Patience is the road to wisdom.

~Kao Kaliya Yang

Maybe it's cause I hit my head, but I think I need to remember where I'm going. I know I wasn't going to end up here.

~A friend after he fell through my roof

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"So, what exactly is this mission we're on?" I asked as we continued on our path.

My Master asked me, "Didn't I already tell you?"

"We were interrupted."

"Oh, well, have you heard of the planet Christophsis?"

I smiled, "Oh, I have! It's a planet I've wanted to visit," then frowned, "and it's under attack, isn't it?"

"You catch on quickly, but it's not that simple. The Separatists have created an impenetrable defense between the Republic and the planet. Eventually, they called for help, and Senator Bail Organa answered. Now, he and his relief effort are trapped. It's up to us to rescue Organa and drive the Separatists out of Christophsis.

"One task force is already there and is awaiting our arrival." My Master's shoulders dropped slightly, "But if I'm being realistic, the General in command has already engaged the enemy."

My eyebrows raised, then furrowed, "Who is the General?"

"My old Padawan, before you."

I nodded slowly and ruefully, "Oh, of course."

Once we had arrived on the ship, Master Kenobi excused himself for the moment, likely preparing himself for the motion sickness these ships create. A Clone Trooper with orange accents on his white armor took his place. The top of his helmet had a neat little fin, mohawk thingy, two antennas, a long one on his left shoulder, a small one on the right side of his helmet, and a visor improver.

"Ah, Commander! Just the man I wanted to see. This is my new Padawan, Zakriahs Asher. Padawan, Commander Cody of the 212th Attack Battalion."

"How do you do, Commander?" I offered a hand to the Clone.

He took it with a grip I hadn't prepared for, "Formally, my numbers are CC-2224."

I smiled, "In any case, the alliteration in your name is great. Well done!"

"Um, thank you?"

My Master had begun to remove his robe, "Commander, I need to leave for a moment. If you could give my Padawan a quick tour?"

"Yes, Sir."

And with that, my Master walked away whilst I was given a brief tour of the Venator. Of course, I hadn't visited such rooms as the barracks or every reactor within the vessel. We were short on time, and I only learned about what was near us as we passed by. Our ride up to the command center via the elevator was quiet before making it to the top. I didn't try to strike a conversation with the Commander. Hard to think of what to say to someone so serious.

"Now," He continued, "the Venator has two bridges: the one we're in now is on the starboard; it serves as our command center, while the one on our left is the starfighter command."

"The difference?" I asked.

"We coordinate the Venator's fire, and starfighter command is a space-traffic control center, so to speak. This room is where we'll be for most of our time unless we got out there ourselves."

Master Kenobi was already waiting for us when we entered a room with a large holoprojector at the center. There was a distinct difference about him.

"I trust you've become acquainted with the ship." He said.

I shrugged, "More or less. Armor?"

And quite distinct, at that. My Master's legs, arms, shoulders, and chest were covered in Clone armor! His tunic lay underneath; below that, his arms and legs were covered in black material—the same body material underneath the Commander's armor and likely every other Clone.

"Yes," said he, "it's best to prepare for coming."

"Maybe I should do the same?" I asked.

"If there's any in your size, then perhaps later." My Master said simply.

"We'll be arriving in a few minutes now, Sir," Cody said before I could contemplate my possible armor.

"If we can break through this blockade," Master Kenobi put a hand to his chin, "we'll save Senator Organa and his relief effort. Our next objective is to drive the Droid Army out of the system. Fortunately, we have a secret weapon. Pay close attention, my young Padawan, because from this moment on, there is much to learn."

At his stern command, which I knew wouldn't be his last, I replied, "Yes, my Master."

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True to form, the Hero With No Fear had already engaged the enemy. Much to Master Kenobi's chagrin(Especially after I ordered him not to engage.) My Master had instructed his former Padawan to regroup so that he may unveil our secret weapon.

I hadn't been there to witness it.

Instead, I devoted my time to something else.

I spent some of my time here in the cruiser's training room. After Master Kenobi told me to work on my defense, we had made to do so at the Temple. We didn't get very far in the lesson for reasons that should be obvious. With my Master's permission, I continued the session with sphere-o, every Jedi's favorite training tool.

It hovered before me, moving right, then right again, and then left. I thought it would repeat its pattern until it fired. I caught it, but just barely.

This pattern continued for a few minutes, and throughout the entire session, I was only nicked three times. At least it's not four, I thought.

The door behind me opened, and I turned at the sound.

ZAP went the aforementioned sphere-o(You know what? Nicknames are dumb. I should only use them to annoy.), and the sting to my chest followed. At least it's not five or ten.

The remote flew into the open hand of the dull, grey room's new recipient.

"What did I say about getting distracted?" My Master said as he turned off the remote.

"I don't know; I was distracted."

He raised an eyebrow, "By what?"

"Your..." I thought before trying to smile, "luscious locks?"

My Master smirked; whether at my pathetic joke or my compliment or both, I couldn't tell.

I sagged, "Don't get distracted, yes I remember," before I straightened, "but in my defense, at least I wasn't hit ten times."

"One shot may be all it takes from a real blaster." My Master said, his tone as dry as this room's color palette.

I winced and inclined my head, "I apologize, Master."

"While this may be practice, the planet itself is a different story. I need to be sure you'll be ready."

"Of course, Master."

He nodded and turned the remote back on, and I, my lightsaber.

"This time, let the Force guide you."

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The battle had undoubtedly been educational.

Our enemy was no droid commander, and he was one Admiral named Trench, and he and Master Skywalker had gone battle cruiser against not-battle cruiser for the planet of Christophsis.

The ship we transported was an experimental invisibility ship. It was supposed to be a 'get in, then out' mission, but it became something else entirely.

No, Master Skywalker had used his ship to outwit Trench and his entire crew. The arachnid admiral never knew what hit him. Or maybe he did know; those were his own missiles, after all. Wait, excuse me; I meant torpedoes. Against all odds, not only did they rescue Senator Organa, but they eliminated the significant threat of this battle.

Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker was indeed a remarkable pilot. Unsurprising, considering the incident at Naboo a year ago given who he is. I absolutely must speak with him.

After Skywalker returned from Christophsis, he and my Master piloted their own starfighters to finish off the remaining forces. I had the option to join in the pandemonium, but I decided to go back and refine my lightsaber defense. I felt terrific that day, confident in their abilities to win.

Admiral Shoan Kilian, the man who assisted Skywalker in Trench's defeat, had returned to space to command our forces against the blockade. All that was left was for me, my Master, and Commander Cody to meet with Anakin Skywalker.

And then, the broadcast appeared.

"My name is General Whorm Loathsom, and you be listening to the voice of the Confederacy O' Independent Systems. Yer Planet– It belongs to us now. We have taken over yer communication systems. Yer planetary leadership has abandoned you. They've ceded yer world to our cause...you are no longer in the Republic. You are no longer beholden to their laws. Yer world's resources will be transferred to the Confederacy. We wage this war for yer independence. Do not resist our efforts. Remain vigilant for Republic reprisals."

Those words reached my ears as I stood in the training room. The gruff, aging voice of the Kerkoiden who declared himself as our enemy–my enemy– had my undivided attention. His speech was filled with stern authority emphasizing each fact. The only other emotions I could find in his voice were pride and venom. Pride in this accomplishment and venom when he alluded to the Republic. Standing as high as his height would allow, confidence oozed off of him. His blue, extended snout, bulging teeth, slanted, pinkish eyes, and cone-like head were expected from his species; however, I couldn't for the life of me remember if his wide, nail-like claws were standard among them.

Dark blue was the color of most of his clothes, like his skin. The only thing that wasn't was his brown shoes and belt. The grey fauld on his torso was held together, making them look like three rectangles atop each other, and they matched the ones that sat on his shoulders that overlaid each piece. Draped over him was a golden piece of clothing with lines flowing in a detailed manner, likely a formal uniform. That piece was held together by two strings; the bottom had two golden squares on both sides of his chest, and the top with a notable symbol in their blue ovals. Six trapezoids were surrounding a small hexagon in the center, with the lines highlighted by the blue coloring.

The sign of the Separatists.

The speech had been off for a few minutes, and I must have stood still in the center of the room. I do know that before a Clone had entered the room to escort me to the planet, I only said one thing.

"Yeah...this is happening."

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I walked alongside my Master and the Commander on a sidewalk that had seen better days. Where once a sidewalk with magnificent buildings on its side was now replaced by broken, uneven ground with debris littered everywhere. Chaleydonia, or Crystal City to the poetic, had no right to appear this way. I don't want the battle to be prolonged when the rumbling might topple everything with us underneath.

The things that could be said and done in this city, and the lives that could have been led...

I pushed those feelings aside for the moment.

Anakin Skywalker was a rebel amongst the Jedi. Even before the war, most younglings would tell tales describing a strong Padawan in dark robes. A talented swordsman, a fantastic pilot, and the Force's most gifted student. This was no different: a dark blue, long tunic accentuated with a reddish-purple. His blonde hair had grown longer and darkened slightly since his Padawan days, for I think the proper word is rugged.

His face was unreadable, yet I felt as if it was a face that didn't smile often. Must make those grins quite the sight, then. His eyes were still blue and vast like before, yet something had changed. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Already, an interesting Jedi stood before me; I could tell I would learn much.

Skywalker was talking to one of his soldiers ahead of us. Before we approached any closer, I tapped my Master's arm.

"Is he injured, or does he have a robotic arm?" I asked him softly, and he looked surprised for a brief second.

"The latter," His answer matched my volume.

"Ah," I nodded, and we continued.

Finally, Kenobi and Skywalker spoke to each other, Cody and two Clones of the 501st(I believe) by their sides. I wonder if it should have felt like a privilege compared to before. I waited in silence for them to take notice of me, and it was only after I stood back after picking up a rock that they did.

As he noticed me, something came to Master Skywalker's lips. I'm sure it was a grin.

"Zakriahs?" He said, and his voice was light, yet there was weight to it. He sounded as young as he looked but felt cleverer and older than most would presume. And there was an edge to it as he stared at me.

"Asher. Zakriahs. Padawan. His." My eyes looked away for a moment, "Um, am. I."

His eyes made an intriguing change, a subtle one.

"Been a while, right?" I asked.

Skywalker's eyes, still sharp, waned:

"I've been busy." His right arm flexed somewhat, and he looked uncomfortable.

"Anakin," Master Kenobi said, "Zakriahs has become my new Padawan."

He turned to his Master, "Your new Padawan is the reason you and me smelled like fish for a week?"

Master Kenobi scoffed while my face fell.

"Oh," I said, "that's what you remember."

"Surprisingly," Master Kenobi said, "that was pleasant compared to everything else that happened that day."

Master Skywalker and I both agreed on that. It was a little tough to get a good read on him, yet it was easy to feel his spirits rising. If only slightly. He seemed to have lightened a touch, but then, his eyes stared at me again. Perhaps it was me, but I thought I saw the ghost of surprise and apprehension.

"And you're here," He said, "You joined the front lines."

I nodded slowly, "Yep." because this wasn't getting awkward, and this wasn't causing anxiety of any sort.

Then his lip quirked, "Well, I trust your judgment, Ma—Obi-Wan. Teach him well."

And...I felt I had become the cause of something.

"Padawan," said Master Kenobi, "why don't you become acquainted with our troops? Perhaps you can assist them with some things."

Yep, private talk.

"Of course, Master." I took my hand back and turned to the Troopers next to Skywalker.

Blue in color they were. One had armor similar to Cody's, only in blue accents and with an antenna nowhere to be seen on him. Meaning the one with more extravagant armor was his superior.

Well, extravagant is the wrong word. That's not a skirt, no, I think it's called a kama. And they have dual pistols on them, so he's one to travel lightly. There's some paint fading on his armor, so he's seen some action, and he wears a large chest piece(a pauldron, I think it's called). His helmet, though, had two pointed, blue shapes on them. I don't think I've seen anything like that before.

"Excuse me, I don't think I caught your names."

"CC-1119 of the 501st." Stood straighter the more straightforward blue Clone.

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

"Or Appo." Said the creative one, "You can call me Captain Rex."

"Captain Rex? Leader of leaders. Wait, does anything outrank a Captain?"

"A Commander." Answered Appo.

"Oh, well, maybe one day. In any case," I motioned with my hand, "lead on."

"Um, yeah." The Captain moved forward, and I moved behind him.

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Anakin Skywalker took many things in stride. Well, okay, a few things.

Put a lightsaber in his hands, and you have a talented duelist. One of the best of the Temple, up there with Master Yoda. Or so he believed. That'll change one day, though.

You put him in the cockpit of a starfighter, and he's a master of the skies. Pulling off feats that send shivers down the spines of the Seps'. Nothing could ever take away his championship at Podracing, which is a well-known fact.

People, on the other hand, have never truly been his specialty. It took a while, but he got that down somewhat. He's starting to become 'charismatic,' as some people put it, and it helps that he's had a perfect motivator. Not now, business as usual, he thought.

But he'll admit, he thought he was prepared to meet this curly-haired kid again after so long. He wasn't expecting him, much less as his former Master's new student, but he felt he could take anything these days. Something in the galaxy really likes to prove him wrong on a lot of things.

Maybe 'wrong' was a strong word; no, Anakin had been caught off guard today on a few things. Such as this kid and the dramatic arm swish as he asked Rex to 'lead on,' or his different attitude to everything around him. After Cody had been ordered to follow them, Anakin turned to his Master.

"Surprised to see him again?" Obi-Wan asked with a smile.

"Well, I guess so," Anakin huffed a smile, then frowned slightly, "but bringing a Padawan to a battlefield? He's practically a youngling!"

"He's 15, and the Council has agreed to let me do this." His Master dismissed him. Anakin wasn't sure if he liked that dismissal, especially after everything they've gone through. Memories flooded his mind as reminders of why that carefree attitude gets harder to maintain.

After a moment of silence, Anakin asked, "What brought this on, anyway?"

"Oh, just a trip to Dex's involving thugs and spoons," Obi-Wan said in a tone Anakin would call airy.

"What?"

"Story for later; we should get started."

Anakin nodded his head before he remembered something. Though this wasn't how Anakin would like to have ended his day, a small part of him was intrigued. As he caught up with his Master, he realized that if there was one thing about this mission he was sure of, it was that it wouldn't be dull. And maybe Zakriahs Asher, the clown, will actually make something of himself...if he survived, that is. Anakin's right arm gripped a little tighter.

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Nothing eventful came from helping the Clones set up operation; unless you count that tense feeling of anticipation eventful. It mainly consisted of checking the area for enemies and watching tanks descend via other ships. I'm sure someone mentioned something about Senator Organa having finally left Christophsis.

From what I understand, Organa seemed a decent man; I've heard his voice speak against the war from the Temple. Many Jedi seemed to hold great respect for the man. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to meet him.

For now, I just looked at everything.

Christophsis was a beautiful place. I'd have loved to see it with gleaming beauty, not tarnished buildings, streets that hustle and bustle with soldiers instead of people, and an air of something else. I couldn't quite place whatever it was, but I knew I didn't like it. Maybe this was a feeling in the Force, and I was ignorant. Or something in the air spoke volumes of its presence, and I was just deaf.

"Everything alright?" asked Captain Rex.

I shrugged, "No, not really. I'm a thinker, and there is much to think about. Anyways, the artillery cannons?"

Captain Rex nodded and explained, "These Anti-vehicle cannons are pivotal; they pack a heavy punch that will serve us well. They've got tanks and other heavy-hitters; so do we. With more."

Indeed, these cannons were considerably large. Compared to the mobile walkers, they seem to pack a bigger punch. It appeared to be maybe 15 meters long when we passed by, unlike the mobile AT-TE, which was perhaps over 20 meters long. Four legs that can shift into hover devices, and it's manned by one soldier with enough power to let off a huge blast. Poor whoever has to operate that thing and his ears.

Sergeant Appo took over, "With that said, they will be a significant target for the droids. When we attack, we do so with them behind our main forces."

"Our main forces will have the walkers among them?" I asked.

Appo nodded, and it made sense. I don't doubt the power of the AT-TE, but what it must lack in speed is made up for in strength and durability. And its ability to take on any terrain was a definite advantage. 'All Terrain' as it's called, I'm sure.

"What's the TE stand for?" I asked.

There was a slight pause before one of them said, "Tactical Enforcer."

I nodded with an 'ah.'

The Captain walked closer to me, "Shouldn't you know that already?"

"Possibly, yeah. Sorry." I apologized, "Pray, continue."

Before either Clone could, Masters Kenobi and Skywalker came to our side.

"So," Master Kenobi began, "do you understand everything, Padawan? Anything escaping you?"

"What're your thoughts so far?" Skywalker asked.

I skimmed over the activity around us, "Just thinking that some of this might put Master Yoda's 'size' argument to the test."

Master Skywalker snorted a strange snort, "If only."

My Master's face was just as odd as that snort, "Don't think like that," He turned to me, "Either of you."

I was taken aback by that comment before I just nodded. Master Skywalker's face was more unreadable; his mouth opened as quickly as it closed, his eyes shifted slightly, and then he nodded all the same.

Before anything else could be said, a Clone came up and spoke aloud, "Sirs! Our scout team reported the Separatists' presence in Crystal City to be larger than anticipated. How should we proceed?"

I looked to the Masters; they looked at each other.

"If there was ever another moment for action..." Master Kenobi said, stroking his beard.

"That moment is now," Skywalker stated, making a fist for emphasis.

The older Master frowned, "I was going to say we should delay it."

"Why bother?" exclaimed the younger Knight, "They know we're here! We might as well–"

"Let me finish, Anakin..." Master Kenobi raised a hand to placate Skywalker, "I was going to suggest that we take a small squad for an assault. Stealth will be the key to our success."

I think Master Skywalker looked torn between being offended or sheepish if his tiny 'oh' was anything to go by.

"We'll be taking out their heavy weaponry first?" Commander Cody stepped forward.

Master Kenobi shook his head, "I'd rather like to learn what we're dealing with before deciding on any form of attack. We'll be performing reconnaissance. Anakin, I want you to stay here and command the major assault."

Skywalker nodded and turned to his Captain, "Rex, let's prepare a strategy."

The Captain nodded and called out to another Clone, "Sergeant!"

One Clone in green broke away from his group towards the Captain. Standing straight, he awaited his instructions.

"Take some of your best men and form a squad. Tell them they're going with General Kenobi on a stealth recon."

"Yes, Sir! They'll be ready." He replied, confidence evident in his voice.

"We're counting on them, Slick." And with that, Sergeant 'Slick' turned to get some men.

My Master turned to me, "Let's go, Padawan."

I nodded and walked alongside Master Kenobi. I thought to voice a sudden opinion of mine but kept it to myself. I know I wasn't the only one who had a bad feeling about this.

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If one were to stroll through the streets of Christophsis, the wind would be the only sound they would hear. All that once walked and smiled under their sun, but now, it only shows a great battle in clear sight. The screams, the death, and the fear were still present. Hopefully, the sun of Christophsis shall shine on us, and we may banish the Separatists.

"Padawan, I need you to keep your mind on the present."

Within this small restaurant, I crouched alongside my allies: Commander Cody, seven Clone Troopers in white armor, and Master Kenobi, who called my name. I couldn't tear my gaze away, though. What caught my attention by one of the tables was just–

"I realize this is hard, but we have a job to do on this planet." My Master's voice was softer yet no less urgent than before.

I glanced at him briefly and muttered, "Of course."

I refocused on the large group of droids that crossed the street about four or five meters ahead of us.

I had seen holorecordings of their appearance, and like other Padawans, we thought them unintimidating. The droids looked very small from this distance, so my opinion of them hadn't changed. And from what I've heard, they're pretty easy to destroy. I suppose they'll work as a stress reliever if I don't meditate today. But that's a strong 'if.'

The droids passed by, and we waited about twenty seconds before making our way out of the restaurant. I mimicked every movement my Master and the Clones made: when they broke into a sprint, crouched low, and stepped as quietly and quickly as possible, so did I. We made sure to remain out of the droid's sight whenever a squad passed by. As time passed by, we had more close calls with them.

Once we turned the corner to an alley, I heard the steps behind us. Three of the skinny battle droids were following our position slowly but surely. My allies were ahead of me, and I meant to warn them. My Master was at my side when I saw them arriving, so he had already given the order by then. Fortunately, there were many hiding spots.

We were between two buildings, and one had a large, wide window for the Clone Troopers to jump in. I took to my right with my Master and crouched behind a large piece of rubble. Crouching behind my Master, I listened closely for the steps of the droids as they arrived in the alley. They were there, and I imagined they were looking around to see if there was anything of note.

Then, I heard their steps again, coming closer to our position. Even if they came any closer and turned to their left, they likely wouldn't spot the Clones. But there was no way for us to shrink into our hiding space, and there was nothing to jump above our area. The path behind us just led to the street again with nothing to hide behind. They would see us and fire. We can't have that, though.

It seemed I would finally use my lightsaber in actual combat for the first time. Slowly, I began to grasp my lightsaber and unclip it from my belt. Before I did anything else, my Master raised his hand from his thigh; he hadn't attempted to ready himself for combat. I hesitated for a second before I waited for his next instruction. So, in bated breath, I heard the droids stop–

"Are you sure what you saw wasn't an animal?"

"On this part of the planet?"

And their high-pitched voices pierced the silent air. Okay, I wasn't expecting them to have the deepest voices, yet that's also exactly what I expected. How does that work?

"We've wasted enough time. Let's get back in formation."

"Roger, Roger."

I didn't put my weapon away until I knew they were gone for good. I began to stand up slowly to check over the rubble.

"Wait a moment," Master Kenobi spoke before my eyes caught sight of them. Another moment passed before my Master stood to his full height.

I followed his example, and so did the Clones.

"We seem to be encountering more squads as we go," Cody observed aloud.

"Does that mean we're closer to their base?" I asked, my eyes skimming the area around us.

"Possibly," My Master acknowledged, "but we're encountering more squads of droids than I hoped. We can't continue our search on the ground."

Commander Cody turned his head at his previous hiding spot, "Then let's go higher up." I followed his line of sight, and inside the building were stairs. And the entire space that one could expect from someplace like a mall. Or I'm looking at the remains of a mall.

Everyone agreed to the decision, and we ventured up the stairs to an elevated platform. I didn't focus on any of the sights that ordinary people would give pause. I would often spot trash scattered across the floor, portions of the floor raised to be a jagged path, and dim rooms and sections where there should have been light.

As we went further up the levels, we found ourselves in a large, open courtyard illuminated by a large and round skylight and a fountain in the center. What should have been a shining, intricate window with horizontal and vertical lines and some stained glass with a clear sky view was anything but. The shards were spread in pieces on the floor, and its surface was murky from all the dust. And the abstract statues within the fountain had clearly been smashed and tumbled. Had I visited this place before, I probably would be in awe. Such as how I'm in awe now.

How the pieces still shine and spread light across the vast, empty space with the sun above. Dim spots of light could be seen, giving anyone who came closer the slightest sight of fluorescence. Though the fountain had fragments of almost everything from above, the statues still looked just as muted black as they probably should be. Whatever metal they used was definitely a good one. Yes, there is still art here.

In front of the fountain, there was another set of stairs. A set of stairs was a sight that repeated three more times after we climbed this one. With Master Kenobi in the lead, each room ascended to a higher level and became darker and darker. I was starting to become anxious at this point.

We were in the fourth or fifth level when we decided to rest. There were no windows to view the outside. While my Master and Cody spoke with each other to assess our situation, the other Clones stood around either checking their supplies or conversing in soft tones.

I stood awkwardly for a few minutes doing nothing. I didn't really know what I should do before I felt the urge to eat something. I pulled out a small pouch from within my tunic. Before I ate what was inside, I walked over to our squad.

"Want some?" I held out the pouch.

The Clones looked to me, then to each other before one asked, "What is it?"

"Zula berries," I answered, "Got them at a diner."

The Clone took two from the back and observed them. He lifted his helmet to his mouth and chewed on the berries before letting out a small 'hm' of contentment. He nodded to me, and I walked to the other Troopers to share. Only one Clone declined, preferring to sand by himself and brood. To each their own, I suppose.

I walked to my Master and Cody, "Gentlemen?" and offered their share. Master Kenobi rolled his eyes yet took a berry all the same.

"My Padawan tells me that Zula berries would make a good substitute to ration bars." He tells Cody, who takes his own small bunch.

Cody snorted after throwing them in his mouth, "It's not gonna be enough, kid."

I shrugged, "Maybe, but you wouldn't begrudge something with flavor."

Cody gave a more non-committed shrug, "I'll take it or leave it."

I couldn't think any more about what he said because something wanted to be noticed. Or rather, it didn't want to be noticed, but my Master and I felt its presence all the same. Our space was a long, vast hall with no actual cover to hide behind. So, exposure was sure to happen when walking down this curbing hall. Like I did when I tucked away my pouch back in my tunic. I know Master Kenobi called me to stay close, yet all I did was concentrate on the presence I felt.

Five steps were all it took before I found it, and it found me. We both just stared at each other in silence, and I realized I was staring at–

"A probe droid!"

Thank you, Master. I mean–

"I got it!"

"No, wait!

That's all he got out before the droid hovered away, and I chased it. My lightsaber wouldn't switch on until I finally had it in my space. And it did what it could to escape. It descended a few levels while I leaped from floor to railing to get to it. Finally, we ended up in another hall, it fired at me, and I blocked the blasts at the last possible second. Thinking fast, I spotted a table with a few chairs, meaning we were in a food court.

Blocking with one hand, I used another to pull the chairs and knock the droid off balance. Getting my intended results, I leaped into the air and ignited my blade. The droid was pierced, and we landed on the ground with a loud crash. I pulled out my lightsaber and clipped it on my belt with a smile. Unfortunately, that crash had more damaging effects than expected. Literally, the spot I landed on was too weak, and I fell through.

The ground gave away quicker than I had time to react. Or maybe I was just slow. Either way, I was falling, and I burst through two more floors until one didn't give away.

On the one hand, this was quite a painful experience. I'm thankful I've been trained to flip over mid-fall and land on my feet. You know, before I was falling through another floor again. If there's anything my head, chest, and the rest of my body are telling me, it's that I'm far from a graceful cat.

This brings me to the other hand. I rolled onto my back and opened my eyes to take in what I had done. I don't know how long I stared at the holes that weren't shaped like me. Since I would live to tell people about this, I couldn't help it–

"...heh, heh, heh, heh, heh..." I groaned and clapped my hands once, "Oh, Stars. Heh, ha, ha, ha–"

"Hands up, Jedi."

I paused and lifted my head to see what I really hoped I wasn't seeing. At least ten battle droids surrounded me. I didn't drop my smile; instead, I listened to my voice of reason.

You just landed in the middle of a squad of droids—just the skinny ones. You just plunged through three floors, and you're in not unmeasurable but noticeable pain. You can recover, but you need time. Think fast, boy.

"Don't you mean 'stand' up?" Yeah, sure, that'll work.

The droids didn't take their blasters off me, but they shifted about, "Um, what?"

Wait, will it?

"If all I do is put my hands up, you'll have to drag me. Isn't it wiser for me to stand up first, and you have less work to do?" I started to stand, cringing as I patted the dust and stretched.

"Well, uh–"

"Why are you listening to him? Let's just shoot the Jedi!" Said the droid with the yellow dot on his head. Seeing as they were about to obey, he was their Commander.

I waved my hands, "Yeah, you could shoot me, but," I pointed a finger, "I have a lot of information that you guys could put to good use! And who doesn't want to be the droid that interrogated a Jedi? Look at me; I'm at your mercy!"

They seemed to process my words before the Commander stood straighter, "...Yeah, you are at our mercy!"

Oh, stars, it actually will!

I spread my hands in a 'here-I-am' fashion, "Oh, and what a good job you've done. What could I possibly do? Look, my lightsaber wouldn't work, even if I try." I waved my lightsaber around, even smacking it for added effect.

The droids tensed again when I held my weapon but relaxed when all I did was give it to them.

"Hey, maybe you can turn it on. Maybe it'll be a good weapon to use against me. Careful, it's this side where the light comes out." I pointed to the bottom of my lightsaber. This is almost too good to be true! Maybe just a few more minutes...

There was half a pillar standing upright just to my left. Large enough to crouch behind, not taller than maybe three meters, and not wide enough to cover two people. As long as I stay centered, I'll never become two people.

The Commander took my lightsaber to inspect it. As it did so, I stretched out with my feelings. Now or never, there is no yesterday, and tomorrow never shows its' face. That's how it goes, right? I smiled at the thought. I felt a lot better and a lot more confident.

The droid holding it held it to its' eye(stupid droid), and then it was no more as my lightsaber sprang to life and landed in my hand. I made sure to spin it through the air so it 'killed' any droid close to him. In one swift, spinning motion, I destroyed the two by my sides, redirected a blast with Shien, and leaped above the soon-to-be-scrap.

Five down, five to go, I thought. I utilized Soresu before ducking behind the damaged pillar. They continued to try and shoot me, and once they were close enough, I used the Force again.

Size matters not, I thought with some strain before it fell crashing into one more skinny. Leaving two on my left and one on my right, and their blasts never ceased.

Darting to the right while in defense, I sliced the droid's head off. Using the Force again, I lifted its body and threw it at the last two. Somersaulting into the air one last time, I landed on one droid's head with enough strength to break it. My lightsaber was in an upside-down grip, stabbing into the last droid's chest. Quickly, I flipped backward to point my lightsaber hand at the droids, extended my left leg while bending my right, and placed my right hand on my chest with two upside-down fingers.

I flipped back because I didn't want to fall through the floor again. The stance is just something that popped up at the last second. Turning off my lightsaber, I smiled at what I had done. Then, I checked on the droid I landed on to ensure it was destroyed and not pretending. I slowly kneeled to examine its bland-looking head while ignoring the thud I heard a few paces behind me.

Wait a minute–

I got back up to see what it was but softened when it was only my Master with a displeased frown. Wait another minute.

"Padawan," His tone stern, "that was a probe droid."

I shifted in place for a second, "I know, and I destroyed it."

"No, Padawan," And this time, I flinched at the word, "that droid was a spy."

When his silence persisted and his arms crossed, I assumed it was my turn to speak.

"And," I said slowly, "spies report information. But since it was a droid...destroying it wasn't enough."

"In the time it took for you to chase it, it's likely told the enemy of our location."

"And there are plenty of trained soldiers and an experienced Jedi Master who could have taken it out. Had I not gotten in the way..." I hung my head, feeling like such a moron.

"Once more, you catch on quickly." At this, his tone lost some of its hard edge, "I only wish it did so faster."

"I'm sorry, Master Kenobi. The next order you give, I will obey." And I meant it. I can't forget which of us knows more here.

My eyes met his face just as he inspected the room, "Still, you destroyed ten battle droids. Not bad for your first battle."

"Eh, plenty of Padawans can do this in less time." I shrugged, yet I noticed he said 'ten' and not 'nine.' One of them was barely visible beneath the pillar.

"Yes, but I can think of perhaps one Jedi who tried to negotiate with battle droids." A smile finally appeared on his face.

I blinked, "So, you were watching me!"

He blinked, then nodded, "Yes, I was."

"Why didn't you help me?"

"Because, once again, I had faith in your abilities. But that reminds me," He became stern again and took my lightsaber, "while I believed you wouldn't lose, I want you to take better care of your lightsaber. This is not something you give away haphazardly. This weapon is your life."

He speaks the truth in more ways than one.

"Yes, my Master," I took it back and placed it on my belt, and we shared a smile. I let out a long breath of air, starting to feel the effects from earlier. "You know, in hindsight, these droids are so light that I could push any one of them away. I didn't really have to push that pillar down."

My Master chuckled, "Well, one learns one way or another."

"In any case, this is what the Separatists have to throw at us?" I scoffed, "These things are pathetic! I'm feeling pretty confident in our Clones!"

"Padawan!"

"What? Oh..."

When turning away from this space, one sees numerous doors leading to the outside, slightly to the right. When we looked at those doors, we saw battle droids. Scores of them all rushed to our location. Too many to count, and some grey B2 models I've seen in holorecordings.

"Another lesson, my young Padawan learner," My Master said calmly, "be careful what you say."

"No kidding," I replied just as calmly.

We took our lightsabers out and intercepted as much of their fire as possible. Suddenly, those droids came under fire of their own. Behind us, to our right, there was another staircase and the Clones at the top.

"General! Commander! Are you alright?"

"We're fine, Cody! Prepare to fall back!" My Master ordered.

And with that, we took that as our cue to jump up the stairs and join our soldiers. Not a good start to a mission overall, but it could have been worse, and I'll take that for what it's worth...