Inside an isolation punishment room of the jedi temple, Zell Mooncrest quickly rose to his feet and gave a respectful bow to the Jedi master who had just entered the room.
"Greetings to you master Fisto, I take it that your being back at the temple means your recent mission was completed with issue"
"Indeed it does Zell. And upon returning I can't being to describe to you how surprised I was when I catch word that you, of all people had been placed in disciplinary confinement. For fighting no less"
Fisto said with a chuckle
"Yes,---- I believe the council didn't really approve of how I handled the altercation, between myself and some of my clanmates. But---the situation at the time had forced my hands sadly"
In a claim tone, Zell showed no sign of sadness or anger at having been given a punishment for an incident he did not cause.
"Yes, I heard quite about that"
"But worry not young one I'm not here to lecture you on what happened. While I can never condone fighting between initiates, I know you well youngling. I'm sure the other initiates started it, and you simply responded in way that best resolved the situation"
Kit Fisto and Zell had always had a close friendship despite the two not being formally master and padawan. A friendship that stretched as far back as Zell could remember. Not a surprising relationship given that Fisto was the one who found originally found Zell and brought to the order.
It wasn't an uncommon scene for jedi who discovered highly attituded force sensitive children out in the galaxy to bond with them easily.
For Fisto it could be said to have began the moment they first meet, all those years age, went Zell was still a baby. From the very moment when the Nautolan jedi attempted to pick him up and ended up being on the receiving end of a powerful force repulse, Fisto had felt a strong connection to the miraluka child.
And since bring him to the jedi order Fisto had made a effort to be a constant presence in Zell's life. Of course how ever he made sure to keep the interactions casual. This was in order to prevent himself from becoming to attached to the boy.
Leaving it to simply making small talk when ever the two happen to run into each other. Or assisting Zell in his training from time to time if he saw him struggling. Even offering worldly advice to him if he sensed Zell feeling sad or depressed.
Zell in turn looked up to Kit Fisto finding him to be, in his opinion, one of the better examples of how a Jedi should be. He always saw Fisto's open mindedness, relaxed demeanor, and kind humorous personally as a shining example worth emulating, and that many jedi should learn from.
A stark contrast to some of the more hard core traditionalist of the order. Who Zell felt held a significant part of the blame for the jedis stagnation. Disconnect from the people of the galaxy.
Facts that he had come to learn about thanks to many public forums on the holonet that happen to come across while scouring the net for news feeds on the happenings of the galaxy. So Zell was very aware of the growing anti jedi sentiment within the republic citizenry.
Now getting back on track, with the added bonus of Fisto being known was one of the order's best dualists of his generation, he's shown to had the skills and mindset worthy of a jedi.
Or at least Zell thought so.
"Thank you for saying that, and for believing in me. But I still don't understand why you are here. I thought I was forbidden from having visitors until my punishment period was over."
Zell asked as he looked up at Fisto curiosity , knowing that this visit went against the council orders.
"Well I'm here to inform you on what the council has decided in regards of what is to happened to you from now on once your confinement ends in two weeks"
"?!"
Before, Zell was told that once it was over, he would placed on a period of probation and strict observation. His movement and activities within the temple would be heavy limited, and he would continue to be monitored 24/7 via camera droids as he has been, until this period was over.
He had thought that would be the end of it. But Fisto appearance here now proved that that was no longer the case, that something else had been decided. A sense of foreboding slowly set inside Zell hearing this sudden news.
*********
(Flash back - beginning - two week earlier)
Inside the high council chamber Adi Gallia had just proposed that Zell Mooncrest be removed from his youngling clan. And the master of the order, Mace Windu, had asked her to explain her reasoning behind the suggestion.
"As we all know, from the moment initiate Mooncrest first came to us, it was decided that the council would given extra care when watching how he progressed and developed through his training. Due to the potential we saw in him, did we not"
Hearing her words all those present nodded in acknowledgment, this was indeed a chose the council made, several years prior after Zell admission into the order.
"From the frequently reports that we've receive from masters Jocasta Nu and Kazdan Paratus, I for one believe that both his technological skills and general knowledge at present far surpass those of any of our currently initiates. No, I would even go as far as to say his abilities in these areas are only slightly lesser, if not on par with a full fledged knight"
Several members of the council pondered on Gallia's words, remembering back on the reports they had requested of Nu and Kazdan. Two people who saw Zell on a regular bases, and whom were tasked writing detailed reports on Zell's activates and growth. And none could refute her words, even if they wanted too.
"This is true. The teachers of his general education classes have also mentioned that he has maintained the constant position of being the top academic student among his peers for years as well"
Plo Koon said giving credence to Adi Gallia
He's lightsaber and 'force ability' instructors have made similar claims as well"
Oppo Rancisis spoke following suit.
Adi Gallia gave quick small nods to her two fellow councilmen, for giving supporting statements towards the point she was trying to make.
"Yes, initiate MoonCrest is showing the potential of becoming one of the greatest Jedi of his generation, I think no one here is denying this. But master Gallia I fail to see how this answers master Windu's question"
Ki Adi Mundi pressing Gallia to be more direct in her meaning.
Adi Gallia paused for a moment, preparing to answer.
"What I am implying is that perhaps his superior capabilities may be the true source of contention between himself and his clanmate. And if this is the case then him remaining with them will only cause continued strife to them all"
"Hmm, yes... I see your meaning"
Windu said in acknowledgement.
"Such jealousy and competitive sensibilities are difficult to completely curb in children so young. But, even if we remove him and it helps the rest of clan Convor return to normal. Will this not hurt young MoonCrest in the long run. After all the clan system's purpose is to aid in the younglings in developing social skills, by living in closely knit groups of similar ages"
Depa Billaba showed concern on the negative effects this sudden change may have on Zell. Afterall he was at an age were social interactions with familiar faces were most crucial with his mental development.
"If we suddenly pull him from an environment he's known all his life, even an unruly one as it is, it could have unforeseen consequence"
Eeth Koth said in a calm tone.
"I don't think that will be an issue. In the previously mentioned reports about him, they talk about how MoonCrest has displayed high levels of maturity, that are well beyond his age. From this, the chances of him being negatively impacted from a separation are low"
Gallia remained resolute in her opinion that Zell would thrive better away from the clan system.
"He does seem to connect more naturally with the old younglings and adult. We may wish to at least try it and see how Mooncrest fairs"
Plo Koon said while scrolling through a data pad, reviewing the electronical reports on Zell.
After Adi Gallia finished speaking the council contemplated further on Zell's situation for a time. Most voiced approval, while a few spoke in opposition, as such an action would go against some o the jedi's long standing traditions.
Eventually a vote was held in regard to the topic.
Ending with the majority of the votes going in favor of Adi Gallia's idea. Settling the matter.
(Flash Back end - back to present)
*********
After listening to Kit Fisto's summarized explanation of the council's debate, Zell found it difficult to hide his shock. His mouth slightly open as he thought on what he just heard.
"The council, is taking such actions, I can't believe it"
"Is something wrong Zell?"
Fisto asked, seeing that Zell had gone quiet
"Hm, o, no master Fisto. Please pardon me, I was just a surprised is all. I've just never heard of a youngling like myself being kicked out of their clan before"
"Don't think of it that way, I wouldn't say 'kicked out' is the best way to look at it. Trust me, the council made this chose with the good of all in mind, you especially"
He said as he reached out and ruffled Zell's hair.
"Understood, I will do as you recommend. But if I may ask, if I no longer part of the Corvor clan what will become of me? Will I be placed in a different clan?"
"Regarding that, it was also decided that rather than joining a new clan, you will be put on something like rotational mentorship schedule"
"Rotational mentorship?"
"Yes that is correct. The final details behind it are a still being worked out but it should be all ready by the time your probation ends"
Zell was clearly confused at this revelation and it showed on his face. Seeing this Fisto gave he what information he had on it, at the moment.
"Do to how quickly your skills are advancing, the council feels that leaving you with the standard curriculum could stunt your rapid growth. As such, you will be placed in a new experimental program. You no longer be apart of any official clans or go to classes with the other younglings, as you've done before. Instead you will receive one on one training from a master of the order for about a 3 month period before moving on to another master for 3 months, than to the next, and so on"
Again Zell became shocked hearing another piece of news he was not expecting.
'My word this is all happening way too fast, I can process it all. However silver lining, if this all goes well then I will have the opportunity to directly train with and learn under several different jedi masters. Which can only contribute to my training'
"I should also mention In addition to that you will be moving out of the your clan's dormitory and be given your own room. Normally such things would happen after you become a padawan, but plenty of exceptions are being made for you, so what's one more"
"I see, but If I'm being honest master Fisto this is a lot to take all in at once"
"Ha Ha Ha! I would suppose so, but worry not my young friend. While these changes may be sudden, remember, you will not be facing them alone. Since I in fact have be assigned something of an overseer role in this matter. So I'll be checking in on you and your instructors regularly to see how things are going"
After that the two would chat for a little while longer on mundane things, catching up.
Once Fisto left shortly after Zell fell into deep contemplation, trying to make heads or tails of the events that were unfolding. In the end he chose to not overthink things or worry about things outside of his control.
Zell returned to his sitting position and resumed his meditation.