the silence in the room that was hanging overhead like a heavy fog. “How are you feeling?” It was an incredibly simple question but one that held a vast amount of answers both internally and externally. Aliclair would need to regain her composure and calm down or risk being overlooked yet again in this selection process.

“To you, what is the Force?”

“How should you, as a Jedi Knight, use the Force?”

The Council would listen to her answers and both see and sense her feelings on the matter. Finally a growl echoed out as Master Shirrwa asked his own question. For many who did not know the language of the Wookies, Master Kanu kindly translated. “Novice Aliclair, why is it that you wish to become a Jedi Knight?”

This was it. The final moments. All eyes fell to Aliclair as her answers would determine her entire future and in that the future of the Jedi Coalition…

Aliclair couldn't help but crumble within a few seconds. She gripped her hands while they were hidden within sleeves. She shook it off and knitted her eyebrows; this was ridiculous. Taking the last moment to deeply inhale then exhale, it was her turn. She spent countless times meditating and listening to the Jedi Masters when they would stop by; she would even practice fighting with a mere stick. As the first set of voices entered her mind and ears, she froze for a second. "H-how am..." She started then cleared her throat. "I'm fine, thank you very much. She said.

“To you, what is the Force?”

“How should you, as a Jedi Knight, use the Force?”

why is it that you wish to become a Jedi Knight?”

"The force. It's an extension. It's more than just mind tricks and flips. It's more than a weapon. It's you." She said, her hazel-blue eyes showing nothing but determination.

"The force will be used only for the good and wellness of our people. For, protecting those who can't do it themselves. And in any way the Council sees fit, of course." She answered, cold sweat running down the side of her face, but she did not lose herself. She kept true and honest without cracking or crumbling.

But the last question hit her pretty hard. Why... did she want to become one? Pride, joy? To feel accomplished? Swallowing again, she took a moment before answering. "To protect those around me, the Jedi order and myself. There's growing darkness, and I can feel it with each passing day. I want to play my part and protect."

Nodding affirmations came from the rear of the room to all the answers of each Padawan Novice though the Council Masters remained impassive and gave no inclination as to their decisions nor to their approval or disapproval. “Thank you.” Said the Twi’lek Master as she took a seat and silently conferred with her peers a moment with but a few knowing looks. Once again the roaring Wookie bellowed and snarled his opinions which were translated by Master Kanu.

“This Council agrees, the four of you are ready to become Padawan Apprentices.” She motioned to the awaiting trio behind the Padawans and they all came to stand between the Padawans and the Masters. Once more Master Kanu addressed the assembly. “Knights, there are four Padawans standing before you now. Please, take a moment and select your Apprentice. Only one Padawan may be chosen by each Knight. The Coalition allows multiple Padawans to a Jedi Master but that rule does not apply to a Jedi Knight. Only with experience may this be done.” She didn’t need to explain much further that there were three Knights and four Padawans. One of the Padawans would not be chosen.

The first Knight stepped forward, he was a large male Sullustan that appeared like he’d seen a few days in the gym. The Sullustan took a moment to stand in front of each Padawan, touching their minds with his own and sensing to whom they were. After having listened to each answer they were already leaning towards one Novice or another. He stepped in front of Aliclair and gave her a smile… then he stepped away and chose the other human female. Master Kanu chimmed back in. “This Council recognizes you both as Master and Apprentice. Go with our blessing.” Together they departed after respectfully bowing to their elders and now stood the next Jedi Knight.

A sharp looking human female with non-traditional robes. A snappy dresser for certain and a pixie haircut to top it all off. She too looked at the Novices though she wasted absolutely no time in walking right up to the Mon Cala and selecting him. Again the Council Master spoke and dismissed the pair.

Finally was a Knight from the world of Eshan, an Echani female. Her platinum hair was long and passed her belt line by three inches or so and it was brushed and straightened to absolute perfection. She had near alabaster skin and eyes to penetrating and blue that they appeared as a grey-purple. Her demeanor was so calm and serene that it’d be easy to see her standing there in repose. Though she wasn’t asleep at all, she walked forward and stared into the Wookie’s eyes for a long moment; said nothing and moved to Aliclair. That piercing look peered at the human female Novice for what seemed like an eternity… before looking to the Wookie and choosing him. The Wookie bowed respectfully in response.

Together they departed to leave only the Masters of the Council standing there… with Aliclair Austjor…

The three Masters remained silent and watched her intently. She may not have been chosen here today but they were still testing her every thought and movement. As a Jedi, the trials of the Lightside of the Force began at the rank of Novice on Day 1 and continued without end. This would be a defining moment for Aliclair, how would she overcome this disappointment. Or would she?

The feminine couldn't help but release a shuttered exhale when the subject was moved past her. But, again, she swallowed and stood straight. She could feel her soul lifted; this was it! It was time; the excitement uncanny. Aliclair had to keep herself from fainting. She finally made it. But, now for the Apprenticeship. A Jedi Knight had to choose their Apprentice. She began to pray to a whatever higher power may be out there and her life as a Padawan could finally begin. At a pace, her comrades were chosen before her eyes, like she didn't see that before. For a moment, she looked up at the tall male as her heart pounded again her chest but then went ice cold as he chose someone else. Her past began to crawl her way up her back. But they said she was ready! A bitter thought crossing her mind, asking were any of the Knights ready but she quickly pushed it aside as the Second Knight approached but as soon as she approached, she was gone. "Well, at least she knew what she wanted." She thought. Then, the final Knight chose her apprentice, and again, she stood there alone. No more Knights were presented before her. Her eyebrows knitted a bit; was her Knight late or...? She doubted it, as Knights were usually effective and efficient.

She stood there with her hands within her sleeves, and the silence began to consume her. "With all due respect, Council, but... is uhm. My Mentor late or? M-maybe they overslept?" She began, unlocking her sleeves to slightly lift a hand in confusion. She did hear she would become a Padawan, but how is one supposed to learn if there's no one to teach? Maybe she acted too out of place and she lowered her gaze not to meet theirs anymore. "Forgive me, I'm just confused is all. I meant no disrespect or harm..." she quickly added as she stared down at the marble floor. Aliclair couldn't help but to tear up. This was overwhelming, what went wrong?? W-was she not the one ready? She had to be, or they would've dismissed her like the other three times. She put her hands within her sleeves once more before standing straight to meet the Council's eyes to see if they would explain or dismiss her.

Kanu, the Twi’lek Jedi Master watched her intently and nodded at Aliclair’s questions. Happily she would explain everything. “As you know Aliclair, a Jedi Knight must choose an Apprentice. It is rare for the Council to assign one. The eligible Knights have chosen other candidates. This is not a mark against you, this is simply their preferences.” She sighed knowing this simple explanation wouldn’t be enough so she continued. “In your answers there were certain feelings, emotions, which do not fit well in the life of a Jedi Knight. As you are you are vulnerable to temptation and corruption by the very Darkness you seek to fight. To a young Jedi Knight, taking on such an Apprentice is a challenging task and not to be taken lightly.”

She arose from her seat and set a hand on Aliclair’s shoulder, guiding her to the doors. “Keep your head clear, it isn’t over. There will be other opportunities. The key to the Jedi life is…”

In that moment the doors of the Council Chamber parted ways and the wind of Kashyyyk kicked the intruder’s cloak up to whip in its presence. He came in with a staff in hand and his hood raised high. The Masters of the Council ceased whatever talking they had going on and they bowed to the man who entered these chambers. Though this man was not beyond humility and as the doors settled back in place and denied the wind’s embrace his cloak eased down and he respectfully bowed in greeting to the Jedi Council of this Enclave.

Master Kanu smiled wide, “Master Kenobi, you have returned. We weren’t expecting you for some weeks yet. Have you accomplished your mission on the edge of the Reach?”

He stepped forward and dropped his hood. His hair was brown with slight graying peppered through it, he kept a well trimmed beard that framed a smart face and crystal clear green eyes. He was tall enough being six feet tall and fit though not overly so at one-nintey. The cloak he wore was old… very old. A charcoal gray. It was badly weathered and had some holes in it; likely one could mistake it for a poor man’s garment. A thousand stars had burned the cloak to his passing on a thousand worlds. The edges were frayed and torn in places, stained with dirt, it didn’t smell bad… in fact it was clean like he was but it was simply a well used tool. Underneath the cloak he wore very simple traditional Jedi robes of tan with a leather belt and boots that rose to mid-calf height.

When he spoke it was accented though not too strongly to make it difficult to listen too. “Yes, Master Kanu. My trip to the Gordian Reach was… promising. But I’ve come back early because…” His voice stalled as he looked to the Padawan Novice standing there that had the look of failure surrounding her features along with a great confusion in her heart. “…because I feel the Force has brought me back for a purpose.”

Ben Kenobi did not believe in coincidences or odd circumstance. That he would have left the Gordian Reach’s edges six days ago and come all the way back to Kashyyyk to arrive at this very moment when this Novice was about to be dismissed… no… the Force was at work here.

He walked up to Aliclair and his senses touched her. She’d likely feel the comforting warmth of the Light in that moment as he took a brief gaze at her surface thoughts and emotions. Aliclair was rife with confusion and concern. Vulnerable traits that a Sith would prey upon. He instantly knew why she was left standing here alone. She’d not been chosen by a Knight for Apprenticeship. “Patience.” He said, unknowingly finishing the sentence that Master Kanu had ended as he entered the room. “Master Kanu, what will be done with this Padawan?”

The Twi’lek replied almost immediately. “She will be recycled and sent back to her studies. We fear though she is too old to undertake Apprenticeship. Most likely we’ll find a place for her in the Antarian Rangers.”

Ben cocked his head slightly as he looked at Aliclair very inquisitively. The Antarian Rangers were a very respectable lot. They were of absolute importance to the Jedi Coalition and a life in their ranks would be an honorable one. But Ben also knew that the Jedi washouts that were sent there likely never got over those feelings. But what he sensed on this young lady was a strength and a heart filled with a determination he’d not felt in many a year within a young person. A great destiny surrounded this girl. He couldn’t tell where it would lead her… but it would be a great and terrible destiny. She would do those things, both great and terrible… he just couldn’t see if those things would be of the Light… or of the Dark.

He superimposed his hand on Aliclair’s shoulder, gently removing the Padawan from Master Kanu’s own. It was a huge risk, if Aliclair did not learn to overcome her emotions she could fall to the Dark Side easily. So many Jedi had in the past. But Ben Kenobi was not one to see such potential and not act on it.

“I will take her.”

His words were quiet yet confident. He looked to Aliclair and he hoped she could see that he believed in her when no one else would. Turning back to the Council he bowed, “I respectfully request permission to train this Padawan in the ways of the Jedi.”

“But Master Kenobi, you’ve already got an Apprentice.”

“I understand, though I would like to request this of the Council.” He glanced back to Aliclair. “I feel this is the right thing to do here.”

After a short deliberation the Masters of the Council nodded in agreement. “Aliclair Austjor, no longer are you a Padawan Novice. You are conferred the rank of Padawan Apprentice. May we present Jedi Master Ben Kenobi. Your Master.”

Ben released her and bowed his head in greeting. “It is a pleasure to meet you Aliclair.”

Aliclair's heart pierced. But they just said she was ready! She was there, to only be brought down again. Her hands gripped each other under the sleeves as she held back tears. More negative thoughts crept into her mind; she flinched as the Jedi Master touched her shoulder but she avoided eye contact with her. And, unfortunately, Ali vowed if she failed this test one more time, she would set on her own journey without the need of the Order. She kept herself, even though the heartache she was suffering through but before she could be dismissed, the doors to the Room opened up to reveal another Master. Her eyes squinted; was this some sort of joke? Perhaps the Council before her was correct; she wasn't emotionally ready but it couldn't be helped on how she was feeling at this moment. She was told she was ready to be a Padawan but to only be denied again , then told that she wouldn't be Apprenticed. As the higher Jedi spoke, his name revealed to be Ben Kenobi. She was surprised, sure, of course; the grand Jedi of Jedi stood before her but she was too distraught to show courtesy.

Upon Ben's touch, a wave of warmth washed over her and she immediately flashed back to a time where her father gave her a thermal sword, saying to pretend it was a lightsaber. He knew she wanted nothing more but to be a Jedi, just like her mother before her... Or, at least, that's what he told her she was. To have had a saber shine as bright as the sun. But the flashback was broken by her new supposed task in life. Her eyes widen at the slightest as she held back a very angry growl, her throat and jaw clenching as she bit back her tongue and emotions. What a way to go. Promised a new life, for it to only be snatched and thrown into the trash. The Antarian Rangers were devoted themselves to become Jedi, but to only be tossed aside when not chosen and trained in time. She refused to live such a dishonorable life. But, whatever path she chose would also be dishonorable to the Jedi way. However, if she were to be cast aside, she would want to be cast in her own way.

"I will take her"

Her heart felt still. All thoughts paused. Was... he serious? She looked up at the male in curiosity. Why would he want someone like her, a washout? Four times along the Apprenticeship line and rejected every time. She knitted her eyebrows and scrunched her nose until his eyes met hers, where she quickly changed her face back to normal. "M-Master Kenobi.." She mused softly in disbelief. Aliclair wasn't sure what to do or say; one of the best, if not the best, just took her from running away from the Jedi life.

Her shocked expression was to be expected but Ben just gave her a confident smile before returning to the Council, bowing respectfully to them and departing the Council Chambers with Aliclair in tow. With the doors closed behind them Ben was already making his way from them and striding confidently down the corridor. “Don’t take anything that just happened personally.” He advised, “In fact,” he looked sidelong to her as he walked, “I want you to focus not on their rejection but on your acceptance. The most important thing for you to do right now, is to look forward and move on.”

They moved through the compound, which was relatively small in comparison to the other Enclaves through the Galaxy, and into a small courtyard where there was a group of Padawan Novices being taught by a Master in basic philosophy and other informative practices; the same lessons Aliclair had undertaken during her time here. They continued on and moved towards a set of stairs which they took upwards, it was quite a long flight.

“I’m afraid we won’t be staying here long.” Just then he realized he’d forgotten to give his report to the Council on his findings out in the Reach, he just smiled and laughed a bit at himself, he would send the report later onboard his ship. “We need to set off as soon as my ship is refueled by the hangar crews.”

Moving up the final steps they came into the hangar of the Enclave. Several ships were present here. Some very old Delta-7 Aethersprite-class Light Interceptors that were used by the Enclave in the training of Jedi pilots. Though there was one ship in the middle of the bustling hangar which Ben was taking Aliclair straight towards. It was a Corellian YT 2000 Light Freighter with a name plate designating it as the ‘Talon’. They arrived beneath the belly of the ship and finally Ben turned back to Aliclair, “If there is anything you’d like to do here then I suggest you go and get it done.” He looked to the crews and they were already detaching the fuel lines and a Verpine Tech was going through the last of the preflight maintenance checks.

Aliclair followed blindly. She couldn't get out of her head; maybe that's why she was to be placed ina position that wasn't the Jedi. Jedi required a lot of patience, resilience, strong-will, and a straight head on their shoulders at all times. But, she knew she could do it. She broke from her head when he began to talk to her, so she could listen and learn. But, her look turned a slight sour when he mentioned not to let it get under her skin. Three times she stood with her fellow Novices. And three times she was rejected. She pondered on his words and his orders then nodded.

She took this time to head back to her storage and grab a hilt from her broken thermal blade. It was of no use; it was just a hilt but it held sentimental value, and could possibly be reused whenever she earned her lightsaber. If she did earn it. She held the hilt as she made her way back to Kenobi. There was much work to be done in little time if she wanted her to meet her goals at a certain time.

She returned to her Master's side and sheathed the hilt behind her lower back, where a saber holster was integrated into her belt. She had clothes made for the occasion of becoming a Jedi and earning her Saber. This could fill its place until the time. If it came.

Ben was on top of his ship helping a technician when Aliclair returned with literally nothing in her hands save what appeared to be the hilt of… a lightsaber? He could not tell from this distance. Rising up to his full height he procured a simple rag and wiped off the grease and grime from his hands. She’d returned promptly, he appreciated the haste in which she’d done so, it showed her willingness to leave all this political nonsense behind. As important as the Jedi Council was, it was very political and Ben did not relish having a seat among them as he had done so in the past. He enjoyed his freedom and that is the way he would have it so long as he could choose to do so.

Climbing down, the tech behind him was closing up the paneling as the job was finished, Ben found his way too Aliclair and gave her a big confident smile. “Not sure the last time you were in space, but it is quite cold. Come on.” He said lively and half excited. He led the way into his ship up the gangway ramp and through the galley which was homely enough for a poor Jedi. Into the living quarters he moved, stopping by a vacant room on his little ship. “As long as you are here, these are your quarters. I apologize for the lack of anything in there. But feel free to do as you wish to it.” The room was spartan enough, a simple bed with a footlocker and a nightstand and empty closet. Other than that there was very little else here.

“When you are ready let us head to the cargo hold.”

It likely would not take long for Aliclair to get settled and once she did he took her to the lower deck of the YT 2000 and into the cargo hold. Within the hold was a variety of old crates and the like, all mag-locked to the deck so they would not fly across the large room during flight. Two old bikes were also mag-locked to the deck; one was a very old 74z Speederbike and had a lot of wear and tear on it. The other was an Aratech 64-Y Swift Repulsorlift Sled.

Ben approached one of the crates, he spoke as he worked one open. “Just some old gear, nothing special but…” he grunted with effort as he took off the clamps and opened the crate, old gear indeed was within and most of which likely could be considered just old junk, “here we are.” He exclaimed as he took out an old garment and gave it a shake. It wasn’t filthy nor dusty and was of fine design and make, it was simply old. He handed it to Aliclair. “This will keep the weather off you and keep you warm when we get off the ground.” It was a simple gray cloak with blue lining. If anything it was slightly too big but nothing that would harm her dexterity.

Next item he kept digging for and found was a small handheld comm-link. He handed it to her. “You will be able to call me or signal the ‘Talon’ with this. Keep it handy.” It could attach to her belt or fit in a simple pouch. Whatever she decided. Again he went digging in the crate and the last item he took out was not too dissimilar from the staff he walked with. A fine rod of a light chromium, it was also old and quite tarnished with age but if shined up and cleaned it would be a beautiful item indeed. He handed it to her, the rod was perfect size for her. “I find it essential to learn to excel in the bowstaff. Whether you keep up with it or choose another path later on is fine. But it is the tool of choice for my training regimens.”