NoahShain

Deep within the chambers of the Jedi Temple, the sound of lightsaber clashing echoes across the halls. In a padawan’s training chambers, Jedi initiates were duelling in a ring, showing off their skills in hopes of catching the attention of the Jedi masters and knights currently watching from above in the Mezzanines.

In the middle is a big duelling ring where initiates would duel with one another with their lightsabers, set to training mode. A young black hair human boy leans on a pillar with his arms crossed, wearing a light brown undertunic, dark brown overtunic and tan tabard over his shoulders.” This group is not bad. Can’t wait till I go up.” He says, as his face goes smugly, adjusting his legs as he wears white trousers and dark brown boots.

“don’t get too cocky; you know how Master Yoda always corrects you.” A young Arkanian gently elbows his right arm.” looks like this match is over.” She says, seeing the two initiates leaving the ring as an older man enters the ring.

“Our next initiates are Noah Shain and Miilaa Tonay.” The older man announces to the crowd as he awaits for the initiates.

The black-haired boy smiles as he faces his Arkanian friend.” Good luck out there, Miilaa. “

Miilaa smiles as she faces her friend.” There is no such thing as luck Noah.” She informs him as she walks to the ring.

Noah gives a soft chuckle as he enters the ring and looks at Miilaa entering too. The young man has a playful look on him as he faces his opponent” Well, Miilaa, let the best one win.” the young man says as he ignites his sapphire blue lightsaber. He flicks a switch, making his blade slightly lighter and giving off a different sound; the setting was training mode.

He holds it inches from his face before twirling the blade and holding his weapon in a two-handed firm grip. He has the lightsaber at a 45-degree angle across his chest. The tip of the blue blade meets his eye level as he bends his knees slightly.

Miilaa, with a sly smile, ignites as she holds her lightsaber inches away from her face. She then leans back with her left leg in the front straight and her back leg slightly bent. Finally, she raises her lightsaber above her head. She looks determined as she focuses on the young man.” Agree, Noah.” She says as she and Noah awaits for their match to begin.

Both initiates stare at each other, adjusting their stances slightly so it’s not so noticeable. They look at each other in their eyes intensely as they wait for the battle master to begin their match.

An older man who seems to be around his mid-50s walks between the two initiates,” Remember, this is to show your skills. The knights and masters are watching you all.” He informs the two initiates.

Noah nods, not taking his eyes off Miilaa. “Understood, master Drallig,” Noah says, as he greatly respects Master Cin Drallig following his Lightsaber lessons to heart. However, his eyes never left Miilaa.

“We understand, master.” The young woman says as she keeps her eyes on Noah.

Master Dralling nods as he raises his right hand" Then let us Begin ", he commands, lowering his hand to begin the duel as he steps out of the ring.

As Master Dralling exits the ring, both Initiates rush towards each other. Noah swung his sapphire blue blade towards Miilaa's head, but Miilaa raised her Shamrock green blade, and she put her strength into her blade.

Noah presses his blade towards, Miilaa's blade in hopes of weakening her defence. But instead, Noah moves his right foot forward as an electrifying Crackle sound from both initiate’s lightsabers echoes throughout the temple.

Both initiate struggled to put all their might into breaking the lock that held them both in place. Noah, who has his might, grips the metal cylinder tightly as he tries to push the blade towards Miilaa and feels the heat from her Shamrock green blade near his head. His eyes form a frown as he moves to strengthen the pressure.

Miilaa pushes her blade forward with the strength to break Noah's defence; she moves her left foot forward. However, slightly driving the blade towards Noah forces him to take a few feet back.

Miilaa would then moves her right foot forward, hoping to get Noah off guard. She pushes him back a little bit, which forces Noah's back leg to bend towards the floor.

Noah uses all his effort to stop his back leg from bending; he struggles with the pressure. Finally, his leg starts to shake under the pressure of Miilaa's blade. The weight of the blade was forcing him back. His eyes form a frown as he clenches his jaw slightly, and sweat drips down his forehead, to his eyes and onto his chest. His face starts to become more severe as he starts to push the blade back, then moves his left leg forward, giving his back leg enough strength to make it hard for him to move back. First, on the ground to get a better grip on his stance.

Just as it feels like Miilaa will win, Noah forces his strength to knock the green blade to the left side and slightly elbows her face. Then, returning to his feet, he adjusts his stance as he faces Miilaa as she recovers from the strike.' I hope she doesn't hold it against me.’ he thinks.

Miilaa held her face a bit after the strike, but lucky of her, it didn't cause a nosebleed" Not bad, Noah." So, she says as she raises her right hand and runs her fingers into her hair to push her hair back. As she finishes, she charges towards Noah and starts to attack him again.

Noah would skilfully and precisely block each strike that Miilaa sent his way, sidestepping to the right as Miilaa pushed forward. Then, in a two-handed grip, Noah would slash downward at Miilaa." not bad; you have improved." Noah comments as he smiles slyly" However", he sends a slight force push to send her back a few feet. Just as Miilaa regained her footing, she barely had enough time to block the blue blade.

Miilaa would struggle to hold the blue blade at bay, raising her left hand to aim at Noah. She focuses a small ball of energy on forming into the palm of her hands and hits Noah point blank range.

The blast blew Noah back a few feet back. As he finishes stumbling around, he looks to see that Miilaa has Seized the opportunity to attack. Miilaa dashes over to Noah, feeling this is where she will finally win. She swings her blade aiming for Noah’s throat.

Noah recovers quickly and gets backs into the proper stance. He quickly.’ Satisfied by her quick thinking, Miilaa dashes, with blinding speed, towards Noah with a smug smile. She readies her blade to strike.

Seizing the opportunity, she lashes out, aiming for his head. The boy, however, raises his blade in a blur as he and his opponent are in a blade lock. The boy looks smug as he and his opponent wrestle, hoping to break from the intense combat.

"That was good," he says, his lips curling into a playful smirk. "Almost got me that time Miilaa," he comments as he holds Miilaa’s blade into a blade lock. Both are using all their might to try and break the lock, grunting and groaning; they struggle to break the hold, putting equal strength into it.

“What can I say, Noah? I am a fast learner,” Miilaa remarks, using her might break free of the lock.

As the two blades rub against each other, an electrifying Crackle radiates from the two blades, having cyan sparks flicker off from the blade lock. As Noah uses all his might to break the blade lock, he notices that Miilaa is moving her blade. It was very subtle that Noah didn’t notice that Miilaa uses the force to enhance her strength to break out of the blade lock. Noah backs away a bit to regain himself but sees Miilaa swinging her blade aiming for his head.

Noah leans back as he misses by an inch and feels a quick bit of heat from the blade. He moves his left leg to spin around to Avoid the incoming slash. “Phew! You have improved since our last match,” he remarks as he twirls his lightsaber before holding it back into a two-handed grip. He watches her and reads her body language. Once he sees her intended attack, he quickly raises his lightsaber to block the strike. " But so, I have," Noah says as his left-hand lets go of his lightsaber. He focuses the power into the palm of his left hand, forming a small amount of the force energy.

Noah pushes his hand forward towards Miilaa as the power of the force sends her back a few feet. As Miilaa feels the force push around her body, she is push through the air and is thrown backward near the edge of the ring. Miilaa slowly tries to get back up into a fighting stance. She ignites her lightsaber as she holds it to her right side. She raises her right hand to lift some rubble before tossing it towards Noah.

Noah would jump over some of the rubble, looking for a path with force. ’Her Force abilities are as impressive as always.’ Noah would think to himself, sidestepping to the right side to dodge an incoming attack before landing and making a dash towards her. He raises his left hand and pushes an energy blast at Miilaa.

Miilaa’s eyes widen in panic when she sees what Noah is doing. She feels the blast making her go backwards, leaving an opening, making her vulnerable to an attack.’ Oh, karabast!’ she thinks to herself.

Noah sees the opening he quickly runs towards her. Getting excited, he quickly holds his lightsaber aloft. Once he was close enough, he would slash diagonally.

Miilaa regains her balance and quickly raises her lightsaber to block the blue blade above her.” not bad, Noah, this is a real match now.”

Noah tries to break the Saber lock. He would raise his right leg, pushing it into Miilaa’s stomach. Miilaa’s eyes widen, feeling the impact of Noah’s boot connecting to her stomach; she gags as She feels the wind gets knocked out of her as she wobbles back. Miilaa drops her weapon to the floor. The green blade shuts off once it falls out of her hand. Before she could stand, a blue blade was near her throat.

Noah looking Smug, looks over Miilaa.” and that's my Win Miilaa,” he tells Miilaa.

Master Dralling returns to the ring, “The Winner is Noah Shain.” He says, gesturing to the young man.

Noah smiles as he walks over to Miilaa and holds a hand out to her.” You did very well, Miilaa. You kept me on my toes.” He says humbly.

Miilaa smiles as she takes his hand, as Noah pulls her to her feet. She gives a light chuckle.” Thanks, Noah. You weren’t so bad yourself.” she says to him as she raises her right hand to use the force to pull her lightsaber back to her hand, as she clips it back to her belt.” I mean, your Talent in using the lightsaber is a lot better than me.” She says, sounding a little sad.

Noah faces her as he smiles, patting her back, reassuring her, “So, are you in your own right.” He says as he leads her out of the ring. Once out, Noah faces her” You are the most Talented in the force, then I am. You beat me; I am still trying to improve in the field.” He compliments her as they walk by the other initiates” I can tell your skills have greatly improved; we typically never last that long.” He says,” You might get a place as a Padawan before I do,” he tells her.

She nods with a slight smile. “Who knows, but I am happy either way,” she tells him.

Above in the mezzanine, two older Jedi masters, one being an older human male in a chocolate brown robe, a tan inner tunic and white outer tunic and brown pants. The other is a purple Twi'lek who wore a coffee robe, chocolate tunic, tan inner tunic, and white pants. Both had been watching the match between the two initiates with apparent interest.

A Smile appears on the older man watching the two duels with all their might.’ Noah has a natural skill with a lightsaber. He seems as if he could feel the flow of the forms as if being one with the blade,’ he thinks to himself, finding it impressive to find rare talent like this.

” Young Shain is very Talented with a lightsaber. He moves with the flow of the forms as if he was one of it.” He says, being impressive.” Miilaa has some lightsaber skills but seems more talented in the force.” He says.

The purple Twi’lek nods.” Indeed, you are right. Young Shain seems to have some skills in the force, but he does seem to have some untapped potential”, she comments.” With Miilaa, I can see her Potential.”

“With some training, he could probably become an expert duellist," the older man says to her as he holds his chin, ponding this.

The purple Twi’lek nods as she looks at Miilaa” With Miilaa, she doesn’t seem to be very confident with her skills with a lightsaber.” She says she was impressed that she could hold her own against Noah, even putting him on the defensive for a time. And able to hold her own for a time.” but she is efficient with force. I would be very keen on training her,” she says with a small yet calm smile.

The older man nods as he backs up and turns.” Then let’s go meet them.” He says eagerly as he walks by his fellow masters and knights, with his friend following behind.

The Twi’lek looks at her friend as she follows him. “Kai, you’re not just doing this as Young Noah is your former master’s son?” the purple Twi’lek asks, a little worried for her old friend as she faces him.

Kai sighs a bit as he faces her.” De'ci, it is.” He admits feeling guilty.” I want to do right by Master Jacen and help train his son into a great Jedi knight like his father.” He tells her.

” His disappearance and his death weren’t your faults.” De’ci tells Kai, patting his shoulder.” You were always…...well.” she was lost for words.

“To attach to people?” he asks her.” I know I never was able to get over that.” Kai admits feeling ashamed.” Almost as bad when…. you know…”

“Kai, we agree to move on from that.” De’ci says, looking down.” I mean, it’s forbidden.” She says to him.

The older man nods but has difficulty moving.” I’m sorry, you’re right,” he tells her as they walk down some stairs.” It was my fault, and I should have never forced it onto you.” So, he says, when he feels a hand on his shoulder.

“It wasn’t all bad.” She says as they are nearing the two younglings.” let’s talk about this another time, “ as the two masters appear.

” Greeting younglings. My name is Jedi Master Kai Kal; this is Master De'ci Bym'lack,” Kal reveals to the two younglings.

The two younglings look up to the older Jedi who appears before them” It’s an honour to meet you, masters,” Noah states proudly” I am Noah Shain; this is my friend Miilaa Tonay” Noah introduces himself and Miilaa respectfully.

“You both did very well out there. It was very impressive,” Bym'lack comments to the two younglings.

Kal smiles at Bym’lack’s comment,” You both show your impressive abilities “, he says.” And we want to help guide your talent and bring it to its full potential.” He adds.

“What brings you over here, masters?” Miilaa asks the two older Jedi masters.

Kal faces Miilaa calmly" Well, young, Tonay, today we came looking for new padawans.” Then, he explains, “We saw the two of you," Kal informs them.

Bym'lac faces Miilaa and smiles softly. "Miilaa, I can tell you have some talent with a lightsaber, but you seem to use the force far more than a lightsaber,” she tells the youngling as she holds her hands behind her back.” you lack confidence in your skills.” Then, she tells her as she gently places a hand on her shoulder,” You should have more faith in your skills."

Miilaa looks up at Bym'lac and smiles softly as she looks into her eyes. “I understand, master Bym'lac,” she says happily as she feels comfortable and confident.

Kal turns to face Noah with a serious expression. "Noah, I’ve noticed that you are very talented with a lightsaber,” he tells him.” you also seem to follow the flow of the blade as if you were connected with it.” He says to him as he has a calm tone. He crosses his arms and looks at him” However”, he says with a stern tone in his voice, as he uncrosses his arms.” you seem to lack a few things”, he states,” such as using the force to your advantage," he informs him as he places his right hand on his hip. He cleans some sleep out of his eyes with his left hand", and your footwork needs some work. But other than that, you show great promise." He says as he shows a soft expression at the young man.

Noah listens to Master Kal's insight into his abilities and flaws that he needs to improve.” I understand, Master Kal. And thank you for your input.” He says humbly.

Kal smiles lightly at the young man”, And I believe experience is the best teacher,” he tells Noah.” Noah Shain, at this moment, I hereby take you as my Padawan, leaner.” The older man tells Noah.

Bym'lac looks at Miilaa as she gently pats the young girl’s shoulders.” Miilaa Tonay, I hereby take you as my Padawan learner.”

Both youths smile as they finally get a chance to become Jedi.” Thank you, masters.” They say in sync.

“Now, follow us.” Kal tells the two padawans. He turns away as he and Bym'lac walk towards the doors. The two newly made Padawans smile as they hurry after their new masters” I can see much-untapped potential in these two.” He says, knowing that one day they’ll become fine Jedi one day.

About 20 minutes later, both master’s newly made padawans reach outside the council chambers. Kal faces one of the temple guards.” We’re here to see the council.” He says calmly as they move aside to allow Kal, Bym’lac, and their padawans inside. Once inside, Noah looks around him, seeing all 12 Jedi council members in their seats. Noah was taken aback by seeing each master in one room, as he has never seen them all in one place.

Master Yoda looks up from his seat in the middle of the circle at the group “Master Kal, Master Bym'lac is taking another on more padawan, are you?” the wise grandmaster asks the two older Jedi masters.

“Indeed, Master Yoda,” Kal states as he places his hands on both of Noah’s shoulders” I am taking Noah Shain as my final padawan learner," Kal says, as he senses the nervousness in Noah due to seeing the council members in person all at once.

“And I am taking Miilaa Tonay, as my next Padawan.” Bym'lac says, in her calm tone, as she places her hand softly on Miilaa’s left shoulder. She gives her shoulder a light squeeze to ease her.

Sensing that both newly made padawans were feeling, Nervous Obi-wan speaks up.” you needn't be Uneasy, Padawans.” Obi-wan tries to ease the young youths.” I understand your nervousness. I was like that myself once." Obi-wan says gently and calmly, remembering when he first met the high council as a padawan.

The young teens both bow to Obi-Wan. “Thank you, Master Kenobi,” they say respectfully, as they are slightly put at ease but still anxious.

Both Kal and Bym’lac Smile at their apprentices and were calm.

Kal would look up towards the council. “You have a new mission for me and my new padawan?” Kal asks.

Mace Windu looks up at Kal. “Yes, Clone intelligence informs us that the separatists are on the 4th moon of Yavin", the master of the order says as he leans back in his seat.” Master Kal, you and your new padawan, along with Master Kenobi and Skywalker, are to aid Jedi Master Ferroda and his troops."

Kal nods to Master Windu. “We shall leave immediately, masters,” Kal says as he bows and then turns to face Noah" Come, my young padawan, I’ll train you on the ship,” he tells the young teen as they leave.

“Yes, master,” Noah says as he bows to the council before following Kal out of the Chambers. But not before hearing Miilaa’s assignment.

“Master Bym'lac, you and your new Padawan are to go with Senator Organa on peace Negotiations.” Mace Windu says. as Noah and Kal leave the council chambers.

After about 15 minutes, Noah and Kal arrived at the Jedi temple hangar, where Jedi, some clone troopers, and normal civilian engineers were preparing gunships for lift-off.

As Noah looks around, he sees a human male talking with a teenage Togruta. From a distance, he could tell they were arguing over something. “Oh boy, why do Jedi fight with each…. Wait a moment.” Noah looks at the Togruta more closely before chuckling lightly, “No way it can’t be.” He says as he walks over,” Hey, Ahsoka.” Noah calls out as he and Kal walk over.

Hearing her name being called out, the Togruta, now revealed to be Ahsoka, turns to see the source of the voice. Her lips form into a smile when she sees Noah walking over.” Noah? Noah Shain is that you?” she asks happily to see her childhood friend again after many months.

Noah smiles as he faces her. “Yeah, it has been three months already?” he asks her.

“Hmmm, Sounds about right.” Ahsoka replies as she hugs Noah closely,” But I did miss you, my friend.” She says happily, as she is glad to see her friend again.

Noah returns the hug, and he lets go after a while.” Likewise, my friend. And my first mission with my master and-----"

Anakin clears his throat, getting the two Padawans’ attention. “I am guessing this is a friend of yours, Ahsoka?” Anakin Asks his padawan.

“Oh, right.” Ahsoka says, facing her master.” Yes, he is, master; this is Noah Shain,” Ahsoka says as she shows Noah” We were in the same youngling clan. Noah, this is my Master Anakin Skywalker,” Ahsoka explains.

Noah gives a bow. “It’s an honour to meet you, Master Skywalker,” Noah says humbly.

The young man smiles at Noah as he holds out his right glove hand.” Likewise, Noah.” He says to the young teen, who holds his hand and gives a light shake.

Kal smiles at the sight as he walks towards them” It seems you two already know each other.”

“Yes, master, as Ahsoka stated, we were in the same clan together,” Noah says to Kal as he turns to face him.

“Well, now, you will also see how they both handle combat,” Kal says as he gently pats his padawan’s back.

Anakin smiles, seeing his student see an old friend; it might do some good. “Now, all we need to do is, wait for Obi-wan to arrive,” Anakin Jokingly remarks.

Kal chuckles at the young man. “Funny, it’s normally you that were waiting on. Eh, Skywalker”, Kal says with a chuckle.

Anakin rolls his eyes in annoyance. “Hey, at least I am fashionably late.” Anakin remarks to the older man.

Noah rolls his eyes and listens to the older Jedi. He faces Ahsoka.” Does this happen a lot?” he asks his childhood friend with a less amused tone.

Ahsoka giggles lightly. “Welcome to my world”, She quips to Noah.

Before Noah could reply, he was cut off by a new voice arriving.” I see Anakin is right on time. For once,” The voice belonging to Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi, who jokingly remarks to his former Padawan.

Anakin rolls his eyes at his former master.” Let’s board the ship before someone else remarks on me.” He says as he and Ahsoka, Noah, Kal, and Obi-wan, board a nearby gunship.

As the Jedi on board grab onto the handles, the gunship takes off, leaving the hangar and heading towards the sky. The gunship heads towards a Venator class star destroyer.

Anakin holds onto the handle still as he sees Noah seems to have slight excitement. The young man smiles.” First time in a gunship Noah?” he asks, curious.

Noah jumps at attention as Anakin Skywalker, aka the chosen one, talks to him. Noah pauses to compose himself” Um, yes, Master Skywalker”, he chuckles nervously. Noah sees the older man give a reassuring smile.” is it that obvious?” he asks, embarrassed that he thought he hid it.

The young man chuckles.’ It’s fine. I still remember getting on my first one during the battle of Geonosis.” He says to Noah, remembering that it was only months ago when all this happened.” but trust me, when you are in a gunship during a battle, it gets exciting.” He tells the young teen.

Noah calms after hearing what Anakin tells him, and he smiles at him.” Thank you, Master Skywalker.” Noah says to Anakin, feeling relief.

Anakin chuckles, facing Ahsoka” See, Snips, you could learn a thing or two about humility from your friend here.” Anakin remarks, calling Ahsoka by her Nickname, which causes Noah to use his left hand to cover his mouth, chuckling behind his hand.

Ahsoka groans in annoyance as Anakin uses her nickname in front of her friend.” Oh, haha, very funny, Skyguy.” she shoots back.

Obi-wan smiles in amusement, watching his former padawan and Ahsoka bickering with each other. He couldn’t get over how much alike they are.

“I see these two haven’t changed much.” Kal comments as he watches them.

Obi-wan chuckles lightly” Indeed, my friend.” The older man says to Kal.

As the gunship flies through a coruscant atmosphere and into space, it flies over towards Anakin’s flagship, a Venator class star destroyer; known as ‘The Resolute’. The front doors open, allowing the gunship to enter, flying by shielded hangars. Soon the gunship lands inside one of the shielded landing hangars and slowly and softly lands. The red lights on the inside go green as both doors open up to allow the crew to exit.

Noah steps out. He looks around in awe around the Venator’s hangar, seeing various of starfighters and clone troopers walking by and clone engineers fixing up the ship with astromeches wielding with them. He soon snaps out of it when he feels a hand on his shoulder. He looks over his right shoulder to see his master Kai Kal” Master?”

The older man smiles at his padawan” It’s a lot to take in, Isn’t it?” Kal asks Noah with a soft smile to the young man.

“It is Master; I’ve never been on one before. So, seeing all this is a lot to take in,” he says.

The older man nods to him.” I understand that, my young padawan.” Kal says as he looks a bit serious now." But don’t forget why we are here, my young padawan”, he says to Noah with a serious look. “ yes, Master, I understand,” Noah says as he follows his master along with Ahsoka obi wan and Anakin to the bridge.

Meanwhile, on the Resolute Bridge

An older man with dark brown hair and a neat moustache leads two naval academy cadets. He stops at a hologram table. He taps into the console, showing a hologram of the ship and its status.” This here, Cadets, shows us the status of our ships.” The older man explains,” This shows us if there are any faults or we’re good to go. If there is a fault, it will go red, but if all systems are good, they will be green, which is everything in order,” He explains to the cadets.

A black hair teenage girl is taking notes on what the admiral is informing them. The young girl looks up from her data pad. “This is very helpful, Admiral Yularen.” She says to the older man.

Yularen nods as he walks over to the gunners.” And here is where the gunners and communications officers work to ensure they do their job.” He informs.” The Lieutenant here has a count of shooting down more of his fair share of droid fighters.” He says, gesturing to the clone officer.

The clone rubs the back of his neck.” Well, thank you, Admiral.” He says nervously.

Yularen then walks back to the command room near a holotable; before he can explain, the young man speaks up.” Oh, that’s a holotable.” He points out.” you use to contact other ships or personnel across the galaxy and do battle plans.” He explains to the admiral.

Yularen smiles at the young man who knew so much.” That is correct, Cadet Kerattin,” Yularen says, impressed by knowledge.” And this cadets is everything to know how to prepare the crew for battle stations.” Yularen explains to some navel cadets.

The young female cadet holds her chin as she listens to everything she and Kerattin were just told, processing every bit of info she was told. “This is a lot, Admiral Yularen. And we appreciate it too,” she says with an impressed tone.

“I agree, it’ll surely help us in the future for our career, right Kia?” the Brown Boy asks the girl now known to be Kia.

Kia nods in agreement to him” You are right, Travis”, she says softly.

Yularen smiles at the two cadets.” excuse me, Admiral.” As Yularen turns to face them, a clone officer says,” Generals Kenobi, Skywalker, and Kal are on their way here.” He informs the older man.

Yularen nods to the clone.” thank you, lieutenant.” As he turns and faces Kia and Travis, he says,” I’m sorry, cadets, but I must end today’s lesson early.” He informs the two cadets.

“It’s understandable, Admiral. Travis and I will return to the academy immediately,” Kia says humbly.

The older Admiral smiles, knowing that one day both will be great naval officers” I am pleased you understand; I will see you both when I return.” Yularen says as he orders some officers to ready a shuttle to return the two cadets.

“let’s go, Travis,” Kia says as she heads towards some blast doors that open up for them.

“Coming, Kia!” The young man says, quickly following behind as the blast doors close.

The two teenagers walk down the lit halls as some clone troopers and officers walk by, going on with their business.” one day, we’re going to command our own ship and stop the Separatists”, Travis says with pride and honour.

Kia looks at Travis with a soft smile” That is true. We must ensure we fight for the people of the republic and keep them safe.” She says to him.

Travis has a smug look as he faces her.” And me looking after my beautiful girl is my duty too.” He tells her as he shows a soft smile.

Kia would gently taps his right cheek”, And I have to make sure my idiot boyfriend stays out of trouble, “she says, playfully teases him.

Chuckling lightly, Travis looks at Kia’s green eyes” I wouldn’t dream of it, Kia Shain,” Travis remarks with a sly smile.

Chucking softly, Kia pokes Travis’s nose lightly” You better not, or it’s your ass, mister!” she says playfully.

As they both walk towards the elevator, Kia presses the button as she and Travis wait. Luckily, they didn’t need to wait as long as a ding hear, and it opens up. Kia and Travis look up and move aside as generals Kenobi, Skywalker, and Kal emerge from the lift, followed by Ahsoka and Noah. Kia looks at Noah, curious that the young man has a similar resemblance to herself.

Before Kia could stop the young man, her thoughts were interrupted” Hey Kia, let’s go”, Travis calls out to Kia before entering the elevator.

“Coming,” Kia says as she hurries inside the lift, but she looks back at Noah before the doors close behind her. The lift goes down.” I see the Jedi are going off on a mission.” Kia says as she leans against a wall, but her mind returns to the boy.

With a soft smile, Travis chuckles lightly, " Yeah, and soon that will be us one day, fighting alongside them.” He informs her.

Kia nods to her boyfriend.” I guess you’re right.” As the lift dings, showing that they have arrived at their destination, “Here’s our stop.” She says as the doors open up, revealing the hangar bay.

“Now, hurry back before we’re late, Cadet Shain,” Travis replies with a smug look as he faces Kia. “After all, we wouldn’t want to set a bad example to the other cadets now, would we?” he asks Kia, who rolls her eyes at him.

“Come on, Captain Romeo, let’s go,” Kia says as she and Travis walk over to the shuttle. As they approach the shuttle, they see clone troopers’ squads marching around and pilots hurrying and getting their starfighters ready.

As both Kia and Travis reach the shuttle, the pilot looks at them” Are you cadets Kia Shain and Travis Kerattin?” the pilot asks the two cadets before him.

“Yes, we are,” Kia says as she and Travis hold out there I.Ds to the pilot who looks over them.

“Everything checks out. Ok, get aboard when ready, and I’ll return you to the academy.” The pilot informs them.

The two teens soon board the attack shuttle as they get into their seats, and pull a safety bar down onto themselves. They soon take their seats and pull a bar over them as they feel the shuttle shake lightly, showing that the shuttle is taking off.

“Hopefully, the Admiral will be ok on his mission,” Travis says. Kia turns to face her boyfriend. “He will, Travis; he’s not reckless as his Jedi general”, Kia remarks with a smile.

The young man chuckles softly.” That’s true.” He says as the shuttle returns to Coruscant.

Meanwhile, back on the bridge:

The five Jedi walk towards the bridge, but Noah looks back to the elevator. He had a weird feeling but saw that the doors were already shut. His thoughts get interrupted.” Noah, you coming?” Ahsoka asks her old friend.

Noah looks back to Ahsoka.” Hm? Oh yes, coming.” He says, jogging back to the small group. “Sorry about that.” He says.

“It’s quite all right, Noah,” Kal tells Noah softly as he guides them inside the bridge. The group of Jedi see Admiral Yularen.

Anakin turns to Yularen” Admiral, are we all set?” Anakin Asks his admiral as he crosses his arms.

The older man nods to his Jedi general “Yes, we are General Skywalker.” The older man informs Anakin when he notices two new faces.” This must be General Kai Kal that you mention?” Yularen asks Anakin with curiousness.

Anakin nods as he steps aside to have Kai and Noah in view. “This is Kai Kal and his newly appointed padawan Noah Shain.” Anakin introduced the doe to Yularen.

Noah bows to the older man” It’s a pleasure to meet you, Admiral Yularen”, Noah says humbly.

Yularen smiles at the new Padawan. “Likewise, Commander Shain, welcome aboard,” Yularen says.

Slightly confused by the rank, Noah raises an eyebrow” Commander?” he asks.

Kal mentally slaps himself on the forehead” Oh right, I forgot to mention this.” Kal explains as he faces Noah.” In the grand army of the Republic, the Jedi have been given ranks. Padawans are commanders’ knights, and masters are generals.” Kal explains to Noah, who nods to his master.

“Understood, Master Kal,” Noah says.” I am not going to lie; I am pretty nervous. Going into my first battle. And fighting with the clones.” Noah says, rubbing the back of his head.

“Lucky for you, my young Padawan, we have more than enough time before we arrive,” Kal informs Noah.” Let us train so you are ready for what awaits us on the mission.” Kal says as he leads Noah out of the bridge and towards the training room of the Venator. ‘I won’t fail you, Master Shain. I will train your son into the Jedi, like you.’ Kal thinks to himself.

” I’m coming, master.” Noah replies as he follows his master out of the bridge, passing by some deck officers.” Sorry.” He says as he gets to his master’s side. As he follows Kal, his mind goes to the black hair girl.’ Who was she? And why did I feel a connection?’ he ponders to himself.

On the shuttle, Kia was in deep thought as well. She thinks about the boy she saw before leaving, as she felt something familiar. She has no idea why, but she probably has to look at it when she is not busy. ‘That boy, he looks familiar, but why?”

(credit for art for this cover goes to @JuliaTheSpaceLady