The Apprentice

That was only the beginning

Miri trained with the others, and she did fairly well. Her head was in the right place, and she fought with impressive vigor for her size and age. She was human, but she was a small one. Becoming a Jedi Knight was everything to her, and she longed to stand with the greats and protect the galaxy. She dreamt of bringing peace to her people and to keep the balance between the light and dark sides. Her training was going very well, and she was finally of age to become a padawan. She strived to surpass her fellow younglings, and she did academically. She was very force sensitive and of sound mind, so she focused most of her studies on physical training and sparing with her colleagues.

One morning as Miri sat in her room deep in meditation, she was summoned to the high council chamber to speak with the council. Miri had never been to the council chamber and automatically feared the worst. Had she done something wrong? Was she too weak? Did she not seem to give her all? Was she simply not good enough? All these thoughts rushed her head as she made her way to the high council's chamber. Finally she reached the entrance- but she stopped herself. Take a deep breath she told herself. They will sense your unease, clear your head.

She enters the room. The high council sat in their seats around the circular room and she was invited to stand in the center. Jedi master Obi Wan Kenobi gave a friendly smile, "Hello Miri," he said as she stood in the center of the room- surrounded by her beloved protectors of the peace. She gave him a respectful bow and smiled in return. "Relax, young one. You're in no trouble here," he assures her.
"Impressed, the council is," Jedi master Yoda speaks up. "Much growth, you have shown. Perhaps ready to become a padawan, you are." Miri's face lights up and she struggles to contain her happiness and relief. Her face gets hot as she bows her head to him in thanks. "We think we have the right Jedi in mind for you to train with," master Windu begins. He gestured to the door as a young man with shoulder length dark hair walks in and joins Miri in the center of the room. "This is Anakin," Obi Wan introduces him. However Miri knew very much who he was without an introduction. Anakin stretched out his hand for her to shake and they exchange smiles. "I believe we've met before," he says with a smirk. Indeed they had. Anakin and a few other younger Jedi knights had been tasked with sparring with the younglings a few times, and each time she had been paired with Anakin. "I believe we have," she said back choking down her nerves. "Then settled, it is," master Yoda began. Anakin and Miri bowed their heads to the council and went on their way.

"You should gather your things and get a good nights rest," he broke the silence as the two of them walked back towards the corridor where her room was. She nodded in return as they approached her door. "I'll send for you in the morning," she looked up at him. "We have a mission to go on." She nodded her head "yes master skywalker," she said with great joy. He smiled at her and turned to leave. As her door opened and she started to walk inside she heard him call after her. "Night Ahso- Miri," his voice dropped with apparent sadness as he continued down the hall.

Miri stepped inside her chambers filled with so many emotions. Excitement, joy, anxiety, and now grief. Miri knew Ahsoka, not nearly as well as Anakin had, but she knew her. Ahsoka had very recently left the Jedi Order after being falsely accused of murder and stripped of her padawan title. Ahsoka had helped give lectures and teach Miri's class many times, and often Miri would stay after to talk more with Ahsoka one on one. They became friends, and now she feels guilty for taking Ahsoka's place next to her former master. Miri took in a deep breath to feel the force. She sat down on the floor and closed her eyes. Could she try to feel Ahsoka through the force? Would she be able to? Was Ahsoka even still out there? No. Miri told herself. You cannot have those thoughts. She opened her eyes and sighed. If Ahsoka was out there- dead or alive- it would only weigh on Miri's mind. And after all, she had an important mission tomorrow.