The grand Council Chamber had been transformed.
Where normally only the twelve Council seats occupied the circular room, now nearly twenty Jedi Masters and Knights stood in a loose semicircle, their robes pristine, their expressions solemn. Morning light streamed through the high windows, casting golden rays across the polished floor.
We stood in the center, the five of us, our newly woven Padawan braids still unfamiliar against our necks.
Master Yoda stood at the center of the Council seats, his gimer stick planted firmly on the floor. Beside him, Master Windu's expression was unreadable. Master Plo Koon's mask reflected the morning light. Master Fay stood near the windows, her blonde hair catching the sun like a halo.
"Gathered here today, we are," Yoda began, his ancient voice carrying easily through the chamber, "to witness the selection of Padawan learners. Five younglings have completed their trials. Five have proven themselves worthy. Now, choose them, Masters may."
He gestured to the assembled Masters. "Step forward, those who would take an apprentice. Speak your choice, and let the Force guide your decision."
The silence that followed was heavy with anticipation. I felt Seris's presence beside me, steady and bright. Anakin's nervous energy radiated from my other side. Derren's calm anchored us all. Barriss's gentle warmth wrapped around us like a blanket.
We're ready, I thought. Whatever comes next, we're ready.
Master Luminara Unduli stepped forward first, her Mirialan features serene, her hands folded within her sleeves.
"I would take Barriss Offee as my Padawan learner," she said, her voice clear and formal. "Her trial revealed a healer's heart and a wisdom beyond her years. She chose compassion when the easier path was judgment. She chose to save both lives when told she could only save one. This is the mark of a true Jedi healer, to see the value in all life, even those who have caused harm."
Luminara's eyes found Barriss. "I would be honored to guide you on the path of healing, young one. To help you develop your gifts and teach you the deeper mysteries of the living Force as a fellow Mirialan."
Barriss stepped forward, her blue eyes shining. She bowed deeply, her voice steady despite the emotion I could feel radiating from her.
"I accept, Master Luminara. I will strive to be worthy of your teachings."
Luminara nodded and gestured for Barriss to join her at the edge of the circle.
I felt a pang of loss as Barriss moved away from our formation, but also pride. Luminara was a Master who understood the healing arts, who could help Barriss become everything she was meant to be. She was highly skilled and could provide excellent technical training, discipline, and a strong foundation in the Force. Though somewhat detached in her methods, she was exactly what Barriss needed to refine her natural gifts.
Master An'ya Kuro stepped forward next, her dark robes seeming to absorb the light around her. She looked at the three of us remaining for a long moment, then spoke.
"Padawan Cain," she said, her voice carrying absolute authority, "I would be honored to instruct you, but I don't think I am the right fit to help you reach your greatest potential. Just know I am always available should you choose to seek any instruction I can give."
I bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Master. I will remember that."
She then looked to Seris. "Young lady, you would be a perfect student for me."
That made Seris smile somewhat smugly.
"That's why I'm not going to be your Master."
Seris's eyes opened slightly in surprise. "Why not, Master? If you're perfect for me, shouldn't that mean...."
Master Kuro raised her hand. "Child, you need a master that will help you grow in new ways than you're used to, and not one that will stick you to what you already know. I want you to grow into the woman and Jedi I know you can become. I'm humble enough to know this about myself, and just like Cain, should you seek some extra guidance, I will always be available to you."
Kuro smiled at Seris, and Seris nodded back, though I could feel her confusion and slight disappointment through our bond.
Then Kuro's expression grew more serious as she looked toward Derren.
"I would take Derren Talvos as my Padawan learner," she said, and her voice was quiet but carried absolute authority. "His trial revealed a protector's soul, one who would sacrifice himself without hesitation to shield the innocent. But protection without wisdom is merely martyrdom. Sacrifice without strategy is a waste."
Her eyes, sharp and knowing, fixed on Derren. "I will teach you to be more than a shield, young one. I will teach you to be a weapon and a shield, precise, controlled, devastating when necessary. I will push you harder than you've ever been pushed. I will demand more than you think you can give. And when you emerge from my training, you will be a Guardian worthy of the title."
Derren's blue eyes widened slightly. I felt his nervousness spike, Kuro's reputation was formidable, her training methods notoriously harsh, but beneath it was determination.
"Master Kuro," Derren said, his voice slightly uncertain, "you're saying it like I don't have a choice."
"You don't have a choice."
Derren's smile disappeared in confusion. "What?"
"When Master Yoda asked me to proctor your trials, I told him I wanted you as my student. He agreed with no problems whatsoever."
I felt Derren start to radiate nervousness, and what felt like fear, from our connection.
"You are a talented individual, Derren, but you seem to have a lack of motivation," Kuro continued. "So the Council has agreed I'm the right Master to teach you into knighthood."
Derren smiled nervously and bowed respectfully. "Master Kuro, it will be my honor to be under your instruction."
He joined her at the edge of the circle, and I could tell he'd accepted that he was stuck somewhere he didn't want to be. But I agreed with Kuro completely. Derren was basically a genius, and if he took things seriously, he might be one of the few people outside of Anakin in the future who could give Sidious a run for his money. Kuro was considered a highly effective yet deeply unorthodox and harsh Jedi Master. Known for training difficult students like A'Sharad Hett, she favored brutal training methods, often using verbal taunts and intense, physically damaging sparring to prepare apprentices for the harsh realities of the dark side. He would suffer under her training, but he would emerge stronger for it.
Obi-Wan Kenobi stepped forward next, and I felt Anakin's presence flare with hope and anxiety beside me.
"I would take Anakin Skywalker as my Padawan learner," Obi-Wan said, his voice formal but warm.
Obi-Wan's blue-gray eyes found Anakin. "My Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, believed you were the Chosen One. He died believing it. I don't know if that's true, I don't know if anyone can know. But I do know that you have extraordinary potential, Anakin. And I would be honored to help you realize it."
Anakin's face lit up with a mixture of grief and hope. "I accept, Knight Kenobi. I will honor Qui-Gon's memory and strive to become the Jedi he believed I could be."
"Then we'll do it together," Obi-Wan said, and there was something in his expression, a mixture of grief and hope and determination, that made me believe they would be good for each other.
Anakin joined Obi-Wan, and I felt another pang of loss mixed with relief. Obi-Wan was disciplined, patient, and deeply committed to honoring Qui-Gon's legacy. He would give Anakin the structure and guidance he needed.
Master Shaak Ti stepped forward, her red-and-white montrals catching the light.
"Padawan Seris Vhalan," she said, her voice carrying the musical quality of her species, "I would be honored to be your instructor through your Padawanship. Your trial revealed not only exceptional skill but the courage to confront your own limitations and choose growth over pride. Do you accept my calling?"
Seris stepped forward gracefully and bowed. "Master Shaak Ti, it will be my honor to be instructed by you."
Seris joined Shaak Ti at the edge of the circle, and I felt her excitement and determination through our bond. Shaak Ti was known for her wisdom, her tactical brilliance, and her deep connection to the Force. She would help Seris refine her natural talents while teaching her the balance between strength and compassion.
And then there was one. I stood alone in the center of the chamber, feeling the weight of every gaze upon me. Then Master Mace Windu, Master Plo Koon, Master Fay, and Quinlan Vos all stepped forward together.
The chamber fell silent.
Mace Windu spoke first. "Padawan Cain, you possess the sight to see shatterpoints. I would like to take you under my instruction to learn from me, but I understand others seek to instruct you. So, if you don't come under my instruction, I will be available to teach you to refine your sight from time to time."
I felt a surge of gratitude mixed with careful consideration. Mace Windu was an exceptional mentor for advanced combat and disciplined, by-the-books Jedi philosophy. He could teach me Shatterpoint mastery and possibly even Vaapad, Form VII, the most dangerous lightsaber form, one that walked the edge between light and dark. But his rigid, no-nonsense demeanor makes him a challenging master for those needing emotional guidance or unconventional training. He believes too much in the Republic and not enough in the Force's guidance. When I needed to go to Mandalore or Kamino, I doubted he would believe me. Besides dueling and learning how to use Shatterpoint, he wasn't the best fit for me.
Master Plo Koon spoke next. "Padawan Cain, I believe you have great potential, and I would be honored if you let me take you under my instruction for your Padawanship."
Now, Plo Koon was a master I would like to have. He was an exceptional Jedi Master, viewed as an ideal mentor due to his balance of immense power, profound wisdom, and deep empathy. A high-ranking Council member and skilled duelist, he was respected for his calm demeanor, tactical brilliance, and dedication to protecting his students. He would give me the freedom I needed to make moves to stop Palpatine's plan. I felt like I could trust Master Plo completely.
Master Fay spoke next. "Cain, I have seen you grow and shine since you came to our temple. I cannot teach you the art of combat and lightsaber forms, but what I can show you is all forms of the Force. Should you be taught by another Master, I will still offer you my guidance."
Master Fay was an expert in the cosmic and living Force, mystical arts, and ancient wisdom. She could help me understand the deeper mysteries, the aspects of the Force that went beyond combat and into the realm of true understanding. She could teach me about the balance between light and dark, about the living Force that flowed through all things.
The way they were talking to me made it sound like I had to choose, but that wasn't how this worked. If Revan and Luke could have multiple teachers, then so could I.
Quinlan Vos stepped forward last. "Cain, I am not here to be your Master. But I do have something to speak to you about."
I looked at him curiously. "What is it, Master?"
"I am the one who found you and brought you to the temple all those years ago with Master Kuro," he said. "I was told you wanted to know about your history. I can tell you some, but I don't know much myself. Here is a data chip filled with my mission debrief, along with my holo communicator frequency. I will answer any questions I can."
He handed me a data chip, and with it, a cloth that looked like something was wrapped inside.
I unwrapped it carefully. It was a necklace, a black, tiny carved gem hanging from a simple chain.
"What is this?" I asked.
"It's a Krayt dragon pearl."
My eyes widened. These things were expensive, not to mention extremely rare. You would need to find the right Krayt dragon that was old enough and kill it, something only very few people had ever done and lived to tell about. There was also a tiny flat metal ingot in the cloth. It had words carved on it. They were hard to make out, but I believed they were in Mando'a.
A Krayt dragon pearl, I thought, my mind racing. This indicates significant lineage or a powerful patron. Someone wanted me found. Someone wanted me brought to the Temple. But who?
"Thank you, Master Vos," I said. "Can you tell me what these words say? I can't make them out."
Quinlan stared at the ingot, then at me. "Padawan Cain, you should discover that on your own. I believe it will do you much good."
He bowed and left the chamber.
Well, that was no help, I thought, frustrated. And why was he so secretive?
I put the necklace on, feeling the weight of the pearl against my chest, and focused back on the Masters before me.
"Masters, I am confused," I said carefully. "I thought I could only have one master, but so many masters want to instruct me. Do I choose?"
"Yes, Padawan Cain," Yoda said. "Choose the path you will take; only one can truly guide you."
I didn't believe that for a moment. If Revan and Luke could have multiple teachers, then so could I.
I considered my options carefully.
Master Fay could help me understand the living and cosmic Force, the deeper mysteries that went beyond simple technique. Master Windu would make me into a great duelist and help me understand Shatterpoint, and maybe even teach me Vaapad. Master Plo was a good balance of dueling and Force understanding, and he would give me the freedom I needed to make moves to stop Palpatine's plan.
But there were other techniques I needed to master, techniques I would have to learn in secret.
Tutaminis, I thought. Force energy absorption. Critical for survival against Sith lightning and energy attacks. I'll need to master that if I'm going to face Sidious or Dooku. Dark Transfer, or essence transfer. I need to understand it without practicing it. Know how it works so I can counter it if Sidious tries to use it.
Electric Judgment. The light side equivalent of Force Lightning. A refinement beyond basic understanding, something that requires perfect control and balance.
Vaapad and Shatterpoint . Learning from Mace's will give me those two, and I could add them to my own style. And advanced lightsaber forms. Particularly perfecting Form V, Djem So, for when I inevitably have to duel alongside or against Anakin.
I also needed to understand my own lineage. The Krayt dragon pearl suggested someone powerful had taken an interest in me. The Mando'a inscription hinted at Mandalorian connections. Quinlan Vos's cryptic hints about my origins raised more questions than answers.
What is my true name beyond "Cain"? Who left me on that transport? And why?
But those were questions for another time. I made my decision.
I bowed to the Masters. "Thank you, Masters. I am truly honored to be wanted by so many Masters of the Order. I hope I can continue to live up to your expectations."
I turned to Master Windu. "Master Windu, I would like to practice dueling with you sometime and learn how to better my understanding of Shatterpoint."
Master Windu nodded and bowed. "I understand, Padawan Cain. I look forward to our sessions in the future."
I turned to Master Fay. "Master Fay, I would love it if from time to time you could instruct me on the ways of the Force and how to listen to it better."
Master Fay smiled and nodded. "It would be my honor, Padawan Cain."
Finally, I bowed to Master Plo. "Master Koon, it would be my honor if you took me under your tutelage."
Plo bowed back. "The honor is mine, Padawan Cain."
I joined him at the edge of the circle, feeling the rightness of the choice settle into my bones. Master Yoda tapped his gimer stick against the floor, drawing all attention back to the center.
"Chosen, you have been," he said, his eyes moving from one of us to the next. "Padawan learners, you are now. A great honor, this is. A great responsibility. Your Masters will guide you. Teach you. Challenge you. But remember, a Padawan you may be, but alone, you are not."
His gaze lingered on the five of us. "Bonded, you are. The Five, you have become. And though different paths you now walk, together you remain. Forget this, do not. In the trials ahead, this bond, your greatest strength, it will be."
"The ceremony is complete," Master Windu said, standing. "Masters, you may take your Padawans and begin their training. May the Force be with you all."
The assembled Masters began to disperse, some offering congratulations, others simply nodding in acknowledgment.
But the five of us remained frozen, our eyes finding each other across the chamber. We'd known this was coming. We'd prepared for it. But the reality of separation, of no longer training together every day, of following different Masters down different paths, hit harder than I'd expected.
Barriss was the first to move. She crossed the chamber quickly, pulling first me, then Seris, then Derren, then Anakin into fierce hugs.
"We will still be together," she said, her voice fierce. "No matter what. We will still be together."
"Always," Derren said, his calm presence anchoring us all.
"Nothing changes that," Seris added, her silver eyes bright with unshed tears.
"We'll still train together," Anakin said. "We'll still be there for each other. Right?"
"Right," I said firmly. "Different Masters, different training, but the same bond."
We stood there for a long moment, the five of us in a tight circle, our foreheads pressed together in the way we'd done a thousand times before. I felt our presences in the Force, all intertwining, resonating, becoming one while remaining distinct.
"We should probably let our Masters actually take us," Seris said eventually, a watery laugh escaping her.
"Probably," I agreed.
But none of us moved.
"Tonight," Barriss said. "After evening meditation. We meet in the gardens. All of us."
"Agreed," we said in unison.
And then, reluctantly, we separated. Master Plo Koon waited patiently as I approached, his presence in the Force radiating approval and warmth.
"They are precious to you," he observed.
"They're everything," I said honestly.
"Good," Plo Koon said. "A Jedi who loves nothing is no Jedi at all. Come, Padawan. We have much to discuss."
As we left the Council chamber, I glanced back one last time. Seris stood beside Master Shaak Ti, her posture straight and proud. Derren listened intently as Master Kuro spoke in low, serious tones. Barriss smiled at something Master Luminara said. Anakin walked beside Obi-Wan, his expression a mixture of determination and nervousness.
Different paths, I thought. But the same destination.
Master Plo said we would discuss my training plan tomorrow, so after evening meditation, I gathered the others and we snuck out of the temple. We went to one of the restaurants near the Temple, nothing fancy, but somewhere we could go to celebrate becoming Padawans.
The atmosphere was warm and lively, filled with the chatter of other diners and the smell of food from a dozen different worlds. We claimed a corner booth, sliding in with Anakin and Derren on one side, Seris, Barriss, and me on the other.
Derren still had cake on his face from dessert. Anakin was enjoying this galaxy's version of steak with an enthusiasm that made me smile. Barriss was savoring some kind of Mirialan dish that smelled of herbs and spices.
Then Seris asked the big question no one had bothered to answer.
"Cain, how are we going to pay for this?"
That made the others look surprised. Derren paused mid-bite, cake crumbs on his chin. Anakin looked up from his steak.
I smiled. "Why are you worried? You didn't ask questions when you were stuffing your face with that ice cream."
Seris blushed. "Look, if you don't have the credits, I can use my emergency card that my grandmother gave me."
Anakin and Derren looked surprised.
"Wait, ice princess, you got money?" Derren said. "Are you rich or something?"
"She might be royalty, actually," Anakin added thoughtfully.
When the server came with the check, the bill was 500 credits. I put down a credit chip card and paid for it instantly. The way everyone looked at me, surprise written across their faces, was almost worth it.
"Cain, how do you have money?" Seris asked, her silver eyes wide.
"That's a trade secret, my dear Seris," I smirked.
Then the server, a human female, spoke. "You're Dawnstar! I love your Dune series. My father and I read it once a month together. I can't wait for your next book to be released."
Oh shit. I forgot the card would have my writers name attached to it. Well, cat's out of the bag.
"Wait, why do I think I heard that name somewhere before?" Anakin said, frowning.
"You're Dawnstar?" Seris said, raising her voice slightly. "But how?"
I could feel her excitement through the Force. Is she happy? No way, is she a fan of my books?
"Seris," I said carefully, "if I get you first edition physical leather copies signed, will you not ask any questions?"
Her ears started twitching. I could tell she was excited from hearing that.
"You're going to make physical copies?"
"Yes, a collection. Only 1,000 physical copies signed by me for each book. I can get you the first three books, and you'll get the fourth one before anyone else."
"Wait, really?"
I nodded. "Yes, but on these conditions: You cannot ask me about what will happen to the in the story or to the characters, and you cannot ask me about how I'm writing these books."
Seris nodded eagerly. "Deal."
Everyone smiled, still confused while looking at Seris, who looked star-struck.
On the walk back to the Temple, Seris kept asking me questions about why certain characters did things, why Paul's mother didn't stay to guide him in ruling the galaxy, and more. I answered all her questions with ease.
It was nice to see a talkative Seris.
That evening, was fun and I'm glad I got to share this moment with them.
Later in my new padawan quarters, I began to meditate and enter the void world. As the Force lights began to brighten the void, I began to search the galaxy of Force lights until I found who I was looking for.
The light came into focus, not so much a light but a sphere of mist, green and swirling. Then Mother Talzin appeared like a phantom, and she gazed at me with those ancient, knowing eyes.
"Welcome back, child," she said, her voice echoing across the void. "Did you come here to gaze into the beyond shadows again? Or will you heed my warning this time?"
I bowed respectfully. "Thank you for saving me last time. If not for you, I don't know what would have happened to me."
Talzin stared at me with her expressionless face. "If that is all you came here for, you may leave now."
"No, that is not all I came here for, Mother Talzin."
In an instant, I was surrounded by the green mist. Talzin was inches from my face, her presence overwhelming.
"I never told you my name," she said, her voice dangerous. "Who are you, child, and what do you want?"
Okay, Cain, I need to be careful what I say next. This lady was already burned by Sidious and doesn't trust outsiders to begin with. I need to be careful.
"I have come to seek your instruction to be my Master in the mystical arts of the Force."
Talzin paused for a moment. I could tell she was reading my intent, probing my mind for deception.
"Why should I teach you, a boy, for one? And a child that shines as bright as you do in the Force? What will I get in return, and how do I know you won't go back on your word once you get what you want?"
That was a fair question, and I didn't know what I could actually give her that she might want. Then a thought hit me. It was crazy, but it might just work.
"Please read my mind and memories, Mother Talzin. If you do that, I believe you won't question teaching me, you will demand to teach me."
She gazed at me with slight amusement. "Bold words for such a young boy."
"Cain. My name is Cain. Please use it."
Talzin paused. "Okay, Cain. I shall look through your memories, and if I don't like what I see, you will gain nothing."
I nodded. "I understand."
Then Talzin placed a finger on my forehead, and in a moment, my eyes closed, and so did hers.
A flash of memories appeared in Talzin's mind, my life as Jasen, my memories of Star Wars, Legends and Canon, the Clone Wars, Order 66, the Yuuzhan Vong, Abeloth, the Ones. But I could tell that even that was too much for her.
She pulled away, breathing hard, looking away from me.
"What was that?" she whispered. "Another universe, another world. This galaxy and its lives were stories, two different timelines. The Ones. Abeloth."
Then she looked back at me with an analytical gaze.
"Who and what are you?"
"I'm someone who wants to save this galaxy's future," I said quietly. "And to do it, I need your help. Will you please be my master?"
Talzin stared at me for a long moment, her ancient eyes searching mine.
Then, slowly, she smiled.
"Yes, Cain. I will teach you."
Good. I'm gonna take a page out of Revan's book and spend these next few years training hard.