Ask First Steps

[Hassan Pyker]

THEME​

Hassan had returned to the Starlight Beacon, it had been two years since he had been home and he knew that he wouldn't be able to stay for very long. He had already felt the call of the Force, it pulled him to a new sector of space that he would be needed at. However, he didn't come alone. He had brought back the Padawan he had taken from the Beacon two years ago, a young man named Caleb Clarke. The young Padawan had flourished beneath his tutelage and Hassan was proud to be the one who suggested him for his Trials to Knighthood. Their paths were splitting here, the Force would guide Caleb down his own road but the lessons Hassan had imparted would be the foundation to guide him into the future.

Hassan watched as his now former apprentice gave him a formal bow before beginning his new journey within the Order.

A faint smile tugged at Hassan's lips as he pulled out his EZPhone to review the most recent updates on Jedi Trials. He was looking for initiates who had recently been promoted to Jedi Padawan, fresh slates for him to teach. One such Padawan showed promise. Hassan's smile grew as he read through the report of her trial. He knew the Force had brought this young Padawan to his attention. She would be his next Padawan learner.

Hassan had sent a missive to summon young T'vani to the embarkation bay with her things packed, he'd been sure to include the precise bay she would need to arrive at. When she arrived she would find Hassan waiting for her, his arms tucked behind his back. His armor did not gleam like some of the other Jedi, it was worn and scuffed, the fabric of his vest was frayed in some areas. Despite this, there was calmness in his presence, the ghost of a smile on his lips, and an excited twinkle in his eyes.

"Hello Padawan T'vani. I am Jedi Knight Hassan Pyker." He said as his introduction. "I've selected you as my Padawan learner for an extended mission to the Ansion sector." He explained. "I am sure you have many questions and you may ask them once we are onboard." He continued. "But I have one for you right now, are you ready for this new adventure?"

@Remileah

 

[T'vani]

Location: Starlight Beacon

​

​

​

​

​

___The last thing T'vani expected was to be hailed by a Jedi Knight so soon after graduating to a Padawan. She didn't know how long the process was for someone to select and take on a Padawan, but she anticipated it to be a little slower. With the sudden request catching her off-guard, T'vani scrambled to assemble her things and prepare herself to leave. She forewent her usual Fiani attire, instead choosing to outfit herself with a black tunic, trousers, and a red jacket.

___T'vani grabbed the hilt of her training sabre, looking down at it in her palm. Her other hand strayed to her jacket pocket, her fingers touching the lump of her kyber crystal. The girl couldn't help but wonder when she would get her lightsaber. She had chosen a complicated path, pursuing the art of a saberstaff instead of a standard lightsaber. That decision might have been why she hadn't gotten one yet, but she was also a fresh Padawan.

___Still, this was no time to think about it too much. T'vani gathered the rest of her belongings and hurried out of the room, going through the now-familiar corridors of the Starlight Beacon towards the embarkation bays. It wasn't long before she arrived, catching sight of the man who called her. Hassan Pyker. She approached, unable to greet him before he launched into his monologue. T'vani patiently waited until he finished speaking.

___"It's nice to meet you, Master Pyker," T'vani said, dipping into a respectful bow. "I am ready, yes! I'll be sure to save my questions until we've left. I have everything I'll need with me," she finished, gesturing to the hilt of her training sabre and the satchel of belongings she had assembled.

@Apollyon

 

[Hassan Pyker]

Hassan's smile widened just a hair when T'vani spoke. She was respectful, that was a good thing. She seemed excited and ready to go, this was also a good thing. An eager learner usually ended up absorbing more information from Hassan's teachings than one who was more closed off. With their introductions out of the way, Hassan would take a single step to the side and extend one of his arms in a gesture to the boarding ramp.

"Go ahead and climb aboard T'vani, there are two living quarters on the ship The empty one is yours, make yourself comfortable in it." Hassan instructed. "I just have to double check a few things on the ship before we take off." He explained.

Hassan had noticed the fact T'vani didn't have a proper lightsaber. Instead, the newly minted Padawan was still using a training saber. That would be fine for their first few months on Ansion but once they moved off world to begin dealing with issues in the sector as a whole, T'vani would need a proper lightsaber. Hassan made a note to put in a request for lightsaber parts to be shipped to Ansion for his new apprentice once she was ready for that part of her training.

It would take Hassan approximately an hour to finish his pre-takeoff checklist. He'd found a fault in a coupler between power capacitors, likely caused by space debris hitting the piece at just the right angle. It was a relatively simple fix but it did take time. Once he had finished this repair, he would board his ship and check in on Vani before heading to the refresher to wash his hands.

The room she would be staying in onboard wasn't large, neither of the rooms were but it was hers. He'd lean against the door way for a moment, simply looking around the room. Just a few days ago, Caleb had called this room home and some of his belongings were still hung on the walls or scattered throughout. Vani would be made aware of Hassan's presence when he chuckled at the memory of his former apprentice.

"How are you settling in T'vani?" He asked.

@Remileah

 

[T'vani]

___While Hassan finished preparations for departure, T'vani went to her quarters and entered. It wasn't a large room, but that mattered little to her. The girl immediately set to setting things up the way she liked, tidying up any mess left behind and removing some of her personal belongings to set up. T'vani had made it uniquely hers, decorated in Fiani heritage with paper lanterns, hand-carved wooden figurines, and a small fountain she was filling with water.

___T'vani perked up her ears as Hassan entered and addressed her. Smiling, she emptied a water bottle into the fountain to bring it to life. She set the now empty bottle down and turned to face the man.

___"Just fine," T'vani answered. "I hope it's okay that I set up my own stuff," she said, gesturing to the now Fiani-inspired room. "I noticed there were things already set up, and I wasn't sure if it was okay for me to take them down. I wasn't sure what to do with them because I didn't want to just throw them away," she finished, looking over at the articles still hung up on the walls and strewn over some of the shelves.

@Apollyon

 

[Hassan Pyker]

Hassan's eyes wandered around the room that T'vani had set up. She had just finished up setting up a small water fountain. She had set up the room in honor of her heritage, she had crafted the tiny nook to be her own, her home. Hassan gently pushed himself from the door frame he was leaning against when T'vani answered his question.

"The things in this room were left over from my last Padawan." Hassan explained. "Caleb tended to wait until the last minute to get ready for most things. That included getting ready to disembark onto Starlight Beacon I suppose." He continued with a chuckle. "You can place his belongings where-ever you'd like T'vani, this is your room now. And I am glad to see you making it your own." He reassured her with a smile. "I am going to wash up before we take off. Meet me in the cockpit in a few minutes." He told her, a hint of mirth rippling into his voice.

Hassan would tap the frame of her door twice as he finished the brief interaction and then head to the shared refresher to wash the oil from his hands. Once he had cleaned himself up to an appropriate level, he'd head to the cockpit to begin take off procedures. When T'vani arrived, he'd greet her with a kind and soft smile that she would likely come to associate with Hassan.

"Have you ever flown a freighter T'vani?" He asked her.

@Remileah

 

[T'vani]

___T'vani smiled as Hassan regaled her with the stories of his former Padawan. She approached one of the items still hanging on the wall, reaching up to carefully remove it. The girl rolled it up delicately, treating it as if it were her own possession, and approached a footlocker at the end of the bed.

___"I'll hold on to his things until they can be returned," she said, kneeling to open the container and stow the object inside. "I'll be there shortly, Master," T'vani affirmed as Hassan left. The Padawan took another minute to remove the remaining objects of Caleb's, carefully depositing them all in the footlocker. Once she had stored all his possessions, she left her cabin and navigated through the ship to the cockpit. As T'vani arrived and Hassan posed his question, she shook her head.

___"Never," she answered. "My home planet, Fiana, doesn't have a lot of technology. I never even rode in a starship before leaving for the temple on Takodana, and I've definitely never piloted one," T'vani admitted with an embarrassed titter. "I used to get really sick when I rode in starships. I don't anymore, but that probably tells you everything you need to know about my experiences with them." As she finished telling her story, T'vani tilted her head, her ears fanning inquisitively.

___"Why do you ask?"

@Apollyon

 

[Hassan Pyker]

Hassan listened to his new student’s response. He’d read very little on Fiana, but what he did know aligned T’vani’s explanation. He nodded along as she spoke, listening carefully to paint a fuller picture of his Apprentice’s skill set. When T’vani finally asked why he was curious, Hassan smirked and gestured for her to sit next to him in the copilot’s chair.

“Because T’vani, no Padawan of mine will be unable to fly this ship.” He teased. “Sit and I will show you which buttons to push, switches to flip, and levers to pull to initiate a clean take off.” He explained.

Hassan would do just that. He would explain what each button, switch, and lever did before her. He would explain to her the order in which she would push, flip, or pull each of them whenever they took off. T’vani would find that she had immediate responsibility.

“Okay, T’vani now do exactly as I showed you.” He instructed. “Then, I will guide us out.”

Hassan would watch when T’vani began, gently correcting her if she went to make a mistake. This would be how her training was, Hassan would give her the information she needed and then allow her to utilize it. He knew the journey that laid ahead would be difficult. Much of her training would be condensed into the 2-3 years they would have together, according to his projections. She would have to be a quick study and an adaptive learner but she’d have him to support her on the journey.

Once the ship was out into the void of space, Hassan would turn to T’vani. Regardless of if she needed his guidance or not in launching the craft he would have a proud smile on his face.

“You did very well T’vani.” He told her. “Once I put in the coordinates to Ansion we will have a few days in hyperspace before arrival.” He continued. “I will be conducting evaluations of where you are at in your training over that time.” He explained before pausing for a moment as he began to punch in their coordinates. “T’vani the next few years will be challenging for you. You will have a third of the time to learn, understand, and master the same lessons as other Padawans.” In Hassan’s voice there was an air of genuine concern. “For you to succeed you will have to be attentive, always pay attention to what I am saying and doing. If you don’t understand something, always be sure to ask me. Okay?” He asked after his lengthy explanation.

Shortly after this, T’vani would feel the ships rumble and then it would lurch into hyperspace, leaving Starlight Beacon behind.

 

[T'vani]

___When Hassan instructed T'vani that she would be learning how to fly, her already pale skin lost what little lustre it had. Among the skills she knew she would need to learn as a Padawan, she had not anticipated piloting being among them.

___T'vani slid into the pilot's seat, watching and listening attentively as Hassan methodically explained everything. Occasionally, she asked a question for posterity, ensuring she was doing things in the correct order. The girl abided by his words and didn't shy away from inquiries, taking to the process as adequately as anybody else. T'vani performed the sequence precisely as she needed, and as Hassan guided her to pilot the starship out of the hangar, she wore a smile of pride.

___The process of departing was a smooth one. T'vani required only the fundamentals and particular nuances of piloting to guide them out effectively. She paid close attention to Hassan's instructions and suggestions, occasionally requesting help and asking for confirmation that she was doing things correctly. The Padawan showed that she was receptive to instruction, heeding every piece of advice and information her new master gave her. Within a few minutes, they were out in open space.

___"Thank you, Master," T'vani said, smiling at Hassan. "It helps when you have a good instructor," she continued, watching as he entered their coordinates and elaborated on what to expect during her training. "I promise to always do my best," she answered. "I'll be sure to listen and ask questions if I have any. Speaking of questions, Master," T'vani trailed off as the ship shuddered and entered hyperspace. Once they were safely in the tunnel, the girl rose from her seat.

___"May I ask why you chose me?"

@Apollyon

 

[Hassan Pyker]

Hassan could tell that T'vani was nervous initially about piloting, her skin paled slightly more than it already was and her ears seemed to tuck back just a tiny bit. However, with his guidance he watched as that nervousness blossomed into the beginnings of confidence. T'vani followed his instructions to the letter, guiding the pair of them out of the hangar bay and out into open space. It was an excellent job for someone who had just began flying. When T'vani turned to him, beaming with pride over her accomplishment, he couldn't help but chuckle as a reply.

As Hassan spoke to her about the training she would undergo, he noticed her watching him as he typed in the coordinates so the ships' navi-computer could plot a hyperspace route. She was attentive too, both were very good signs. Her responses were what he'd come to expect from a young Padawan learner, she'd pay attention and ask questions if she didn't understand something. It was her question that he hadn't expected, why had he chosen her. The answer wasn't so simple, and Hassan didn't answer it directly, at least not yet.

"Before I answer your question T'vani. Tell me what you know of the Force. What are your beliefs about it?" He asked.

@Remileah

 

[T'vani]

___Hassan's question caused T'vani's ears to fold flat against her head. She inhaled deeply, sighing quietly through her nostrils as she mentally composed her answer.

___"I know there are two main aspects to it," T'vani began. "The Living Force, which is the energy of all life, and the Cosmic Force, which binds all those living things together, and I know that it's important to keep it in balance," she stated. "I know many cultures see it differently, like songs, oceans, or trees. The Fiani, for example, call it Eisami," T'vani elaborated on the culture of her home planet. When Hassan asked her what she believed, she paused. Her brow furrowed thoughtfully, her tail curling as she contemplated her answer.

___"I believe it's alive. I believe it's capable of thought and feelings," T'vani said, a faint, rosy colour filling her cheeks at her confession. "I know that a lot of people see it as black and white, light and dark, but I think it's more than that," she continued. "I think it has a lot of colours. I think it's too complicated to be just light or dark. I don't think a lot of people would agree with that, though," T'vani finished, murmuring at the end of her sentence. Her eyes darted away to look at the ground.

___"I learned a lot about the Force when I first joined the Jedi from another Knight named Mako Krim. I've learned even more from different people and the Order's archives." T'vani paused. "I hope that answer is good enough. I don't know if I really answered your question..."

@Apollyon

 

[Hassan Pyker]

Hassan listened to T’vani’s explanation of the Living and Cosmic Force. It was good she understood those two concepts already, he wouldn’t have to include it in their teachings. As she began to explain further of her culture’s beliefs he continued to listen. A small smile appeared on his lips as she gave a short overview of the Eisami. He nodded, interested in her people’s beliefs but he didn’t press it currently.

Then T’vani moved to her personal beliefs, she believed the Force was alive and sentient. He saw her cheeks turn rosy pink, she was clearly embarrassed. Hassan would lean forward and gave her forearm a reassuring pat, she never had to fear rebuke for speaking her mind with him. Her belief was an interesting concept that Hassan didn’t entirely disagree with. However when she spoke of her beliefs that there was more than the light and dark side, Hassan’s expression darkened ever-so-slightly. It would have to be something he addressed, but he wouldn’t interrupt her, he allowed T’vani to finish her thoughts.

T’vani capped off her answer by explaining she had learned much of her knowledge from a Knight named Mako Krim. If Knight Mako had taught her there was more to the Force than Light and Dark, that was a grave concern. He would send a private message to the Order to ensure Knight Mako was properly vetted and questioned about their beliefs on the Force. If they were teaching there was a middle ground to the Force, it needed to be put to a stop. That lure had led many a good Jedi to the Dark Side and through their fall, galactic war.

Hassan would lean forward, rest his elbows on his knees, and steeple his fingers. His bearded chin would lightly rest on his extended thumbs as Hassan thought over his response. He had to choose his words carefully, he didn’t want his new apprentice to lose confidence in herself but needed to correct some of her beliefs.

“T’vani, you know a great deal about the Force for a young Padawan. I do not want to discourage you from further research into both the Living and Cosmic Force.” Hassan began his brown eyes flicking up to meet her burgundy ones. “However, as your Master it is my duty to guide you on your journey to becoming a Jedi Knight. Which means teaching you important lessons from the past.” He explained in a concerned tone. “T’vani many great Jedi, some Masters of the Force in their own right, have pursued similar thoughts. The idea that there is more to the Force than Light and Dark, but something in the middle. All fell to the influence of the Dark Side.” Hassan continued as he leaned back in his chair. “A sense of wonder when it comes to the Force is natural and the want to explore its mysteries is a good thing T’vani. However you must be aware of the Dark Side and the lures it lays out to catch the unwary.” He gently cautioned. “However, many of your other views are far beyond even what other Padawans your age possess. I am impressed by your insights my young Apprentice.” Hassan congratulated, his warm smile returning to his lips. “Together, you and I will deepen your understanding of the Force and what it means to be a beacon of hope. I will teach you what it means to be a Jedi Knight T’vani.”

Hassan would slap his palms on his legs before standing up and gesturing for T’vani to follow him. As they walked towards the larger common area, Hassan would finally address T’vani’s question.

“T’vani, I do not select my Padawan learners. The Force guides me to them. It guided me to you and once your training is complete, it will guide me to my next apprentice as well.” He explained, turning to look at her while he walked.

When they arrived at the common quarters Hassan would move to a large chest and begin to pull out several instruments, devices, and objects. He’d set them on the screen of the holo-projector at the center of the room for T’vani to look at and take a step back.

“All of these are tools I use as a Watchman to identify the levels of Force Sensitivity within a prospect to the Order. We will use some of them to test the depths of your knowledge in the force, skill with a lightsaber, and understanding of our Order’s history.” Hassan’s explained. As he spoke he would tap a large crystal vial with a clear liquid sealed within it, a small training drone, and a datapad with a short test uploaded onto it.

“T’vani, to begin with, bring the liquid to a boil without shattering the crystal vial.” Hassan instructed simply, his eyes turning from her and to the vial to watch as she completed the task.

@Remileah

 

[T'vani]

___When Hassan began initially praising T'vani, she smiled. She took pride in her knowledge of and passion for the Force. Her expression of joy quickly melted as the man continued speaking, her once perky ears drooping as she baulked at his words.

___"N-No, Master, I didn't mean it that way," T'vani stammered. "I know there's a light side and a dark side, and a lot of the things we can do with the Force usually fall into one of those two categories," she explained, her fingers lacing together as her thumbs fiddled. "I don't think anyone can ever find a middle ground, I just... think there's more to it than what a lot of people might think," she finished, looking down at the floor dejectedly. The girl rose to her feet, following the man as she dwelled on her statement and how she had managed to so spectacularly fumble expressing her thoughts and feelings about what the Force was.

___T'vani peeled her gaze from the ground only when they reached the commons, looking at the devices Hassan removed from the chest. With a quiet sigh, the Padawan reached out to take the crystal vial to examine it. During her time in the Order, T'vani had never had to do something so delicate and precise. Carefully holding the container by the neck, T'vani narrowed her eyes and focused on the water within. She maintained her concentration, her eyes remaining fixated on the vial, poking, prodding, and exploring with the Force to see if she could complete this task.

___Inside the vial, the water remained still and lifeless for a minute. Then, T'vani could see it: the water was starting to bubble slightly. They were tiny bubbles, but they were there as the water heated. They gradually intensified, becoming more prominent until there was a constant bubbling at the surface. Before T'vani could celebrate her accomplishment with her master, a loud sound echoed as the glass cracked, splintering from top to bottom in thin, jagged lines. The Fiani gasped, her concentration breaking as a bead of water began forming at the vial's bottom.

___"Almost," T'vani murmured. "Sorry, Master."

@Apollyon

 

[Hassan Pyker]

Hassan watched as his new apprentice withered. She deflated before him as she tried to clarify her views. This was not his intent. Hassan reached out and gently squeezed her arm. It was meant to reassure her, to communicate wordlessly that he understood what she was trying to say now. He couldn’t do more than that now, time was limited and the tests had to be completed.

The rest of their conversation played out and Hassan led T’vani to the commons area of the ship. There she began her first test and while she brought the water to a boil, she couldn’t keep the glass cool enough to prevent it from cracking. As T’vani apologized Hassan smiled. None of his apprentices had gotten this test on their attempt, he didn’t expect her too either. Instead of admonishing her, Hassan simply produced another vial and walked up alongside her, his warm smile never fading.

“It’s okay T’vani.” He replied gently. “This test is tricky, it requires you to swap between heating the water and cooling the glass with the Force.” He explained. “None of my Padawans have gotten it on their first try, it is difficult at first.” He continued as he handed T’vani the vial. “What I want you to do is slowly heat the water but alternate your focus between that process and keeping the glass cool.” He explained. “I don’t expect you to be able to do this today, tomorrow, or even this week but it is a skill that is useful to know.” Hassan told his apprentice. “Many Jedi can do multiple things at once with the Force, and you will be able to as well, but it starts here. Learning to channel the Force and rapidly changing between its usages is the first step on that path.” He said with a smile. “I want you to keep practicing this when we have downtime, if you break a vial, that is fine, I have more.” He concluded.

Then Hassan would walk over to the small round drone and press a button on its surface. It would float into the air and make an inquiry in binary. Hassan would chuckle at the impetuous training drone.

“No X-47, Caleb is no longer training with us.” Hassan replied. “This is my new apprentice T’vani.” He continued, gesturing towards her. “She is conducting our initial examinations, go easy on her please.” Hassan teased the droid.

The droid beeped, whistled, and wooed in response. Then its singular camera node spun to gaze at T’vani. X-47 made a series of clicks and beeps before whistle once at her.

“He’s asking if you’re ready T’vani.” Hassan told her. “This exam will test your skill with a lightsaber, X-47 will begin on his easiest settling and slowly work his way up until you cannot keep up anymore.” Hassan explained. “Deflect as many blaster bolts as you can.” He continued. “But do not fear them, if you’re hit it’ll feel no worse than a wasp sting.” He reassured.

Hassan would give T’vani time to draw out her training saber and then turn to X-47. “Begin training protocol 1a.” He ordered.

The little droid would begin. It would fire one blaster bolt every 3 seconds for approximately 30 seconds and then the time between shots would halve. This process would continue every 30 seconds until T’vani was unable to keep up.

@Remileah

 

[T'vani]

___T'vani took the vial as Hassan offered it to her, nodding her understanding of his advice. He had effortlessly deducted where she went wrong and why she failed the challenge. Until now, T'vani had only ever used the Force for one task at a time, never several. The thought of cooling the glass never crossed her mind. The Padawan nodded before setting the vial down, watching Hassan approach the training drone to activate it.

___"It's nice to meet you?" T'vani asked rather than told. It was apparent she had little exposure to droids over the years, even in places like Starlight Beacon. "Oh! Yes, I'm ready," she said as she stood up, grabbing the hilt of her training sabre to draw it. T'vani listened to the instructions as she activated her training sabre, revealing herself as a saberstaff practitioner. Nodding her affirmation about the test's purpose, T'vani adopted a two-handed high guard stance identifiable as a modified Shien posture. One blade angled upward and behind her while the other angled downward in front of her. Her tail curled around her waist, showing she understood it could be a hazard.

___As the training exercise began, T'vani kept up with the deflection of the bolts. The young Fiani effectively blocked and deflected every bolt that came her way in the first 30 seconds, but when things sped up, they quickly fell apart. When the droid transitioned to firing every second and a half, T'vani's blocking and reactions became sloppy and clumsy. More than once, she nearly lost her footing or had to scramble to block an incoming attack. It was a domino effect, each botched deflection making the one after even worse. The chain reached an inevitable head, the drone firing a shot T'vani couldn't recover to block in time, causing it to fly directly into her thigh.

___The girl yelped, and her stance broke. Her training sabre deactivated itself. With one hand still gripping the hilt, the other fell to her leg to nurse the tingling numbness she now felt in her leg.

@Apollyon

 

[Hassan Pyker]

Hassan watched as T'vani pulled out her training saber. One of his eyebrows quirked when he realized that she used a lightsaber staff, the same as he did. She assumed a Shien ready stance shortly before X-47 began the training cycle. It was technically the correct choice, Hassan had always found that Shien provided a tighter defense against fewer targets than Soresu could. He watched as T'vani masterfully completed the first cycle of training, she kept pace with a shot every three seconds without issues. However, once X-47 increased his rate of fire, T'vani's defense began to waver. Eventually a shot from the droid found her thigh and T'vani collapsed as the bolt numbed her leg.

X-47 immediately ended training protocols and gave a series of low beeps, a whistle, and two woos. Hassan looked over at the training drone and nodded curtly once. His kind gaze would return to T'vani, he'd wait a moment before evenly making his way over to her side and offering her his hand to help her stand up. He wanted his apprentice to understand two things, firstly that he would always be there to support when times were hard but conversely, he wouldn't and couldn't coddle her. She had to be able to stand on her own, that meant he wouldn't rush to her side or solve problems for her. She would have to take the knowledge he offered and apply it quickly in order to find success.

In this case however, her baseline abilities were being tested and it was Hassan's duty to provide her with insight and knowledge.

"T'vani, I want you to practice Shien with a single blade active." He instructed her regardless of if she took his help or not. "Shien was the correct choice here, you had a singular foe. This means you can afford to deflect blaster fire back in their direction." Hassan continued, giving his new apprentice a nod of approval. "However, because you were using both blade of your training saber you were having to protect your tail." He explained. "Your mind wasn't able to entirely focus on the task at hand." He continued gently. "If you practice the form with a single blade at first, you won't have to worry about remembering where the other end of your staff is. It will eventually come naturally." He offered.

As Hassan spoke, he would pluck the hilt of his own lightsaber staff from the back of his utility belt. He would show T'vani, he wanted her to know that he wasn't simply telling her this as admonishment, rather experience. The lightsaber staff was a unique tool in a Jedi's arsenal, however it was ultimately just an adaptation of the singular blade. By practicing and mastering the baseline, she could utilize her staff to greater effect, faster.

"How is your leg?" He finally asked, his voice radiated warmth, kindness, and concern. "Would you like to take a short break T'vani?" He asked her as he returned the hilt to the clip on the back of his belt.

@Remileah

 

[T'vani]

___When Hassan approached and offered his hand, T'vani looked up at it with a grimace. She wanted to stand on her own to prove she was strong and capable enough to be worthy of being his apprentice. The thought lasted a fleeting moment before the girl recalled the Jedi beliefs, reminding her it was not shameful to accept help. T'vani wouldn't be able to do everything alone, and she now had one of the most critical connections she could within the Jedi Order. She had a master, a source of strength, support, and, more importantly, learning.

___"I will, Master," T'vani answered as she reached out to accept his hand to rise to her feet. "But I wasn't having trouble remembering where the second blade was," she elaborated as she released her grip, finding her balance and keeping herself steady. "I know one is always opposite of the other. I've always had troubles learning how to use a lightsaber since I joined. I've just never been good with them, but... I want to be," T'vani confessed with a troubled sigh. Every time the girl picked up a training sabre, even as an Initiate, it never went well. She always fumbled and made a fool of herself.

___"My leg is fine," she said, looking down at where the droid had tagged her. "I think I can continue, Master. I'll tell you if I think I need a break," T'vani finished, looking up at the man with a reassuring smile, her ears perking up and her tail regaining some of its earlier liveliness as it flicked behind her.

@Apollyon

 

[Hassan Pyker]

Hassan smiled as T’vani took his hand and stood up. He listened to T’vani’s explanation about her blade-work and chuckled lightly, he shook his head.

“The greatest tales of the mightiest heroes all start the same way…” He began. “…with a beginning.” His gaze was gentle when he said this. “Just as the longest journeys begin with a single step.” He continued. “My point is, everyone has a beginning my young apprentice. One day you will look back at this and laugh.” He explained. “I know that I still laugh at my earliest years as a Padawan.” He confessed. “We all do.”

With that he would call the datapad to his hand with the Force. On it was a test, it dealt with the history of the Order and the impact it had on the galaxy. In Hassan’s eyes understanding the past was just as important as being ready for the future.

He would hand the datapad to T’vani and allow her to look it over. With each question answered correctly, the next one would get more difficult. There were twenty-five questions in total and she could only get three wrong.

“It’s a short test but difficult, take your time apprentice.” Hassan instructed. “You only have three wrong answers, keep that in mind.” He continued. “You can begin whenever you’re ready.”

@Remileah

 

[T'vani]

___T'vani nodded silently in acknowledgement of Hassan's attempts to reassure her. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, a sense of peace flowing through her as she allowed her master's words to sink in. She felt a weight lifting from her shoulders, knowing that Hassan was looking out for her. The girl smiled, a small glimmer of hope shining in her eyes. T'vani knew that everything was going to be all right.

___Reaching out to take the datapad as he offered it to her, T'vani looked it over. She took a deep breath and began answering the questions, allowing her intuition to guide her. T'vani pondered at length over each question before selecting her answer. After a few moments of silence, T'vani sighed. She handed the datapad back to Hassan for him to review, and out of seven questions, she had gotten four of them correct.

___"I hope I did okay," T'vani murmured. Despite being told it was short, she expected the test to last longer than it did. A sense of concern swelled in her heart as her ears wilted slightly, the Padawan doing her best to maintain her confident visage. When Hassan took the pad, T'vani laid her hands in her lap and awaited his appraisal and the next test, if there was one. She hadn't expected to go through so much in such a short time.

@Apollyon

 

[Hassan Pyker]

Hassan watched as T’vani began her test. She had only answered 7 questions when the test ended. He could tell her pride deflated as she handed the pad back to him. She felt defeated and Hassan didn’t need the Force to tell it.

“T’vani, it is okay.” He told her. “These tests aren’t meant for you to pass or fail in them.” He explained calmly. “They are meant to gauge your progress, to tell me where we need to begin.” He continued. “You’re already so far ahead of where my last Padawan was when he came to me.” He assured her. “Do not be so harsh on yourself, this is but the first step of our journey.”

After these words of encouragement, Hassan would move to a meditation mat and invite T’vani to join him. He spoke to her as he began his meditations.

“T’vani, what is it that you believe a Jedi to be?”

@Remileah

 

[T'vani]

___"Am I?" T'vani asked, glancing up at the man. "I've always wanted to do well and make everybody proud. When I feel like I fall short of that, maybe I can be a little hard on myself," she sighed. The more she thought about it, the more childish it seemed. T'vani allowed her emotions and personal aspirations to affect her more than she should. It was unbecoming of a Jedi and something she would need to improve while under Hassan's tutelage.

___When Hassan walked over to a meditation mat and beckoned for T'vani, she followed. The girl lowered herself to sit next to him, resting her hands on her lap again. His question gave her pause, prompting her to contemplate her answer.

___"Guardians of peace, life, and justice," T'vani answered. "Diplomats, healers, researchers... the Jedi are a lot of things," she continued, her brow furrowing as she pieced together her answer. "A symbol of hope for some, a way of life for others like us. It's all of that and more for me, but what it means to be a Jedi can be different depending on who you ask," T'vani finished. There were numerous things she and others interpreted a Jedi to be, and narrowing down such a broad question was difficult.

@Apollyon