‘Back in the council room, when I destroyed the dark force field that surrounded the temple, I highly overstrained my force reserves.’

‘This was the reason I only woken up two and a half days later.’

‘My new master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, told me about the council’s decisions, that my official rank will remain padawan.’

‘Everything we have spoken in the council hall will remain a closely guarded secret. Including the fact that I am a master rank force wielder.’

‘I am not allowed to share that information, even with Ahsoka.’

‘On the other hand, every council member will know of my true capabilities, and treat me as such in private. A few other masters like Aayla will also know of this, but not many.’

‘That means I basically have the responsibilities of a Jedi Master, without a padawan, but in public I will be treated like a nosy padawan or, even worse, a simple little girl.’

‘Which I was, I guess, but it was not something I wanted to be reminded of everywhere I went. I was actually beginning to rethink the use of this age-slowing technique; maybe I should stop with it at least until I reach eighteen properly and finally go and relax in a cantina. I wanted to just listen to the bith jazz music and drink cold whisky paired with perfectly cut ice-cubes.’

‘If I sneaked out and went into one of these bars, I would probably only get the ice, though. Even that I would have to use as a cold pack after I got kicked out of one, most likely.’

‘Anyway, there is no chance that I could run away. I just tried.’

‘Obi-Wan asked me a bunch of questions about my order. Based on the questions, it seemed likely that the council wished to create a basic file of it in the Jedi archives.’

‘I only told him simple things, like how I trained, that we have some secret temples and bases around the galaxy. Of course, I didn’t give him any concrete location. I told him that if I told anyone the location of one of our temples, without the elders’ explicit consent, I would be exiled, and they would hunt me down.’

‘He was pretty surprised hearing this. However, he also sensed that I wasn’t lying, which made him stop asking those kinds of questions.’

‘How did I manage to lie about something like that? You might wonder… Simple, it is actually not a lie; secrecy is taken very seriously in our order. We can tell basic things about it to people we trust, family, friends, but it cannot be anything concrete, especially not locations. The temples are only available for the masters and the apprentices, and their exact locations are only ever known by the masters.’

‘It is pretty extreme, I know, but you have to guard your secrets, not even speaking of dangerous items and cash, a lot of credits. Inside of our bases, there are a lot of old relics hidden after all.’

‘Some hold great power, therefore pose great danger as well. Especially to the untrained mind.’

‘Anyway, Obi-Wan seemed to be happy about what I told him.’

‘He told me before he left my room that today I can freely rest, but from tomorrow my five years of duty will begin. I will have to meet my newly trained clone squad; they are waiting for us in orbit, on a Venator-class cruiser.’

‘From what I realized, it is some special force, an elite strike team of the sort.’

‘Why would I get an elite strike team? I had no idea, most likely to catch me, if I decided to act as a bad girl and attempt to run away in the middle of a mission. It’s not that I didn’t think about doing exactly that, but I had no money at hand.’

‘My ship was stolen, and there isn’t a hidden base on Coruscant. I would be caught in the city sooner or later, and then I would have to go mine for probably fifty years in some asteroid fields...’

‘Sounds intriguing enough, but for now I would like to skip that part.’

‘Aside from the dull stuff. There was a certain someone who was extremely overjoyed with the current events.’

‘Ahsoka was all over the place since she heard that we would serve on the same ship as squad commanders. It was a rare thing to get two Jedi and two padawans on one ship.’

‘The council allowed it, since this is our first official mission.’

‘Oh, the mission itself is fairly simple, since it’s our first assignment.’

‘The cruiser will patrol the K-10 grid territory, in the core words near Coruscant. It is a relatively safe space, usually, but nowadays there are hundreds of reports from traders and civilians describing some kind of suspicious pirate activity.’

‘We will go and search for this so-called group of pirates. I was thinking that it would be a brutal overkill to send a battle cruiser to harass some small time pirates; but who am I to reject an order only because it sounds easy?’

‘Well, I think I will just laze in my bed for the rest of my day, while listening to Ahsoka’s happy tirades about finally going on a real mission.’

‘Rika was also here. Dear girl was already worried about us; she was also a bit stumped since she couldn’t come along. The council is yet to assign another master to her, but because of us, she is getting out of her depression. Thereafter, it is only a matter of time now.’

‘I suddenly heard a familiar beeping sound. It was the sound of an incoming holo-call, as my wrist communicator faithfully signalled. Oh yes, I finally got one of my own. It is basically like a small computer that is attached to your wrist. You can use the web, start and receive calls, and even watch movies with it. Cool stuff.’

‘I answered the call. To my surprise, the appearing figure did not belong to my new master as I expected, but to an unassuming sewing droid.‘

“Good afternoon, miss. Your urgent order has been verified. I will do my utmost to finish it by tomorrow morning. However, I am ashamed to say that some parts of the armor have to be improvised from already finished parts, since the available time doesn’t allow me to do it otherwise.” — Stated the droid in a strongly emotional tone, which didn’t feel forced or programmed, something that was very unusual for a droid.

“It is acceptable. Just create another one for the time I come back from this mission.” — Nizzal stated. — “Until then, this improvised armor should suffice.” — The droid was visibly relieved hearing the answer.

“I understand, and it will be done!” — The droid answered, then hesitated before proceeding to ask a question. — “Still, I must say I didn’t expect this. It is a very unusual request. Very few Jedi use full body armor, especially not with a headpiece…”

Nizzal shrugged her shoulders before answering. — “Well, I am not really a Jedi, you know.”

“Ah, of course, I remember that. You are an exchange student from the Grey Order… It must have slipped out of my processor unit.” — The droid said, with a chuckle. Causing Nizzal to blink with suspicion.

‘This droid… it must be another sentient droid… Just like HK-47, that bastard…’ — Nizzal ground her teeth, silently deciding that it will be best to move along with the topic.

“No problem… By the way, did you find enough materials for the armor, the ones I requested?”

The droid cheered up and continued with its happy attitude.

“Surprisingly, yes! There was enough durasteel in the temple’s storage. It wasn’t used for decades. I don’t think that anyone even remembers we have it, except maybe master Yoda. There is enough to make a few more armors and repairs if the need arises.”

“That is fantastic! Thank you very much.” — Nizzal stated with a genuine cheer in her voice. Some of the droid’s cheerful mood must be latching onto her.

“I am happy to serve, young miss.” — The droid stated solemnly. Its mechanic eyes softening while gazing at the genuine excitement showed by the otherwise stoic twi’lek girl. — “I will print the base part of the armor from plastoid composite, then cover it with the durasteel plates in more critical areas. The entire outfit’s color will be dark gray, as you requested. I am afraid that I couldn’t find any type of exoskeleton upgrade for your armor to boost your movement ability.”

Nizzal nodded, along with a widening smile.

“It’s okay, but if you have the chance, please search for it on the galactic market in the time I will be away from the temple.”

“Of course. The prototype of your armor will be delivered to your room in the morning. Good night.” — The droid stated suddenly, no doubt preparing for the task of creating said armor.

“Thank you, bye!” — Nizzal waved at the droid through the holo-communicator. Then the call ended.

‘Behind the dispersing holographic image of the sewing droid, the silhouettes of a smirking Ahsoka appeared.’

‘She was staring at me with a skeptical and overly proud expression.’

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“What?” — ‘I asked.’

“Why would you use such a restrictive armor? You still have your lightsaber. Did you forget, perhaps?” — ‘She asked while shaking her head disapprovingly.’

“I don’t understand, is there any connection between my armor and my lightsaber?” — ‘I asked back, genuinely confused.’

“Nizzy, stop acting like a fool! Your lightsaber is your weapon and your defense at the same time!” — ‘The girl shouted with the same amount of disbelief and excitement.’

‘I blinked, considering her statement, then answered.’

“That maybe true to some extent, but what would you do if two shots were sent towards you at the same time from different angles?”

“I could still defend myself. I use two sabers, remember?” — ‘The girl smirked victoriously. Something that I found quite comical, as she clearly didn’t think further along my line of thoughts.’

“Fine. Then what if there are five or ten shots heading towards you at the same time?” — ‘I asked.’

“I would dodge.” — ‘She provided the answer just as I anticipated.’

“Hmm, and what if you can’t, for some reason? Like there is not enough space to dodge or you are too injured…” — ‘I offered my dilemma with a solemn expression.’

“Eh, I would figure something out in that case.” — ‘She stated with a frown, clearly having no answer to the particular question, therewithal I decided to answer instead of her.’

“You would die.” — ‘I dropped the simple words, allowing the truth carried by them to offer the necessary weight to the conversation.’

‘She froze for a moment, surprised by my sudden seriousness. She squirmed in her place then attempted to divert the discourse which she was clearly uncomfortable with.’

“Nah, I would escape somehow, even if they captured me. I know I would find a way…” — ‘She said attempting to act firm in her belief, but her tone was less confident now.’

“You don’t get it. They never intended to capture you. They wanted to kill you. Therefore, you would be dead.” — ‘I tried to lecture her, nudging her into the right direction. Alas, the only thing I got was an elaborated eye-roll.’

“Okay, tell me, what would you do in that case? Since you are so wise and all, Master?” — ‘The sarcasm was impossible to overlook, especially in the last part. Still, my heart actually skipped a beat, as I believed for a second that she somehow figured out my actual rank… It was, of course, just a plain coincidence.’

‘I took a slow breath to calm myself and went into lecturing mode.’

“I would block the shots that were aimed at…” — ‘I was rudely interrupted by Ahsoka’s derisive words.’ — “Oh, so you would block the laser beams… how shocking, who would have thought about that!” — ‘She argued in a mocking tone.’

‘I coughed lightly, flustered by the interruption.’ — “Allow me to finish, first!” — ‘I scolded her with no effects.’

‘A sigh and some finger waving later that only elicited another amused chuckle. I got back to my explanation.’

“I would block the shots aimed at the most critical parts on my armor, like my neck and joints. Then I would let the others hit me. Equipped with a military grade durasteel armor, I could fight in this manner for quite some time. Now you, show me your battle gear, and I will give you some tips on how to reinforce it so you keep as much of your flexibility as possible.”

‘Ahsoka looked at me with a thoughtful expression spreading across her face. Her previous joviality was nowhere to be seen.’

“…”

‘She didn’t react to my request unfortunately, so I decided to repeat my question.’

“Where is your battle gear?” — ‘I asked again, and there was a moment of awkward silence before she tentatively said.’

“I am wearing it.” — ‘That said, she looked to the side, something that I would think as an action of shyness, if this wasn’t Ahsoka who we were talking about. Therefore…’

“Hehe... nice joke.” — ‘Was my reaction instead.’

‘Her expression suddenly became annoyed. As she pointed her stinging gaze at me.’

‘I blinked, my mouth hanging loosely in the air with utter disbelief.’

“Wait, you are not joking?” — ‘I eventually managed to squeak out those disbelieving words.’

“Of course not!” — ‘She shouted at me, while hitting the desk placed between us with a burst of anger.’

‘I stared at her with a dumbfounded expression, slowly describing what I was seeing.’

“You are in a crop top and sweatpants.” — ‘I stated, armed with a deadpan expression and tone of voice.’

“Yeah, I like it since I can move as freely as I want.” — ‘Was her honest answer… but I couldn’t handle it… and to my shame as a teacher my true thoughts slipped out.’

“... Are you retarded?”

‘The next thing I realized was a pillow flattening against my face with quite the force, but it was not the end of it.’

‘I felt a weight jump on top of me while I was too distracted with attempting to get rid of said pillow. Before I knew what was going on, the dastardly togruta was already on top of me, currently beating the crap out of me with another pillow while pinning me to the bed mercilessly. I was too surprised to even think about retribution.’

‘All the while, Rika was laughing like a madman in the background.’

‘I tried to move, but Soka tackled me and also began to tickle my sides while she was basically sitting on top of me. It was a lost cause, I realized.’

“Do you plead for mercy?” — ‘She asked while I tried to push her off my back futilely. It was hard to breathe from the constant laughing.’

“Yes! Please leave me be...”

“I didn’t hear you clearly?” — ‘I heard her teasing voice right behind my ear protrusions.’

“Okay, fine! Please have mercy!” — ‘I decided to plead earnestly this time.’

‘She stopped, for a while, to let me breathe, but she was still comfortably sitting on my back.’

“Hmm... Should I let you go, I wonder?” — ‘She spoke aloud, letting her momentary superiority seep in, and I definitely didn’t like how it felt. Alas, without actually using some serious force spell, I wouldn’t get rid of her from this position, and I obviously didn’t want to hurt her. This was all a game in the end.’

‘I felt an icy shiver running over my back as an awful premonition came to me.’

‘Ahsoka ominously whispered into my ears.’ — “It seems that I have found your weak spot finally. I would let you go, but I haven’t even heard the magic word yet?”

‘I gulped drily, my voice faltering a bit as I enquired.’ — “Wh-what? Magic word?”

‘She began to tickle me again.’

“No~! Stop!” — ‘I kicked out blindly, trying to push her off my back. It didn’t succeed.’

‘I felt an icy stare burrowing into my scalp as an immediate reaction, and I couldn’t help but shiver under the pressuring glare.’ — “That wasn’t too nice, was it?” — ‘Ahsoka stated in a dire voice.’ — “Aren’t you a bad girl? I heard that bad girls ought to be punished!”

‘With that said, her attack continued… And this time she didn’t show me any mercy.’

‘I squealed like a five-year-old. I could feel my tears flowing from my eyes as she tortured me for a few more minutes.‘

‘When she finally stopped, she asked.’

“Now, do I hear the magic word?” — ‘She demanded.’

“Sorry… Sorry! I am… sorry! Please… just let me off the hook this time! I won’t lecture you again, not like that, I promise!” — ‘She smirked victoriously.’

“Much better. You seemed to have learned your lesson.” — ‘She jumped off my back and sat down on the chair with a satisfied bossy expression.’

‘I could hardly care about that though, since I was completely drained from so much forced laughter… I simply rolled on my back, gulping down air needily.’

‘Rika wasn’t laughing anymore either. She was looking at Ahsoka with a scared and weary expression. After some thoughts, she finally said.’

“You know Ahsoka, sometimes you are very scary.”

‘Ahsoka turned towards Rika with a smug smile, then asked.’

“What was that again?”

“No-nothing!” — ‘Squeaked Rika while hastily turning away from the sinisterly smiling togruta.’

“I thought so.” — ‘Said Ahsoka nodding to herself.’

‘After that, all of us calmed down, and played a few matches of battle chess. Then we told our goodbyes to each other, and Rika, since we would be away for the next few weeks. We agreed to speak through the holo-net every day.’

‘That night I slept like a rock. I was still a bit tired from the overexertion from a few days prior, and the torture that followed afterwards put the last nails into that figurative coffin.’

‘The next morning I still woke up fresh, all thanks to my careful channeling of healing energies throughout the night. Also, I suspected that there were more than a few good sides to be so young and full of energy.’

‘I washed up and showered.’

‘One thing that is good about being a twi’lek is that you don’t have to dry your hair, since you don’t have any. Not even a single thread of hair could be found on my entire body, aside from one spot, well, two.’

‘Seriously, even my eyebrows are painted; the only natural hair I have is my eyelashes. Where is the logic in that? Like dah? God must have been dead drunk the day they created my race…’

‘After finishing my early grooming session, I realized with a burst of joy that my armor had arrived in the meantime. I thanked the droid that brought it. It was an unfamiliar droid, used for carrying around stuff like this. As it left, it released a happy beeping sound. But I was already preparing to dress up in my full battle gear.’

‘The base of the cloth was created from a simple, moderately strong, but still highly flexible type of material. This part of the armor was in simple black color. This base part was covered with dark gray durasteel plates at the chest, shoulders, shins, forearms, back, and stomach.’

‘My thighs were covered in the much weaker but easier and more flexible plastoid composite, just as the other unmentioned areas like my butt.’

‘The latter was in a light gray color. I also had a full-face helmet to the set. The front area of the helmet which protected my face was covered in a durasteel plate, at least when the front of the helmet was closed.’

‘My most obvious weak spot was my two lekku. They weren’t covered with anything and they were sticking out of my helmet at the top.’

‘I hated the feeling when my leks were covered. This was the reason I never used the usual traditional head pieces of the twi’leks too.’

‘I fastened my armor in some places where I didn’t feel it tight enough, then I was essentially ready.’

‘Obi-Wan said that my normal clothes were already sent to the ship while I was out cold in the last three days. Now the only thing that had to be sent was me and the other Jedi.’

‘I walked out of my room. In the meantime, I pushed up the front part of my helmet to see more easily and be more recognizable. We were supposed to meet at the seventeenth landing pad. It was time to leave the temple, finally, not in the way I had hoped for when I entered about a week ago; but it could have been much worse.’

‘As I closed on the location, I saw the infamous trio standing before a small passenger transporter ship.’

‘It will serve as our ride to the Venator, I concluded.’

‘Ahsoka was already waving at me with a giant smile. The others were somewhat taken aback by my obviously epic outfit, yet I also realized something.’

‘Anakin and Obi-Wan also wore some type of minimalist battle armor. How didn’t Ahsoka realize the usefulness of the armor until now, if she saw armor on Obi-Wan and Anakin, too?’

‘She was a complete mystery to me sometimes. Of course, I wasn’t as stupid as mentioning this to her.’

‘When I arrived, we greeted each other politely. Then we entered the ship and soon we were flying towards our Venator class cruiser.’

‘Through the window, I watched as the temple became smaller and smaller while we continuously raised our altitude.’

‘Let me see that elite clone squad. I can already foretell their reaction. A bunch of elite troopers placed under my command. They must be thinking that it’s the end of the world. A thirteen-year-old girl is going to be their new commander.’

‘I hope they don’t throw a grenade at me in the first five seconds. Well, they are probably used to being led by padawans and Jedi overall, so maybe there is no reason to fear. I gulped unconsciously.’