A New Player in the Force

"Cameron, may I speak with you."

I lifted my head from the book on the Trade Federation – I figured the more I knew about them the better I could prepare for the Phantom Menace – and looked up to see Jedi Master Micah Giiett standing over me, a very subtle smirk on his face.

He had been the younger of the two Jedi masters who had met me when I landed two months ago, and the member of the Council who had spent the time helping me settle in after they had allowed me to stay and train beside the Initiates around my age; Initiates being the stage before becoming a Padawan, which granted me the Title of Jedi Youngling from my new powers. Though that only let me have the lowest possible level of access to the temple and the archives.

Those two months had been strange. I mean, I'd been allowed to stay in the Temple, training the Force, learning to use a lightsaber and studying with a few clans, but I hadn't been placed into one of those said clans, which I had come to realise was unusual for a Youngling; though all the current clans had been together for years so adding me to one of them might run the risk of upsetting the clan dynamic.

"Yes, sir," I replied, turning his smirk into a small smile.

"One day you will have to start calling senior Jedi Master Cameron," he said. However, unlike a few other Jedi Masters, he seemed unconcerned with my apparent lack of interest in following their traditions. "I just wanted to come down and check on how you are doing."

"Fine. I mean, I've been here two months now, but I still haven't heard anything from the Council as to if I was placed in a clan or not." It was irksome, but I knew that if Qui-Gon hadn't died and Obi-Wan hadn't been made a knight then Anakin wouldn't have been allowed in; though maybe the Council were right in that case given what happened. "I'd just like to know what is going to happen, so I can start to move on with my life."

And get back my ship. OK, technically, it wasn't my ship, but given that I killed a few of the former owners, I was claiming it. Though the Jedi were not letting me anywhere near it as they seemed curious to learn if it held secrets about the dark side; or at least that's the line they'd tried to feed me. Not that I was entirely buying it; more I just knew I didn't have any way to push for access to it.

"Yes, I imagine being essentially a prisoner would make you angsty," Micah commented as he walked me out of the archives. "Still, no Initiate is allowed to leave the Temple without an escort from a Jedi Master." He added.

I frowned and looked up at him as we walked down one of the multitudes of corridors in the labyrinth that was the Jedi Temple. "And is that where we are going now?" I didn't think it was, but it didn't hurt to ask.

"No, no." He answered with a chuckle. "Though nice try. No, I needed to talk with you about the upcoming Initiate Trials. While you are still young, and only had a few months of training, the Council wishes for you to enter.

"There is no shame in failing them, indeed most do not stand out until they are at least ten cycles, but we are curious about how you will fair."

"You mean you want to test me without saying so," I countered, having seen through his words easily.

He chuckled again. "That too. But the primary interest is in judging your level."

"That's easy. Well behind the others my age." I replied, not upset or annoyed about it. They'd been at this for five or six years for the other eight-year-olds, so they should be miles ahead of me. "I'm not angry about that. Just stating a fact."

"Indeed. I must admit I find it strange that you are so calm about everyone else being further along in their training than you." He said, and I noted he was watching my expression carefully, probably trying to detect my emotions through the Force. "Most children would be, at the very least, annoyed about that."

"I'm not most children." I countered with a smirk that made him chuckle. "I mean, I get that they've been at this for years more than me, but that doesn't mean I can't catch and overtake them."

Micah shook his head. "Be careful with that drive. Seeking power to be better than others can lead to the Dark Side."

"There is no dark or light, only the Force," I replied, making him stop and look at me strangely. Seeing he was waiting for an explanation, I decided to give him one that I'd come up with a few days before; well, that and my own opinions from watching the movies/cartoons and playing a few computer games. "I know I've only been here a few months but the Force itself is neither good nor bad; it merely is. The user, the person who can access the Force, decides how it is used.”

"Jedi seem to cut themselves off from their emotions, fearing that things like anger, fear and jealousy will draw them to the dark side. Yet the Sith fear emotions like love, humility and kindness as they draw them to the light; supposedly weakening them. Yet it was love that brought my great-grandmother back from the Dark Side. Her love for Revan. And Loving another and having a child did not drive my great-great-whatever, Satele Shan to the Dark Side, nor turn her against the Jedi Order."

"I see someone has been reading up on their family history." He said with a small smile before glancing around and leaning in closer. "While I can understand why you see things that way, many other Jedi, including some Council members, would disagree and try to force you from this place for stating an apparent willingness to embrace your emotions."

"That's not…" He cut me off with a raise of his hand.

"It might not be what you are saying, but it is how others would interpret it. They would see you as being arrogant, prideful, in your belief that you see yourself as better than others and would seek your expulsion from our Order."

'Well, I'm not actually a part of the Jedi Order now, am I?' "I understand," I said slowly, though I had no intention of not continuing my thinking; I would just be more discreet about it.

"Good." He placed a hand on my shoulder. "There is nothing wrong with feeling somethin for others, but placing your emotions above the Order, the Republic, and even the Force is a slippery slope that has led to the fall of far, far too many Jedi over the millennia." I nodded, and he removed his hand and his smile returned. "Now, about the Trials?"

Quest Alert!

Trials of an Initiate

Take part in the Jedi Initiate Trials and put on a good performance.

[4 months till Trials]

Rating: C

Objectives:

Advance to the free-for-all lightsaber stage for your age group.

Win at least 3 of your push-feather duels.

Complete the obstacle course with a time in the upper half for your age group.

Bonus: ?

Bonus: ?

Bonus: ?

Bonus: ?

Bonus: ?

Rewards:

1500XP

1000XP

1000XP

The chance to be taken as a Padawan.

Penalties:

Spend another year stuck as an Initiate.

Possible expulsion from the Jedi Order.

Accept?

Yes/No

…

"Yes. I mean I accept. Though could you tell me about what is involved." I asked, wondering what exactly a push-feather duel was and hoping that his explanation would give me a hint about what the five bonuses might cover. Based on the three completed quests, they would either be secondary goals or more advanced forms of the base objectives.

"Certainly. The initial Trials are to prove an understanding of the Jedi Code, though you will be partially exempt from that given your lack of time studying it. Though you will still have to be able to recite it and provide reasons why the code is structured as it is.

"The next is to show a connection to the Force by meditating in perfect silence and stillness for a minimum of three hours.

"The third is an event called push-feather. This event is in the form of a duel where you must unbalance an opponent by using the Force to alter the air currents in the duelling ring."

"So only powers that create air alterations? Could we not alter the air temperature or pressure?"

Micah rubbed his chin as he pondered that. "Hmm, I am not sure. Since most initiates do not think to use anything but telekinesis, I am not certain if altering air pressure or temperature is permissible. I will check with Grand Master Yoda and get back to you." He narrowed his eyes as he spoke. "Have you managed to do such a thing in your studies?"

I looked around, then reached out with Detection. Satisfied that we were alone enough for me to reveal what I was going to do, I extended my arm and slowly increased the temperature of the air around him for a few seconds until I felt him push the hot air away.

"Well, well. Most impressive." His eyes seemed to sparkle as he spoke. "I will check about the exact wording of the rules." He paused and seemed to get his amusement under control as the sparkle disappeared.

"Now, and this is a big if. If you do well enough at push-feather, you will be permitted to take part in mock lightsaber duels with the other Initiates. Rules of those will be the same as regular sparing duels save for the few final rounds where the top eight complete in a free-for-all to determine the last being standing."

I listened carefully and frowned as I considered his words. "That sounds like more than just a trial. More like a test."

"My, you are a clever one." He said with a chuckle. "But yes, the lightsaber duels are designed to showcase your abilities to the Knights and Masters who will be watching to see if any Initiate stands out as a potential Padawan."

"So only lightsaber strength determines being selected as a Padawan?" I doubted that but had to ask to be sure.

"Of course not, but by showing you’re at least competent with a lightsaber, you prove you are ready to leave the Temple. Under the supervision of your master of course."

I grunted a little. "And killing a Sith doesn't count?"

"Oh, it does. It does. Otherwise, we would not be asking you to compete." He stepped back and clapped his hands together softly. "Now, if you will excuse me, I need to meet Master Plo."

"Of course. Thank you, sir." I replied and watched him go, only to randomly stumble.

I looked at where the Jedi Master was and saw his hand was facing me, palm open and realised that he'd just hit me with a blast of TK.

"Be mindful of your surroundings young one." He called out just before he rounded a corner.

"Bastard," I muttered as he left, only to let the anger slip as I considered his words and the new quest.

"Right, time to change my training," I said as I began to walk towards my room.

For the last two months, I had spent most of my free study time learning various skills about mechanics and such while getting to know a few of the other Initiates while training up my Force Powers in classes or at night in as equal a manner as I could.

Now, however, I planned to just concentrate on four powers; TK, Cryokinesis, Pyrokinesis and Blast; the last being a power I'd gotten from the Sith Holocron but which I'd learnt was not a truly dark power, more a neutral one.

Though it was not one openly taught by the Jedi here and now, it was something I remembered Tardon mentioning on his Holocron before I'd handed that over to the Jedi Council with his lightsaber. I still, however, had the one from his Padawan, Haqu, just in case I was forced to leave the Temple before being shown how to construct my own.

I also needed to see about the obstacle course, as currently, I was far behind most of the Initiates, due mainly to my lack of Force Powers to help and fractionally lower physical stats. I wondered how I could raise them, but beyond doing what I felt were appropriate exercises/activities for each, I had no idea as the Help menu was less than forthcoming.

"Hmm, perhaps there's a power that's not taught much that could give me an advantage." I pondered, changing my destination from my quarters to the Archives.

… …

… …

I was lazily floating around one datapad with the Force while I read another on a day off. A year here was close enough to Earth, though three days longer, but with seven weeks instead of five in a month, different enough that it still felt strange. Additionally, there were three weeks of festivals that were spread out around the calendar, with the Initiate tournament taking place during the Festival of Life.

Today, however, was one of three special one-day holidays celebrated by the Republic, which meant no training; though I had noticed that the archives were still full of Jedi who decided to spend their time learning on a holiday. Not that I was any different, mind you.

"Hey, you're Cameron Shan, right?"

I turned from where I was moving around a spare datapad in the air and saw a girl looking at me. Her blue eyes met mine and I noticed she wore her black hair to her shoulders in two ponytails. I thought she was cute for a moment before banishing the thought as I still felt twenty-eight, not eight, at times.

I knew she was in Dragon Clan, one of the Initiate clans but I hadn't spoken to anyone in that clan in the three months I'd been in the Temple. I'd spent most of my time alternating between following the Heliost and Katarn clans around. That had been the idea of Masters Giiett and Yoda, with the former having noted that I seemed to enjoy not being tied to any one group, instead using my free time buried in datapads learning everything I could to further my skills.

"Yeah, that's me," I replied, bringing the datapad down to rest next to the datapad I was reading from.

"Hi. I'm Serra Keto." She said with a small smile.

"Hi," I replied, raising a single eyebrow at her in curiosity at why she was speaking to me now.

"So, the scuttlebutt is that you're taking part in the Twelve-and-Under Tournament," Serra stated, the corner of her mouth twisting into a small smirk.

"Maybe," I replied, easily seeing the girl's plan before it even began. "What's it to you?"

"Well, I was thinking that I could help you prepare for it." She said, surprising me as I'd expected her to make some kind of challenge or threat about beating me.

I looked at her face, trying to see if there was something else behind her thinking. "What do you get out of it?" I asked since nothing in her body language indicated anything but a genuine desire to help.

"Nothing really. I mean, I'm well beyond you with a lightsaber – I've started learning Jar'Kai – and I'm sure you're not comfortable with using the Force, and I doubt you know much about the history of our Order…"

She stopped when I placed a finger to her lips, making her cheeks redden a fraction. "Again, what do you get out of it?"

I removed my finger and watched as she gulped a few times and closed her eyes. I mentally smiled at managing to off-balance her so easily. Trying to suppress emotions was a dangerous ploy.

She opened her mouth to say something, only to close it without making a sound and I watched as her shoulders slumped fractionally.

"Truthfully, I just want to talk with you." She finally said. "I mean, I'm curious about what you know of your family and how you're dealing with it around here." She paused and looked around as though expecting someone to come out of the woodwork and grab her. "I, I sometimes hear things about what people say about my family."

I frowned a little. "Forgive me, but your family is who?"

"Oh, right." Her expression changed, and the small smirk reappeared. "My granddad is the current king of the Empress Teta system."

"So that makes you a princess?" I asked with a small smirk of my own.

"No." Her smirk fell, as did her shoulders. "I was given to the Order when I was a babe and was removed from the line of succession." She smiled a little as she rubbed her arm, "I may have, uh, looked up my personal files in the archives."

"Aren't those restricted?" I asked. Honestly, I didn't know if they were but given the Jedi's stance on attachments, there was no way they would leave data unencrypted about where a baby had come from for the child to find later on in life.

"Maybe." The smirk returned. OK, I was starting to like this girl. She was a Jedi, yes, but there were hints of confidence and a drive to learn that I was nice to see instead of the apparent blind need to simply follow the masses. Though, if all the lectures about the perils of the Dark Side were true, that same drive to learn could lead her down a darker road later in life.

"So, all you want is someone to talk to about coming from a famous family?" I asked, keeping my face as calm as possible. "Not scouting out the opposition?"

"Well, yeah there is that." She replied honestly, the smirk turning into a small smile. "But mainly it's just to talk with you." She stopped and looked around slowly, before leaning closer and whispering. "I've heard a few of the other Initiates making comments about you becoming one of us at such a late stage. About how the Council is showing favouritism based on your name."

I shrugged. I mean, I heard those comments from time to time in passing but I understood the sentiment and truthfully wasn't all that bothered about it. Doing well in the tournament would silence a lot of that. "They might have, but what else could they do? Throw an eight-year-old out on the streets? How would that look to the public?"

She frowned, and I suppressed the urge to shake my head. It seemed as though the Jedi were not even bothering to teach their Initiates about the outside world.

"You think everyone loves the Jedi? That they see you coming and greet you with warm smiles and open arms? I doubt it." I stated, having done a lot of reading on the Order and its interactions with the Republic in the last thousand years. "We should be thankful that most no longer care about the wars with the Sith. To many, I'm sure it's just two sides of the same credit arguing over whose interpretation is right."

"But the Sith are evil. They maimed, tortured and killed for fun as they gave in to their emotions." Serra countered with more passion than I had come to expect from my fellow Initiates. Again, not something the Jedi preached but something I was very happy to see since the members of Heliost and Katarn clans were very solemn, if not a little robotic at times.

"Maybe, but how many regular people in the galaxy truly understand the difference? One in a million? Less? That means that to most the Jedi and Sith are the same. We all use the Force for seemingly magical powers, we use lightsabers and are capable of feats beyond that of normal beings." I countered slowly, finally getting the chance to let the theories I'd had for years come out. Theories that were backed up by being here and reading about how the Jedi were seen by the Republic at large. "We preach about the Force in a way that makes it sound like a religion to many. The Jedi take children from their families too, and this is the opinion of some, indoctrinate them in the Jedi ways. While the Sith pick out those with anger in their hearts and use the lure of the Force to turn them to their ways. Again, indoctrination."

I stopped there to give her time to think things through. How she saw this was important to me as I did not want to spend my time around those who blindly followed the words of the Jedi Code and the Council without thinking for themselves.

Yes, I was beginning to regret joining the Jedi and was considering how to get out of this. The long way was to become a Jedi Knight and simply begin to wander the galaxy. That would leave me stuck here until I was in my twenties and run the risk that I’d miss the events of Episode 1 – something that was far from happening I felt as the current ruler of Naboo was a King named Veruna.

The other option was to find a way to be kicked out of the Jedi, or not taken as a Padawan; but that ran the risk of me being dumped somewhere in the galaxy as a child with nothing to my name, not even a lightsaber; which I still did not have. I was stuck using a training saber and I was getting annoyed – though I tried to hide it – at not being allowed to make my own.

"But that's…" Serra began before stopping. "Worrying." She finally finished after nearly a minute of silence. Her smile and confidence were gone, and she was now fidgeting a little, her hand rubbing her forearm in a repeating pattern.

"Yes, it is. But no one here really seems to care. Even Master Giiett said not to worry about it and trust in the Force." I said slowly, trying to hide my annoyance at this lack of concern about public perception. I was all but certain that the Sith had been altering the news feeds to slowly turn opinion against the Jedi over the centuries; just as many companies and governments had done in my old life.

"But if people don't trust us, how can we protect them?" She asked, and I felt my face twist in a frown.

"Do they want or need us to protect them?"

"Yes."

"From what? The Sith are gone." OK, I knew that wasn't true but no one else did. "Are you saying that the Jedi are needed because the average person/being is too incompetent to look after themselves?"

She shook her head." No. But there are times when a Jedi can solve a problem that a normal being couldn't. We are here to help the Republic serve the people." Her voice was slowly rising as she spoke as her emotions came through. "We are here to serve the people of the Republic to the best of our abilities and protect them from threats."

"What threats though? The Sith are gone. The Republic spans over half the galaxy, and no other power could truly challenge them. So, are the threats internal and not external? If so, who or what are the threats? The average person? No." I shook my head and looked at her carefully as she listened to me rant/explain. "The greatest threat to democracy is the people and organizations at the top. Those who seek to subvert the will of the people to suit their selfish whims and desires."

"So, you're saying that the Senate and business leaders are the enemy?" she asked, confusion washing over her face.

I shook my head again and sighed. "Not all of them no. But something my grandfather said once was that you should never trust anyone who actively seeks out power."

"Um, wasn't he a former Chancellor of the Old Republic?"

I chuckled at the question. "Yes, he was. But I think he regretted a lot about his time in charge." I paused and thought about the few times we'd talked about politics and every time he had gotten this look like he wanted to go back and change something, though I never knew what and the records of what happened before the Ruusan Reformations were sketchy; especially as the Sith had sacked Coruscant twice between when I'd left and now.

"Honestly, I think most people are good but all it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing," I added, using one of my favoured quotes from before. "It is a being's own mind, not those around him, that lures them to the dark side." I liked that quote, which was one that I had found in an older text a few weeks ago in the archive.

Serra, who had sat during the last minute of our talk, rubbed her forearm again as her eyes looked past me, clearly thinking through what I had said.

"Those that seek power are doomed to be corrupted by it." She said slowly as if remembering something she had heard once but was only just understanding. "I get it now." She smiled, and I again thought she looked cute. "Everyone is a threat if they submit to the call of darkness inside them."

I smiled back and nodded. "Yes. I once heard an old saying that sums things up nicely. It goes; inside each of us, there are two wolves. One is evil: jealousy, anger, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, and ego. The other is good: joy, peace, kindness, truth, and love. The wolf that wins is the one that we feed the most."

"An interesting story, that is. Holds true, it does, for all sentients. Not just Jedi.”

I nearly jumped at the voice that came from behind me and spun to see Yoda floating there in his chair beside a snake-like Jedi Council member and Mace Windu.

"Master Yoda, you, um, surprised me," I said and noted that all three Jedi Masters smiled at my statement.

"Yes. Easy to see that I did, it is." He said slowly, his eyes shifting to Serra. "To the raised voice of initiate Keto, I found myself drawn. Impressed with how you explained the role of the Jedi to her, am I."

"Indeed. The fable you told is not one I have heard before, but it is a wonderful lesson on the dangers of how easily any being, Jedi or not, can fall into darkness." The snakelike Jedi stated as I searched my mind for his name, coming up empty as he was never named in the movies or cartoons and most of my dealings with the Council had been through Master Giiett. "And while we do appear to not be concerned about the public perception of our Order, rest assured that we have noticed the gradual change that has happened over the last few centuries."

"Master Rancisis is correct," Windu added, giving me a name for the snakelike Jedi Master. "However, this is not a matter that should concern Initiates." He stated, and while I nodded, I had no plan to go along with his warning, and I hoped that Serra didn't either.

"Yes, Master." She said without any hint of which way her emotions were taking her.

"Good, good. Leave you to your studies, we will. The opinions of those outside the Order, to the Council, you should leave." Yoda stated as he and the other two members of the Council floated away.

"That fable you told; do you believe it?" Serra asked once she was seemingly sure the masters were gone, and we were alone again.

I turned to see her face was now closer to mine and her eyes were focused on me. "I think so."

"But one of the things you mentioned for the good wolf was love," She stated quietly as she shifted a fraction closer. "Do you mean to say that emotions are not a bad thing for a Jedi?"

I smiled. The girl was more curious about things than most and I figured she was going to be a handful for her master later in life. "Well things like anger, jealousy and arrogance are bad, but I fail to see why things like love, hope and compassion are against the code."

She nodded along and smiled, though, for the first time, it wasn't a prideful smirk, but one I felt that was genuinely happy with what she was hearing. "I know, like why should we reject connections with people if they make us stronger."

"Well, I imagine it's something to do with becoming too attached or dependent on someone, that you'd say or do anything to protect them."

"But isn't that just a sign of love?"

I chuckled a little at the naivety of the girl. Then again, she was only eight, like I was meant to be. She didn't have a few decades of extra knowledge, understanding and feelings to draw on. "It's possessive. I think any kind of relationship should be equal. One where both people are partners in all things. If one person begins to dominate or exert a will to break their own rules, while claiming it's to protect/help their partner, they are straying from the truth of what they feel into what they want."

She nodded along, pretending to understand, but I knew she didn't. She was just far too young to have any real clue. Still, if she was willing to listen honestly and openly to my opinion on the Jedi Code, I wasn't going to stop talking.

"So, um, are you free now?" She asked after a few minutes of comfortable silence as I watched her seemingly contemplate what I had said. I nodded, and she gave me a big smile. "Come on then."

… …

I blocked Serra's blade with my own, only to have to pivot to avoid her off-hand saber. A quick blast of TK sent me backwards across the duelling ring, giving me some separation from the girl.

"You're seriously telling me you've only been learning the lightsaber for a few months?" She asked from across the ring and I nodded. "Damm. Even I didn't pick up the basics of Shii-Cho that fast, and I'm brilliant with a lightsaber." She commented with the smirk that I now knew, after three hours of training – just trying to avoid her attacks in truth – that she was very sure of herself. Though given that I'd failed to land a single mark on her, while I'd stopped counting how many times I'd been hit, the fact I'd gained a new Skill – Damage Reduction: Energy – and it had levelled up three times told me that it was a lot as a training saber, or one set to a low power level, only did about 15HP of damage told me it was a lot.

"Maybe, but I still haven't managed to hit you yet," I responded, making her smirk grow bigger. "I will one day."

"Keep telling yourself that." She replied as she powered down her twin blades and walked out of the ring.

I followed her and caught the canister of water she tossed my way.

"How are you not sweating?" She asked as I drew closer and I shrugged.

"Never really have." Well, I hadn’t since I’d been inserted into this universe and gained Player’s Body, but I couldn't exactly say I didn't sweat, cut or mark because I was granted powers by extra-dimensional beings for winning an afterlife lottery. That would get me a one-way ticket to the funny farm, or whatever passed for one here. "Just a fluke of evolution I guess." That was my public excuse and I was sticking to it, even if I suspected that a few of the Masters were getting curious about me; beyond arriving from four thousand years in the past.

"Force, you're lucky. Needing to shower is the only downside of lightsaber training. I smell awful." She muttered and I leaned over and took a long, deep inhale of her hair. "What?" She blurted out as I pulled back.

"I think you smell fine," I said, curious if the comment would have any effect on an eight-year-old Jedi girl. It did and I saw her cheeks redden further than just from exhaustion.

"What?" She repeated, and I chuckled as I took a long mouthful of water. While it granted no HP bonus, water was a great way to restore my STAM; a full canister seemed to restore about half of my current STAM and I was curious if this was a set value or a percentage. Once I levelled up and increased my STAM I would find out.

The lack of clarity on how I levelled up my skills, or how fast that happened was annoying. I was fairly certain that I learnt more when being trained than when spending time by myself self-learning, but there were no hints or indicators as to how much a skill improved during supervised or self-training.

"Serra!" We both turned at the voice and I saw a group of four other females approaching. Well, two human girls and two aliens; one a Twi'lek and the other an Ithorian. "Where have you been?" The Twi'lek asked as they approached. "We've been looking for you for ages."

"Sorry, Aayla. I guess I just lost track of time," Serra said as she moved closer to the other girls.

"Yes, I can see that." The blue-skinned alien commented, her eyes looking me over.

"Ah right. Cameron this is Aayla, Sia-Lan, Jyl and Vhiblul." I nodded and smiled at the girls.

"A pleasure," I said with a smile, taking note of the four newcomers.

"We know who you are," stated one of the human girls with wavy brown hair and blue eyes, a slight sneer on her face as her eyes examined me slowly. "I expected something better."

'Well screw you.' I thought as Serra's eyes narrowed.

"Sia! What was that for? You're the one who dared me to talk with him." My brow rose at that little nugget but ignored it as the girl, Sia-Lan, shrugged.

"I didn't think you'd do it. He's like a lost Kath hound, wandering around here like he belongs. He doesn't." she stated, and I felt the growing urge to punch her. "See? You can feel him giving in to his baser instincts. Losing control of his emotions."

"PM," I whispered out and let the neutralising feeling of Player’s Mind – which I had shortened to PM – settle over my mind. "Yet I don't," I stated calmly. "Unlike you, I do not judge someone by the cover." I turned and nodded at Serra. "Thanks for the spar but I suddenly feel the urge to stand behind an active hyperdrive engine."

I walked away, ignoring the faint chuckles of the other girls, and moved to head back to my quarters.

DUCK AND ROLL!

…

I took the warning and ducked and rolled as I felt a blast of air fly past my body and turned to see Sia-Lan had her hand extended in my direction and I responded with over a decade of military training, mixed with a few months of Force experience, and a flung a Blast at her.

I was surprised when the blast hit her, sending her flying backwards a good twenty metres before she hit the wall.

"Holy shit," I muttered as I looked at my hand in surprise.

"What is going on here?!" My head, along with the girls, snapped to see three males approaching. I didn't recognize the lead human, nor the Twi'lek, but the second Human, walking purposefully behind the other two sent alarm bells ringing in my head. Count Dooku was heading straight for me!

I instantly calmed down and was glad I'd already engaged Player’s Mind as the three adults approached.

"This moron just attacked me for no reason!" Sia-Lan blurted out and I glared at her.

"I did attack you, but only after you tried to hit me in the back with a Force Push." I countered. "Why else would I feel the Force tell me to move."

"Is this true?" the lead human, who I now recognised as the Temple's Battlemaster – lead combat instructor – Cin Drallig, asked the other girls.

None of them, not even Serra, said anything, though at least the girl I'd spent the last three hours sparring with had the decency to not even try to meet my gaze. I was angry with her for a moment until Player’s Mind took that away, then realised that she'd grown up with Sia-Lan and the others, and so was unlikely to turn on them. Though the fact none of them was willing to tell the truth was a worrying sign if the Jedi were meant to be protectors of it.

"I sense the boy is telling the truth," Dooku said slowly, in that calm, controlled voice that still sent a shiver down my spine. "The girl's emotions are clear to sense while the boy’s are remarkably calm for someone so young." His gaze met mine and I felt the need to meet it. After a moment, his lip twitched, and he turned back to Master Drallig. "Though this is your arena, and you have the final say."

Master Drallig looked calmly from Sia-Lan to me a few times before he spoke. "Regardless of who started this, both shall be punished." He paused to rub his chin. "I believe Master Tiin has requested help with the maintenance of one of the disused hanger bays." While his face was calm, his tone held more than a subtle hint of disappointment at both me and Sia-Lan for our actions.

I felt a momentary annoyance at being punished for the girl's attack, but let it go as it wasn't worth arguing with three Jedi Masters over. Not unless I wanted to make my punishment worse.

"Yes, master," Sia-Lan mumbled as she stood, though her eyes were anything but humble as she glared at me for a moment before stalking away.

The others followed though Serra mouthed 'sorry' to me before she did, which brought the faintest of smiles to my lips.

"This is the child of Shan? The one that you wished for us to meet?" the Twi'lek said and I turned to see that Master Drallig was looking at me with a very slight smile as he nodded at the question.

"Yes. As I said, he has mastered the basics of Shii-Cho was remarkable speed. If he can keep it up, I suspect he will be ready for the basics of Makashi within another month or two."

I watched silently as the Twi'lek and Dooku examined me with their eyes, figuring silence was the safest course of action for now.

"Perhaps this is a sign that lightsaber forms should be restricted to older students," Dooku said slowly.

"No. I've seen students older than him struggle to get the basics of certain forms down. That is not it." Drallig said as he passed me a training saber. "Are you willing to see how he performs?"

Dooku shared a look with the Twi'lek before stepping into the duelling circle. "Come boy." He said as he lit his lightsaber.

As I stepped into the circle, I blinked at an unexpected pop-up.

NOTICE:

You are receiving one-on-one training with a true Makashi Master.

25% increase in Makashi XP gains while training with the master.

…

I waved away the notice as I ignited my saber and moved to mirror his stance.

"No. Your feet should be pointing towards me in a straight line. Raise your blade vertically, making the tip rest just above your forehead." Dooku stated and I moved quickly to comply.

… …

Three hours later, split in half between Dooku and the Twi'lek whom I learnt was named Bondara and was a master of Juyo but was well-versed in Soresu – which is what he taught me – for one-on-one training, I walked back to my quarters with a smile.

I had levelled both forms twice and now had the basics to practice before the tournament. Though I was unsure if I would spend the time needed to get them up or stay with Shii-Cho.

Dooku was a stiff teacher. Strict and demanding like any drill sergeant but I had felt more at home with him teaching me than Bondara, who was more nurturing and patient. I guess that was a result of almost a decade of military training.

As I walked back into my quarters, I pulled out my datapad and noticed that I'd received a message.

Curious about it, I closed the doors and opened the message, making a small hologram of Serra appear from it.

"Hey. Um, look I just wanted to say sorry for Sia-Lan earlier. She's not happy about the apparent special treatment you're getting from the Council.

"But she's a good person at heart. She's just wound tight about the tournament as she's competed twice before but never done well."

The hologram stopped talking and I watched as she rubbed her arm just above the elbow.

"I, um, I liked duelling with you and was wondering if you'd like to do so again tomorrow if you want to. Or we can just talk about things, like earlier. Anyway, got to go. Bye."

I smiled a little as the hologram faded. While today had started slowly, I'd seemingly made my first friend, learnt the very basics of the next two lightsaber forms and met Count Dooku, who, while stiff didn't seem a bad guy. Hell, it might even be possible to prevent his fall to the Dark Side, though how I'd do that was up in the air.

Quest Alert!

Changing Fate [Dooku]

Can you change the fate of the Jedi known as Count Dooku?

Rating: A

Objective:

Prevent the fall of Count Dooku and the rise of Darth Tyrannus.

Bonus: ?

Rewards:

5000EXP

Penalties:

Dooku falls faster.

Possible death at the hands of Darth Tyrannus.

Accept?

Yes/No

…

"Yes." I quickly said, figuring that it was worth the risk. If Dooku never fell, then Palpatine would need a new stooge. The problem was, from what I learnt so far, the resentment felt but the Mid and Outer Rim to the Core Worlds was genuine. Fixing that was probably well beyond me for now, but once I either became a Padawan – or left the Order as I was beginning to chafe a little under their strictness – I would spend some time trying to work out how to fix the Republic; though I was well aware that the odds on ever succeeding there were slim to none. And slim was about to leave the building.

Still, I liked the character of Dooku – more so than the brat that became Vader – so if I had the chance to save him from himself, I would try.

… …

… …

As the sun shone in through the window of my quarters on the first morning of the Festival of Life holiday week and I looked over my room before my eyes settled on the datapad on my desk and the worrying information I had discovered yesterday.

Any Initiate that reached their thirteenth birthday and was not taken as a Padawan was assigned to one of four corps that were under the control of the Council of Reassignment. While none of the corps sounded bad in their descriptions on the datapad, something about the fact that anyone dumped there was all but ignored by the rest of the Jedi was worrying. As was that after being raised and indoctrinated – and after six months of lectures on the Jedi and what they stood for, the signs were clear as day that Jedi were indoctrinated once taken from their families – those sent to the corps had to be at least a little resentful towards the Jedi; making them perfect targets for Sidious and his master – if he was alive – to corrupt and use as agents.

I shook my head to clear the worry and anger that the apparent abandonment of failed Initiates generated and turned my attention to what today was, the start of the Initiate Trials.

"List Quests."

QUESTS

These are the story chains that will help push and shape your new life.

Quests come in various forms, from repeatable simple ones to long, multi-part campaigns.

Most of your activities will be set up as quests, however, you are free to decline most quests.

You can also create your own quests if you are willing to push yourself beyond what would be considered easy/safe.

All quests are rated from F to S*** for difficulty, with anything rated B or over potentially carrying the risk of bodily harm, if not death.

Current quests are:

Tremors of the Ancient Sith Empire

Forge your own Path

Cleanse the Temple

Trials of an Initiate

Changing Fate [Dooku]

…

For more details, on a quest, tap it or say 'List Quest' followed by the quest required.

…

I smirked at the changed appearance of the menu, glad that I'd spent some time fiddling with the settings of the Player Powers to limit details on certain pages. It made all the lists much shorter and easier to browse, especially the Skills and Force Powers lists.

"List Quest, Trials of an Initiate."

Trials of an Initiate

Take part in the Jedi Initiate Trials and put on a good performance.

[Start today]

Rating: C

Objectives:

Advance to the free-for-all lightsaber stage for your age group.

Win at least 3 of your push-feather duels.

Complete the obstacle course with a time in the upper half for your age group.

Bonus: ?

Bonus: ?

Bonus: ?

Bonus: ?

Bonus: ?

Rewards:

1500XP

1000XP

1000XP

The chance to be taken as a Padawan.

Penalties:

Spend another year stuck as an Initiate.

Possible expulsion from the Jedi Order.

…

I looked through the main objectives and mentally went over my chances with each.

The lightsaber part was, from what I had learnt, the final part of the week, but also my weakest.

Even with the way I seemed to gain skills – I was now Adapt:55 for Shii-Cho and Novice:80 for Makashi, which in six months felt an insane improvement – I knew I was miles behind the Initiates. Even after three months of on-and-off sparing with Serra – and a few other members of her clan – I'd yet to win a single spar.

However, the fact I'd sparred with them using only Shii-Cho while they'd used their preferred Forms meant I might have a leg up as none of them spent much time on Makashi – which was the Form designed for one-on-one lightsaber duels. I'd also spent time in the archives learning of the flaws of each Form in the hopes to find a weakness there and had watched the clan members for any physical ticks that were potentially exploitable.

Even with every advantage I had thought of, and the Force Powers I'd trained up that I felt were different from what was commonly expected for Initiates, I didn't hold out much hope of making the free-for-all.

The push-feather event was one I was looking forward to as Jedi Master Giiett had informed me that while my ability to alter the temperature with Cryokinesis and Pyrokinesis were banned, I had discovered that a Force Blast wasn’t it was simply a more concentrated form of TK to the Jedi, but it was not a trick commonly taught. That some of my other self-usage powers were viable to use – as they only affected me and not my opponent – I felt I had a fair shot at completing that objective.

The obstacle course objective was the event I most expected to complete, not least as I had learnt two Force Powers that I felt were rather rare to use and should give me a huge advantage with the objective.

Force Teleport allowed me to make short-range jumps from one place to another, and while the cost was high – currently 1994FP at Novice:2 – and had a range limited to twice my level, it was a handy skill to have.

Force Phase, however, was my big hope for the obstacle course. It granted me the ability to alter my physical density, I wasn't sure how and frankly wasn't going to even try to understand how beyond 'The Force', meaning I could walk through solid objects with ease. At current costs, I could hold it for about five minutes continuously, or use it four times before needing to meditate to restore my FP. Though that now only took about twenty minutes as Trance had evolved into Serenity, which had improved the boost and maxed out. Combined with Meditation, I had a five-hundred-and-fifty per cent boost to my FP regeneration, which just seemed grossly unfair. Well, unfair for others, but the way they used the Force felt different from how I used it. Though that might just be me misunderstanding how the Force and my Interface worked.

"List Quest; Cleanse the Temple."

Cleanse the Temple

Something is off in the Jedi Temple

Rating: B

Objective:

Find the dark side taint and cleanse it.

Rewards:

3000XP

Penalties:

Possible death

…

I frowned as I re-read the details of that quest. I'd studied the history of the Temple in classes on the history of the Order and browsed the archives for details on the temple and concluded that the taint would be linked to the mountain on which the temple was built.

But after examining the mountain everywhere I could from levels 1 to 23, I had yet to find any hint of the taint. Levels 24 and above were not for Initiates, or even Padawans, without permission and common sense suggested that the chances of the part of the mountain where the various Councils of the Jedi were located was tainted were small enough to be ignored unless no other option was left but to check them.

That meant I was going to have to go under the Temple, which meant becoming a Padawan or leaving the Jedi, probably permanently.

Frankly, I was chafing at being stuck in Temple for the last six months and was seriously considering just leaving. The indoctrination was starting to get to me and it was taking a lot of self-control to not point out that cutting oneself off from emotions left you weak when confronted with an emotional situation beyond your grasp; and thus, easy prey for the whispers of the darker side of the Force.

And I was now certain that there was a darker element to the Force. I had felt the pull to lash out at various times over the last half-year; the faint wish to act on my anger to prove a point, to push back in fear. Yet, I had no problem resisting the temptations. A decade of serving in the army and SAS before dying had let me see the dark side of Human nature and learn to control my urges.

It made me feel that fear and anger were not something to be avoided, but controlled, tempered, if not negated if possible. After all, a wise man had once said that fear meant one of two things; Forget Everything and Run, or Face Everything and Rise.

The Jedi, by closing themselves off to the better emotions – or at least being able to show them – left themselves unable to see that fear/hate/anger were things to overcome. And that could often only be done if you had something good to hold on to.

Or that was my take on things at any rate.

The big issue with leaving the Order before being fully trained was Senator Palpatine. Unsurprisingly, I hadn't run into any politicians in my time here so far, but I knew the man was on the planet and a senator having done a brief search of the Holonet for information on him, Dooku and a few others that I remembered from the movies. That meant that there was a good chance Palpatine knew about my arrival here and who my great-grandparents were.

And that would put me clearly in the crosshairs of Sidious and his master: if he was still around. I honestly had no idea about that beyond him mentioning a Darth Plagueis to Anakin in Return of the Sith, so I was working on the theory that that was the name of his master, though whether he was alive currently or not I did not know; nor if Darth Maul was around as a Sith yet or not.

And if I left the temple abruptly as a child, I was all but certain that Sidious would have me monitored, if not kidnapped, and that was not something I wanted currently. Which was why becoming a Padawan was the safer – if more stifling – option. And since I wanted out of the Temple a-sap, it meant trying to find a Master who wasn't tied at the hip to Coruscant.

I sighed as I stood and waved away the quest details and began a slow walk from my quarters – which were still in the guest quarters – to the Room of a Thousand Fountains, where all Initiates over eight had to gather for the start of the Trails.

As I entered the Room of a Thousand Fountains and took in the sight of all the massive greenhouse/meditation centre/waterworks – something I didn't think I would ever find anything but breath-taking, calming and inspiring all at the same time – I looked around and saw maybe a hundred or so kids my age and a little older waiting around in one of the larger pavilions and moved over to join them. Most were standing in groups that, based on the faces I recognized, were their clans, with each clan having two adult Jedi standing with them.

I spotted Serra standing nearby with the other members of Dragons Clan and gave her and the others a wave. While most waved back, Sia-Lan glared at me. The older girl was still less than happy with my admittance into the Temple – even if I wasn't truthfully an Initiate – but she held her tongue when we met. The glares, however, did not stop; nor did the less-than-quiet comments on my lack of ability and only getting in here based on my family name.

At the sound of a sharp bang, I turned with the Initiates and saw the Jedi High Council take to the stage; Yoda and Yaddle – a female of Yoda's species – floating on their chairs beside the other members. Yaddle hadn't been present when I'd met the Council when I'd first arrived so seeing a female of Yoda's species during one of my morning classes a month ago had surprised me; though I guess they would need to be for them to reproduce. At least, I assumed that most, if not all, life in this galaxy followed the same patterns as Humans for genders and reproduction.

"To the yearly Initiate Trials, welcome younglings. High hopes that you will all perform well and impress your fellow Jedi, I have." Yoda said calmly as he smiled out at the gathered children. "But remember, a competition this is not. Merely a chance for you to show your comfort with the force, it is, and learnt over the years, what you have."

'Yeah right. This is how you choose the Padawans, so it is a competition. Plus, I've got my quest to complete and if I get the main objectives, I'll level up. Kinda curious as to what that will be like.' I thought to myself as Yoda floated back and Windu stepped forward.

"For those of you taking part in the trials for the first time, understand that your performance has no bearing on your standing in the Order. Just because someone is older and has spent longer at the Temple does not guarantee victory. Younger Initiates have emerged victorious at the various components of the Trials in years past." He paused for a moment and I watched as several of the older Jedi glanced at Dooku, who looked uninterested in the proceedings, and I was surprised he was here as what I'd found in the Archives suggested he'd become a bit of a recluse after a failed mission about four years ago which resulted in his Padawan being killed.

'Huh. So Dooku won one of the parts at a younger age? Didn't know that. Maybe if I do the same it will give me an in to get to know him and start the quest to prevent his fall.'

"This year the schedule for the Trials is as follows: Today will see all Initiates attempting to cross a randomly created obstacle course in the holographic training area. Each clan will be taken there by their lead Jedi trainers at the right time. Due to the number of Initiates this year, the top fifteen in the obstacle course will receive a pass in the first round of the push-feather tournament.

"Tomorrow will begin the push-feather tournament. These will be held throughout the day, with the rounds for the final thirty-two being held the day after. For the lightsaber spars, Initiates between eight and ten cycles will compete on the fourth day of the Festival, including the final fight between the top eight Initiates. Regardless of the outcome, all eight will be allowed to compete against the older Initiates on the final day of the Festival."

Windu stopped and gazed out over the room. I noted that the rest of the Council and the gathered Jedi were doing the same, some seemingly focusing on a select clan. I spotted a young Human male with a strange yellow mark across his face focusing on Dragon Clan and noted that Aayla seemed to sense his stare as she waved to him.

"Katarn Clan will be first up. Please head to the training area. All other Initiates are free to either watch their fellow Initiates on the screens around the Temple or head off to prepare for when their time comes. Dismissed."

I turned around and silently wondered just how I was to know when I was to attempt the course.

"Wondering about your turn?"

I turned at the familiar sound of Master Giiett's voice and nodded. "The Council has decided that you will attempt the course after with Dragon Clan given your budding friendship with a few members of that clan." He smiled in what felt to me like an amused way. "It's good to see you starting to spend time with your fellow Initiates. I was beginning to think you didn't like people."

I chuckled at his comment. "No, just settling in. And Serra approached me first."

"Initiate Keto?" He rubbed his chin. "Hmm, now that is interesting. Did she mention anything about her past while you talked?"

"One doesn't rat out your friends," I replied with a small smirk, one Master Giiett returned.

"Indeed. Well, so long as neither of you dwells on the past, I see no harm in discussing it. I must leave now. The Council has asked me and my Padawan to investigate a disturbance in the Kessel sector. I hope that when I return, I find you have done adequately in the trials."

"I hope I do so as well. May the Force be with you, sir."

He chuckled as he gently shook his head. "One day young one, we will get you to refer to your seniors as Master. But not this day it seems." He turned and walked purposefully across the pavilion to where a young Human female was waiting. If I was on Earth, I'd have called her Asian, but here, I had no idea how to define that ethnic group.

With a shrug I walked over to one of the quieter fountains and sat patiently waiting for Dragon Clan to be summoned, figuring I could head along behind them instead of wandering through the halls of the Temple; well doing so once more. I closed my eyes and ran through my plans for the push-feather events, as I was more than comfortable with my plans for the obstacle course.

"Master Rancisis says you'll be joining us for the obstacle course." I opened my eyes to see Serra had come over to speak with me again. She was smiling as she spoke, and I saw that two other members of Dragon Clan had come over. Jaeman Charlton and Darihd Bykys.

Jaeman Charlton was a Human male from Alderaan with sandy brown hair and eyes. He was the same age as Serra and I and generally had no opinion on my being accepted into the Jedi; preferring a wait, learn and see approach.

Darihd Bykys was a green-skinned Togruta who was friendly towards me when he wasn't stomping a mudhole into my arse during the few spars we'd had. He was proficient at Shii-Cho to a level I just couldn't cope with and I was praying not to run into him during the lightsaber spars.

Honestly, I was fearing the lightsaber trials a lot, but I put it out of my mind as I spoke.

"Yeah. Master Giiett told me as much at the end of the Council's little speech." I scoffed quietly. "Not a competition my backside."

Darihd, who was about half a head taller and a good ten kilograms heavier, slapped me on the back. "This is why I like you, Cameron. You speak your mind. Everyone else just says 'yes master' or 'no master' all the time."

"You mean like you do?" Jaeman queried with a smirk and ducked the lazy backhand that Darihd aimed at him.

"Well yeah. But I have to at least keep up the pretence of following orders. I'm the minder of the Clan, remember?"

I chuckled at the interaction. If not for Serra talking to me, I would've become a social pariah, which had kind of been my plan. The idea of dealing with a bunch of kids did not appeal but thanks to our first talk and spar, Serra had given me a door into her clan and I was enjoying the interactions, even if it was often juvenile at times.

"Yes sir, no sir. May I lick your boots, sir?" I said, doing a fair impression of Darihd's voice.

"Careful Cameron. I've got no reason to go easy on you, unlike some." He warned, a finger-wagging in my face as the other two chuckled, though Serra's cheeks reddened a touch.

"And who's to say I haven't been letting you whoop my arse just to make you overconfident." I countered with a smile as I swatted the finger away.

Serra shook her head. "Nope. No way you've been holding back. Face it Cam, you've got next to no chance with the lightsaber. Heck, even Jyl can take you and she's nearly two cycles younger than you."

That wasn't true; she was only a cycle-and-a-half younger than me. But yeah, she had tanned me when we sparred. God, did I suck at sparring. Though since these would not be spars, but full combat drills, I had a few plans.

"Really? None of you think I stand a chance? How about a friendly bet then?" I asked with a smirk as they all shook their heads at my first question.

"Jedi don't gamble," Jaeman stated even though he had a small smile on his face.

"It's not a gamble. It's a bet." I replied.

"And what's the bet?" Serra asked as I expected. While Darihd did occasionally speak out privately about things in the Temple it was only Serra that had questioned things; and even then, only when we were alone.

That might have only been an hour or two each week, but it was enough to see she had a rebellious streak in her, and that my words when we'd first met had had an effect. The questions she asked me about my family were a solid attempt – for a child – to examine someone's thinking without exposing themselves; though I had always ended my questions about family and life outside the Order with a question challenging her, and those always got her thinking about her own family and what life outside was really like.

"Hmm. How about for every spar I win, you each have to clean my quarters once? If I don't win any, I'll clean yours for a week." I figured I had an outside shot at winning one duel, and even if I lost it gave me a greater in with Dragon Clan. Plus, you never know what you can find when searching, I mean cleaning, someone's bunk.

"Deal," Darihd replied instantly, Jaeman nodding at the same time in acceptance. Serra however, had narrowed her eyes and was looking at my face carefully.

"You've got something prepared, don't you? Something we've not seen yet."

I smiled back in what I hope was an enigmatic way. I'd not expected anyone to object to the terms, but I was pleasantly surprised that she'd guessed I had something planned. That rebellious streak I'd been seeing leant itself to non-conformist ways of thinking for a Jedi; something I'd seen in our last spar when she'd intentionally dropped one of her lightsabers – yes, the girl used two – until I was past it, then summoned it back to her hand; taking out my legs as it flew. I'd been pissed about it at the time, but since then I'd come to appreciate the fact that she was willing to fight 'dirty'.

"Maybe."

"Then, I'm going to wait until after the obstacle course before accepting." She said with a smile.

I gave her a mock salute as an adult Rodian approached.

"Come. Dragon Clan's time is approaching." He stated, hanging on the ‘s’ as if he had a lisp. Before anyone could reply, he turned and walked off to where I saw the rest of their clan was waiting.

As we walked, I gently touched Serra on the arm and leaned towards her. Smart," I whispered before picking up the pace to meet the group, leaving the girl a few steps behind me.

The rest of the clan, bar Sia-Lan and another Human girl named Trudie, all gave me small smiles or nods of acknowledgement. Sia-Lan followed my path with her eyes, narrowing them as I stepped up beside Serra. However, neither she nor Trudie, who was almost always at her side, said anything.

The journey to the training room was quick, thankfully the elevators in the Temple were fast and quiet, and while the Clan began to get excited about the event, I held back, going over my plans for the course once more. Sure, there was a chance none of my ideas/power would work, but if that happened, then I'd just fall back on a decade-plus of military assault courses.

When the first of Dragon Clan, Aayla Secura, was called in, I turned to the monitor and decided to make note of how each worked through the course; thinking there might be things there I could use if I encountered them in later events.

Aayla was fast and agile; someone I could picture as a dancer in another life as she ducked, dodged and weaved through the course. What had caught me off-guard was that turrets were firing at her as she moved. However, given that no one else responded to them, I guessed they were only set to sting.

That theory was proven when the next member of the clan, Trudie Fulton was clipped in the side by a blast. She stumbled, a grimace clear to see on her face, but managed to duck out of the way of any further blasts.

A Sullustan named Funt cleared his course quickly by jumping over several large walls with help for the Force, while Darihd and Jaeman both set times in the middle of the pack; though with only one clan having gone before Dragon Clan, I wasn't sure how good that really was.

Sia-Lan surprised me when she blasted away a wall with the Force to clear a path, and I made a mental note to be wary of facing her in the later events if she was that comfortable with Force-assisted TK.

Serra was the last member of her clan to go, and while she wasn't as graceful as Aayla, nor as blunt as Sia-Lan, she seemed to be a step or two above the others in her clan. Her time placed her at the top so far with a time of just under five minutes.

"Cameron Shan." I turned to see the Rodian Jedi who'd escorted us up looking at me. "Come with me."

I followed him to the main doors of the training area.

"The rules are simple. Reach the exit door on the far side of the room before time runs out. The blasters will not hurt, but each hit carries a ten-second penalty to your overall time. Destruction of any part of the course carries a five-second penalty for each wall or obstacle destroyed." It was hard to read his face, having not had much time around Rodians so far, but if he was Human, I'd say he was less than impressed with Sia-Lan's blunt-force approach. I, however, saw no problems with it, as even with the time penalties, she was still third overall and probably more concerned with the lightsaber duels.

"Understood," I replied as he waved his hand and the door opened.

"Your time begins with the chime."

I nodded again and waited until the starter's bell. When it sounded, I walked forward slowly and looked around the entry area, mindful of any blasters around the door that could get a free shot off at me.

Seeing none, I glanced at my mini-map and was happy to see that even though the room had a different layout to the last – and only – time I'd visited, the map still showed the location of the other on the far side.

I started jogging straight for it and phased as I was a step from the first wall. I'd only walked through a table in my room once, so the tingles that erupted through my body caught me off-guard for a moment and I stopped once I was through. Finding myself in another area, I looked around for blasters, but once again, found none.

Even though the wall had felt strange to pass through, I stayed phased as I started to jog across the room, ignoring the tingles as I passed through more walls, only to come to a stop at a chasm that was probably beyond my ability to Force Jump currently.

I shivered as a blaster bolt went through me, chilling me to the bone. 'That was unpleasant.' It was quickly followed by more shots, but as they went feebly through me, and did no damage to either my HP or FP, I ignored them as I examined the chasm.

Even with a run-up, I doubted I could clear the gap with a Force-Jump so that left one option.

With a smirk, I stepped forward and dropped Force Phase. I felt myself being pulled both inwards and outwards at the same time, my stomach seemed to dance the Tango and my skin felt like I'd stuck my fingers in a live power socket, but I stepped down on the far side of the chasm.

"Awesome," I said to the room with a smile as I looked back across the gap as the blasters turned to reacquire me. That was the first time I'd used Teleport outside of my quarters and it worked exactly as the description stated, even if the feeling was still uncomfortable. 'Hopefully, it gets better with time.'

I activated Force Phase again and jogged the short distance to the exit; not waiting for the door to open and making the waiting Jedi jump in shock. I noted that it was a female Togruta and as she stared at me, her face a few shades of red lighter than her arms, I noted that I recognized her from the movies; though I didn't have a name to go with the face yet.

"How'd I do?" I asked as I dropped Force Phase, a smirk on my face.

The Togruta's eyes narrowed as she looked past me. "Beyond ageing me a few years, I do believe that is the quickest time I have ever seen. Possibly a new Temple record. Though when, where and how you learnt to use such advanced Force abilities is a question I, and many other Jedi, will no doubt ask you in the days ahead."

"I saw a Sith phase when my home was attacked, and the teleporting was just an idea I came up with ma'am," I replied, instantly using the excuses I had prepared for those questions.

"Ah, yes. Forgive me for not recognizing you sooner. Child of Revan." She smiled and if my body was a decade older, I'd have found it very enticing. "I am Master Shaak Ti, and I have been assigned to run the obstacle course component of the Initiate Trials."

"Hello," I replied, then looked around the small room I was in with Master Ti; and yes, I felt weird referring to a female as master, but when in Rome…

"So, um, what now?" I asked slowly.

"Ah, yes. You have completed the course, so please feel free to return to whatever you were doing previously. A final timesheet will be posted at eighteen-hundred, though I do not expect anyone to beat your time. Today, or within my lifetime." She added with a smile that seemed to be both proud and curious at the same time.

"Thank you, ma'am." I bowed fractionally, then exited the room into the corridor. "Well, that was easy. Guess I can go and prepare for tomorrow." I muttered to myself as the doors closed behind me.

"What was that?!" I turned to Serra and the rest of Dragon Clan waiting around. Most were looking at me in surprise or awe; though Sia-Lan's expression was fighting to not show any interest as she scowled deeply. Even her little follower, Trudie, was staring at me with wide eyes.

"What was what?" I replied, earning myself a slap on the arm and a notice that I'd taken 3HP of damage in my combat log.

"You walked through walls! That was kriffing brilliant!" Exclaimed Aayla, her eyes wide as she danced from one foot to the other.

"Where did you learn to do that?"

"Can you teach us?"

"What does it feel like?"

"What was that thing you did to clear the chasm?"

I raised my hands. "Stop," I said simply, getting the barrage of questions to end before they became a deluge. "As I just told Master Ti, I saw a Sith phase when they attacked my home and the teleporting was just an idea I had that, thankfully worked."

"You mean you tried that for the first time in there?" Serra asked as she pointed at the doors I'd just come through. As I nodded, she slapped my arm hard, causing another 5HP of damage. "That was stupid! What would've happened if it hadn't worked and you'd fallen down the chasm?" Her lips pursed together as she finished talking and I reached forward, placing my hands on her arms.

"Then I'd have phased through the floor and ended up in someone's quarters," I replied with a smile. I was surprised at how worried she was over me supposedly trying something dangerous for the first time during the obstacle course. I didn't think we were that close. "Though hopefully they would've been dressed. I'd hate to see what the Council look like naked."

A few of the others groaned. "Oh, gross." Muttered one of the boys, but my attention was on Serra and I was relieved to see her lips twitch at the bad joke.

"Initiate Shan, the Council of First Knowledge wishes to speak with you." A teenage Twi'lek male – if I was judging the ageing of the race correctly – stated, drawing my attention away from Serra and Dragon Clan.

I chuckled once. "Yeah, I bet they do," I replied. I knew this was going to happen, but my story was prepared and, if needed I had another card to play to limit any concern/anger they had at me using concepts that I'd learnt from the Sith Holocron were only meant for the most advanced of Jedi. "I'll see you all later," I said to Dragon Clan, though my eyes lingered on Serra until she gave a slight nod, and then I followed the Twi'lek through the corridors.

He didn't speak once, but I noticed that several Jedi – of various ages – gave me glances as we walked; usually where a display screen was set up to show the obstacle course.

'Figured this would happen. But I'm surprised so many seem amazed that I did what I did. Shouldn't such a trick be known to Jedi Knights and Masters? Then again, I don't think I ever saw that in the movies, cartoons or games.' I pondered the question as we entered the elevator under the northwest tower; thank you mini-map for that.

As the elevator slowed and the doors opened, the Twi'lek turned to face me.

"They await you within." He said formally, then leaned closer. "I'd like to know how you did that." He whispered, making me smirk.

"It seems that most of the Temple wants to know that. I thought it was a common ability." I knew it wasn't but playing mild-mannered and uneducated might help to deflect attention that I was up to something wrong. "PM," I whispered, thinking that staying calm would hide any hint of me lying to this sub-council.

I entered the room to see six Jedi Masters present. I recognized Yoda and two others from my meeting with the High Council when I arrived, and one more who had been on the High Council in the Prequels: a short alien with large, drooping ears and a missing eye. The last two, however, I had never seen before.

"Initiate Shan, I am Astaal Vilbum, Caretaker of First Knowledge and leader of the Council of First Knowledge." Said a large, black-skinned alien that's skin was all wrinkled making it look like he – she? – had spent far too long in the bath. "We have some questions for you regarding the abilities you displayed within the Initiate obstacle course."

I chuckled softly. "I imagine you do sir." The drooping-eared alien frowned at my apparent lack of respect, but Yoda's lips twitched and another High Council member – a dark-skinned human woman, who had a strange headdress with white… things coming out of it, smiled at my reply.

Vilbum nodded, or I took the movement of his head for a nod. "There are two initial questions we have, though we may have more depending on your answers."

"Shoot. Um, I mean, go ahead."

"Where did you learn to Phase and Teleport using the force and why have you not shown these abilities to any master?"

I calmed myself internally, boosted by Player’s Mind cancelling out emotions quickly, and began. "Truthfully, I think I saw a Sith phase during the attack on my home on Talravin; though at the time I gave my report to the High Council, I wasn't sure, so I failed to mention it. Up until I managed to succeed in phasing myself, I wasn't sure I'd seen it done." I glanced and Yoda and tilted my head in an apology for not mentioning that before. He replied with a tap of his stick and a very subtle smile.

"As for teleporting; well, that was just me thinking that if the Force allowed me to alter my body to be able to pass through solid objects, then maybe it could allow me to move instantly from one place to the other. Though that was the first time I'd attempted it." I shrugged when I said that, hoping to seem sheepish about doing so.

The five seated Jedi turned and looked at each other and I suspected they were talking mentally to each other; though since I hadn't tried that myself, I wasn't sure if that was possible with the Force.

"When did you first phase?" an older human female asked bluntly, catching me off-guard for a split second.

"About three months ago."

"And you never felt like informing a member of this Council, or any Master for that matter, about learning a power we have classified as dangerous for any being lower than a Jedi Master to learn?" Droopy ears challenged, his eyes narrowing as he leant forward in his seat. "Why didn't you inform us of this development?"

"Well, you never asked," I replied, fighting to not smirk at my reply. A few of the Council members seemed to splutter at my answer, though I caught the female with the strange headdress covering her mouth, which I took to mean she also didn't want the Council to see her smile at my answer. "Besides, I'm isolated from the other Initiates, never mind actual Jedi, so who would I have told?"

"Perhaps Master Giiett, hmm?" Yoda suggested, clearly aware that he was the only member of the Council to spend much time with me. Though I suspected that some of that was because the Council wished for me to have an informal minder.

"Well, yes, but the last time I mentioned using the Force in an unexpected way I was told I couldn't use it during these Trials." I shrugged. "Something my grandfather said was that it was sometimes easier to ask for forgiveness than beg for permission."

The Council seemed to split between annoyance at my lack of apparent respect and amusement at my reasoning, but before anyone could speak, I started again.

"Also, I still haven't been told anything about how I arrived in this era, nor have I been allowed access to my ship." I had a suspicion of how I'd arrived, thanks to months of study on hyperspace and computers, but I wanted confirmation instead of the Jedi's apparent unconcern about my arrival.

"The High Council is still conducting a review of the flight logs of the ship you arrived in. " Remarked a red-skinned humanoid member of this Council. " And I was not aware that you had ownership of it."

I shrugged again. "OK, technically, I never bought it, but seeing as the former owner wanted to kidnap me and murdered my grandfather – the only living member of my family – and that I killed a Sith on board, I figure I earned it."

"Jedi do not have possessions," Vilbum stated calmly. "The ship is also a Sith vessel. As such, the Council and Jedi Sentinels are examining it thoroughly for possible links to locations strong in the Force."

'Meaning you knew the flight data was erased and have been unable to recover any clues as to where the ship came from. Good. No point in risking Sidious gaining access to Ziost and the remains of the Sith Empire that attacked the Republic millennia ago.' Yes, I'd done a fair bit of reading about the time I'd come from if only to help me build plausible stories to confirm my background. It left me wishing I'd played SW: TOR, but online gaming had never appealed.

"And once you have finished examining it, what then?"

"We have arranged for it to be sold to a museum. The ship is millennia out of date and could not be brought up to a standard we would deem safe for Jedi usage."

'You were planning to just take my ship and not tell me? Bastards!' "Then what if I am not taken as a Padawan, or choose not to stay with the Order?" Now that got a response from a few of the gathered Masters. It seems they were less than keen on me leaving. 'Why… Oh, fuck no! They cannot think I'm the one to bring balance to the Force! Fuck!'

That was something I had honestly not considered but it looked like others had. I guess my ease with learning the Force – because of my other powers – and my appearance from another time and link to one of the Jedi's most infamous members probably meant others had discussed whether I fit the prophecy.

"To become a Jedi you expect not, hmm?" Yoda asked with a faint smile.

I shrugged once more. "Well, there's always a chance I'm not taken, right? So why shouldn't I have plans for that possibility?"

"If only other Initiates and Padawans were able to see that truth," Vilbum said quietly with a shake of his head. "Very well, if you are not taken as a Padawan by your thirteenth cycle, we will grant you credits equal to the amount the museum has paid for the freighter. Is that acceptable?"

I nodded slowly. I'd prefer to take the old ship if only to scrap it to ensure no one could recover anything from the computers, but I guess I could always find out which museum bought the ship and ensure it suffered an 'accident'. No point leaving a loose end after all. And I'd only need that money if I couldn't find a good match for a Jedi Master, I thought. Though having it regardless would be useful, I doubted I could change their minds on this.

"Then I congratulate you on setting a new record for the Initiate obstacle course but ask that any new abilities you discover are reported to a Master immediately and order you not to teach any controlled abilities to your fellow Initiates. You may go." Vilbum said, and I heard the doors open behind me.

'Fat chance of that. You'll probably just say I can't use those powers either.' I thought as I turned only to stop and turn back to the Council.

"You have something to ask?" Vilbum asked as he saw that I had stopped.

"Yes. I was wondering if you could tell me how exactly I arrived on Coruscant nearly four thousand years after I left Talravin," I said slowly. Mentally I had just put it down to the PtB playing with time, but perhaps there was a technical reason as to why it had happened.

"Ah, yes. We had forgotten to inform you of that." Vilbum replied before shuffling a little in his seat. "I am unsure of your exact understanding of hyperspace mechanics and the mechanical component of a starship, but in simplest terms, the console in the cockpit that was damaged during your struggle with the Sith was a temporal compensator. Truthfully, the exact technical understanding is beyond me, but our technicians assure us that the damage to that is what caused you to travel thousands of years forward in time within a few days."

I bowed a touch, more for show than to give thanks for the answer. "Thank you, Master Vilbum." With that, I turned and left the chamber and quickly crossed the small antechamber outside.

As I entered the elevator, I dropped Player’s Mind and growled. The order to not teach others was unexpected, but I could see the reasoning behind it, though I imagined a normal eight-cycle old child would not.

I'd managed to avoid getting into trouble for using my powers and gotten some clarity about what would happen if I didn't become a Padawan – or if I choose to leave of my own volition.

Now I just had to let Serra and the others down gently about not being able to teach them until they were Padawans. 'He should've been clearer in his instructions.' I thought as the anger gave way to a small smirk.

… …

… …