Star Wars: A new Padwan- reissue

Star Wars: A new Padawn

Jedi knights Obi Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker are walking through the Jedi temple to meet with Master Yoda to retrieve a new Padwan

“So do you know anything about this new Padwan we are supposed to train?” Anakin asked.

“No, Master Yoda only said it was a special situation, and that we were the only ones available to take him.” Kenobi said.

Anakin looked solemn and he reflected on his time as the master of Ashoka Tano, who left the order after she was framed for a bombing of the Jedi Temple stating she could ‘no longer trust the Jedi council.’

“Anakin you have to let Ashoka go, she made her decision, and you have to accept it.” Kenobi said.

“Still doesn’t mean I have to like it.” Anakin said.

“Look at this as a fresh start, a new young mind to teach and develop.” Kenobi said.

“I just don’t know if I am ready for that reasonability again.” Anakin said.

“To be ready young Skywalker you no need.” Master Yoda said as the two rounded the corner.

“Master Yoda” they both said bowing.

“Master Sinube, You both know of; yes?” Yoda said.

The two of them again bowed in greeting.

“As saying, I was, the padwan, Skywalker is not yours, Kenobi's, he is.” Yoda said.

“Well then why ask us both here” Anakin asked.

“The two of, inseparable, you are, best you both meet him together, it is.” Yoda said

“What are you doing here then Master Sinube?” Kenobi asked “If I may.”

“Well, I have been the boy’s master for the past few years, unofficially, but I have reached the end of my rope so to speak on what I can teach him. The council wishes him to get more experience outside of Coruscant and this temple, and you, Kenobi, has been available for some time, and frankly no one else will take him.” Sinube said

“And why is that?” Kenobi asked

“A special situation, I said this is.” Yoda said

“And where is he, I assumed he was supposed to meet us here.” Kenobi said.

“That is a good question; I have not sent him on any missions recently,” Sinube said grooming his beard, “at least not that I can remember.”

Anakin and Kenobi looked at each other as the elderly Jedi rattled his brain at the query of the location of the mystery padwan.

“We should go check the library, he can usually be found there.” Sinube said. “That boy is like a book sarlacc, consumes every ounce of knowledge he can get his hands on. I remember this one time I caught him trying to break into the Holo-cron vault, when I asked him why, he said it was the only place in the library he had not been and wanted to read its contents. I told him to have patience.”

The four of them made off for the library in hopes of finding the missing padwan. Master Sinube started on another one of his rambling tales

…

When they arrived at the library the four Jedi were greeted by Madam Jocasta.

“Is there something I can do for you all today?” Jocasta said.

“Yes, my dear, do you know if Masion is here?” Sinube asked.

“Why yes, I believe I saw him up on the 3^rd floor atrium, near planetary archives.” Jocasta said, “shall I go and retrieve him?”

“No, no we shall go and find him.” Sinube said.

The four again made off, taking the lift to the 3^rd floor. Searching the aisles it did not take them long to find him. Sitting cross-legged in a hover chair near the top of the bookcase with a data pad in his hand; the young blue skinned man was scanning the contents of the data pad, the blue glow of it reflects off of his silvery eyes, his silverfish-white hair shimmered in the dim light of the aisle lighting.

Sinube made a low cough, which snapped the young Jedi back to attention.

“Oh Master Sinube, Master Yoda, what are you… Oh darn it.” Masion said.

He slid off his chair and fell down to the floor. With the gentlest landings he tucked his data pad under his arm. He bowed to the four masters with a closed fist resting in an open palm.

“Please forgive my tardiness to our first meeting, I mean no disrespect.” Masion said. “I was on my way when I had a query about one of the Onderon moons that I could not shake.”

“To learn from the past is good, but you must live in the present as well.” Yoda said.

“Yes Master, I will do better.” Masion said. “Now who are these new two guests.”

“This is Master Obi won Kenobi, and Anakin Skywalker.” Sinube said. “Master Kenobi is to be your new Master.”

“Really!” Masion said with exuberance, “Master Kenobi it is an honor to be selected as worthy of being taught by one as legendary as you.”

“Legendary you say?” Kenobi said.

“Oh yes Madam Jucasta has been very keen on keeping you and Master Anakin’s and all the other master’s exploits up to date within the archives.” Masion said.

“If I might ask what race are you?” Kenobi asked

“Echani, sir” Masion replied.

“I did not know the Echani were prone to force sensitivity.” Kenobi said.

“And you would be correct; it is extremely rare for a pure blood echani to be force sensitive.” Masion said, “But I am part Miralukan as well.”

“Is that why your eyes look like that?” Anakin asked.

“Anakin, don’t be rude!” Kenobi said

“Quite alright, everyone asks at some point or another.” Masion said, “It is kind of something I have come to expect.  My eyes are a biological compromise between my Echani and Miralukan physiology, for the most part I am blind except for really close up, to compensate I do have force sight which allows me to see using the force.

“That might come in handy.” Anakin said

“Yes, I have fought alongside Miralukans before their force sight is quite a skill.” Kenobi said.

“Well, I believe that will do for introductions for now you all will have plenty of chances to get to know each other later, Masion why don’t you go and gather your things, I am sure Master Kenobi is needed for some grandiose adventure somewhere in the galaxy.” Sinube said.

“Yes Master right away.” Masion said.

He started to turn around and head off, then turns back around and paused for a moment.

“Master Sinube, I wish to thank you for all the time you have taken to teach me all that you know and I am honored to have been your student.” Masion said bowing as he had done before.

“No my boy, the honor has been all mine, you have been indispensable to me, the Jedi order, the republic, and the people of Coruscant. Now run along your adventure with me may be over, but it now continues with a new chapter, my parting message is as it's always been, patience and planning prevents haste and folly.” Sinude said.

“Yes and thank you again” Masion said.

“Meet us at the landing pad on the east side when you have retrieved your things.” Kenobi said.

“Yes, master right away.”

Masion turned and left, jumping up to grab his chair which he had left hovering in the air beside him.

“One more question Master how old is he?” Kenobi asked.

“23” Master Sinube said.

“23?! He is the same age as me, and still a padwan” Anakin said.

“The reason we chose you Kenobi as his master, this is.” Yoda said.

“But why is he still a padwan learner.” Kenobi asked.

“He started late as Anakin did, but graduated ahead of his class, no one would take him as an apprentice because of his age, and when we elected to push forward Anakin and other padwans to full knight status after Geninosis, Masion was passed over because of his inexperience. He has never said anything about wanting to be a knight, but he cannot stay a padwan forever.” Sinube said. “Teaching him of the galaxy outside the Coruscant will be your job, he is knowledgeable and a skilled fighter, do not worry about him in battle. But he needs experience more than anything.

“Because of this; only be your apprentice for a short time, he will.” Yoda said.

“Well, he did say this was a special situation.” Anakin said.

“Yes, but I was not expecting something this different.” Kenobi said.

“Up for this challenge Kenobi are you, hmm?” Yoda said.

“I got through Anakin didn’t I?” Kenobi said.

“Hay!, I was not that bad.” Anakin said.

Kenobi, only gave a small chuckle.

“Off you two go then, much to do.” Sinube said.

“Yes of course.” Kenobi said.

They bowed to Yoda and Sinube then turned and walked away.

“I was not that difficult of a student.” Anakin said

“Oh, you don’t remember that time when I told you to stay put, you came to rescue me, got caught yourselves and then started a war.” Kenobi said.

“Hey, you can’t blame all that on me.” Anakin said.

“Watch me.” Kenobi said.

…

Later on the landing pad of the Jedi temple Anakin’s ship, the Twilight, was parked in the background. Kenobi and Anakin were waiting on Masion to arrive. Just then Masion came jogging out of the hanger towards them. Kenobi and Anakin were pondering at the strange outfit he was wearing.

“Masion stopping in front of them and sat the backpack he was carrying on the ground next to him.

“What in the world are you wearing?” Anakin asked.

“Oh these, these are my custom robes, made them myself.” Masion said.

“What about the normal ones you were given?” Kenobi asked

“Oh those, I got rid of those, too tacky and not very adequate when it comes to protection, so I made my own. Wove in some Echani fiber mesh to help dissipate blaster fire, and added some cortosis plates in some vital areas to help in dueling, I also cut it a little shorter to get rid of all of that obnoxious extra material.” Masion said.

Kenobi and Anakin just looked at each other. Anakin shrugged, not knowing what to think of the strange Jedi his former master was now paired with.

“Well, it seems you are very forward thinking when it comes to being prepared for battle.” Kenobi said.

“Oh yes, Echani children are raised from birth to be fighters, combat to us is not just utilitarian, it is as much an art form and a way of communication.” Masion said. “So are we ready to go?”

“Well, we were, but for some reason the Echani senator requested our immediate presents but we had to wait until you got here because they asked for your presents as well.”

“Interesting, so off to the senate building then?” Masion said.

“It would seem so. The only thing it is, it seems very strange, neither of us has ever met the Echani senator, so why they would want to speak to us now is a mystery to the both of us” Kenobi said.

“I probably have a good Idea why.” Masion said.

“Well, what is it?” Anakin asked.

“I think all things will become clear once we meet with her, the senator that is.” Masion said

Again Anakin and Kenobi where befuddled at the strangeness of this padwan and the world that seemed to circle around him.

“Well, let’s get going.” Masion said.

The three then made their way to a waiting speeder, and headed for the senate building.

…

The three Jedi made their way through the Senate building, the grand halls were filled with people, guards on patrol, senators and their staff rummaging about, some in discussions, others making their way to various places. They pass through one of the rotundas and into another hallway.

“Master Kenobi, Master Skywalker.” A female voice said from down the hall behind them.

The three turned around.

“Ah, Senator Chuchi, nice to see you again.” Kenobi said.

“Likewise Masters” Chuchi said with a slight bow. “Master Anakin, if you would tell Senator Amidala the next time you see her that her speech was very moving and the Pantoran people will vote with her on the issue of humanitarian aid to Ryloth.”

“I will be sure to relay the message Senator.” Anakin said.

“It was just in case you see her before I do; she is a very hard woman to keep track of around here.” Chuchi said.

“Yes, well she is one of the most vocal senators, we have,” Kenobi said, “speaking of which you seem to have been rustling a few peoples feathers yourself recently.”

“Yes, I am afraid Padme may have rubbed off on me, the Pantoran assembly is getting worried about the skyrocketing cost of this war, and I want to see it ended as soon as possible as well.” Chuchi said.

“Well, that may be a little harder than one can hope for at the moment, after the recent attack on Neimoidia and the banks.”

“Yes, well we will do what we can here.” Chuchi said. “So what are you two doing here, last I heard the 501^st was still deployed to the midrim.

“Yes, well, the council asked us back to pick up my new Padwan: Maison,” Kenobi said gesturing to Masion standing beside Anakin. “We were to head back out, but then we got called to meet with the Echani senator.”

“A new Padwan, so soon after Ahoska left?” Chuchi said, turning to the young Jedi she was just now noticing.

“Oh! Well hello there.” Chuchi said.

Anakin had to give Masion a nudge with his arm to snap him back to attention.

“Um, Yes Masion Wyvern at your service senator.” He said taking a bow with one across his chest and the other folded behind his back.

“Sorry I have to ask are you Pantorian?” Chuchi said.

“Echani actually, and part Miralukan, but a common mistake.” Masion said.

“Well, hopefully with more Jedi in the field, we can end this war faster.” Chuchi said.

“I hope to do my part, but I would rather see this war end quickly through political means rather than a military one.” Masion said.

“On that we can agree.” Chuchi said. “I can assure you Master Kenobi is a great teacher.”

“Yes, his reputation precedes him on many levels.” Masion said.

“Well, I think it is best we get going, we would not want to keep the Echani Senator waiting.” Kenobi said

“Yes, well I will not keep you any longer, it was good to see you two again, and it was pleasing meeting you Masion, I hope to see you around the Senate building more often.” Chuchi said.

“Likewise, Senator.” Masion said, bowing again like he had before.

The three Jedi turned to continue down the hallway; Senator Chuchi headed the other direction, she took a quick look back, as she did, Masion turned his head as well as if he knew Chuchi was looking. She looked away quickly and sped up her walking, trying to hide her blushing from those around her.

“Something wrong Masion?” Kenobi asked, noticing his head turn back around.

“Nope, everything is fine, just fine.” Masion said with a grin on his face.

“SO are you going to tell us why the Echani senator wants to talk to the three of us?” Anakin inquired yet again.

“Nope, I am going to let her tell you that.”  Masion said.

“And how do you know the senator is a she?” Anakin said.

“Spoilers Master Anakin, Spoilers.” Masion said.

…

The three Jedi found themselves at the entrance to the Echani senator’s office; a Guard greeted them at the Door.

“The Senator requested our presences; I am Jedi Knight Obi wan…” Kenobi started.

“No need for introductions Master Jedi, we have been told to expect you.” The guard said. “Let me go and see if the Senator is ready for you.”

The guard turned and went into the office

“Ma’am the Jedi you requested have arrived, Masion is with them, Shall I send them in.” the guard said

Yes, yes, let’s not keep them waiting.” The Senator said

The guard stepped back into the hall “The Senator will see you now.” The Guard said

He stepped to the side of the door and the three Jedi entered the senator’s office.

Making their way to the main office overlooking Corusant, the Senator sat behind her desk signing a few documents. She lifted her head to the three Jedi, put her pen down and removed her glasses.

Getting up out of her chair the short chalk-blue skinned Echani woman walked over from behind her desk.

“Greeting Master Jedi.” The Senator said, bowing to the three. Both Kenobi and Anakin noticed it was the same bow Masion had greeted them within the Archives.

“I am Myria Rohana Senator to Echan and the Echani people.” She said, “You must be Obi Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, Senator Amidala Speaks very highly of you both in the brief encounters we have had with each other.”

“Ugh, Yes, well it is a pleasure to meet you Senator, I don’t believe we have met before, so I am curious as to why you requested our presences.” Kenobi said.

“Oh, you have not told them yet darling.” Myria said directed in at Masion.

“No, ma’am, I was waiting for you to tell them.” Masion replied.

“Ok, now I am really confused.” Anakin said.

“I am sure you are Master Jedi, I was hoping Master Yoda would have informed you of mine and Masion’s Relationship.” Senator Myria said.

“Relationship?” Kenobi said even more confused than before.

“Yes, Masion is my Son.”

The two seasoned Jedi stood there stunned as if they had been hit with a stun grenade. Masion only had a large smile on his face.

“She is your mother?” Anakin said

“Yes Master” Masion said.

“This is becoming way more unusual by the minute” Kenobi said said.

“When Master Yoda said this was a ‘special situation’ I did not realize he could so grossly understate that point.” Anakin said.

“Senator, forgive me for our rudeness, but this is very unusual for a Jedi to have contact with their parents after joining the Order.” Kenobi said

“Oh yes Masion has discussed it at length with me. But his life as a Jedi has been all but ordinary, as he did not join the Jedi Academy till he was 11, before that he was living with me on Echan.”

“So, why did you request our presences other than to tell us that you are his mother?” Anakin asked.

“I merely wanted to meet the two men that would be training my son in person. A mother has to make sure their children are in good hands.” Myria said.

“Well, this is a lot to digest; I thank you for informing us.” Kenobi said.

Myria merely gave a slight nod.

“Masters I do not wish to keep secrets from either of you, Ask me anything and I shall try my best to answer.” Masion said.

“We’ll keep that in mind.” Kenobi said.

“Well, I should not be keeping you; you have a war to deal with after all.” Myria said, “I wish you all greatness on the battlefield.” Bowing as she had before.

“Yes, well we should be going.” Anakin said. Anakin and Masion turned to head for the door; Masion echoing his mother bow and Anakin responds with a simple bow.

“You two wait outside I have a few Questioned for the Senator”

“Ok Master.” Masion said.

“Don’t take too long.” Anakin said.

 The two left the room.

“Yes Master Kenobi?” Myria said.

“Echani people rely on body language to tell each other apart correct.”

“Yes, It is a staple of our culture as we all look extremely similar.”

“Yes, well what is that Bow that you and Masion do when you greet people?”

“It is a bow of respect to a person we view as a skilled fighter.”

“Yes and there was one other bow Masion did a short while ago that was different.”

Yes and what bow would that be?” Myria asked, Could you demonstrate it for me.

“Yes.” Kenobi said.

He imitated the bow Masion had performed: a deep bow with one arm over his chest and the other tucked behind his back.

“Oh my.” Myria said.

“What does it mean?”

“Oh, it is nothing of significance, It is a bow of respect to someone they have just met, but know not of their fighting prowess typically that one is reserved for Females only.” Myria said. “It is just Masion was never taught that one so I am surprised he knew it.”

“Yes, well, Thank you for answering my question.” Kenobi said.

“If I may, who did he preform that bow to?”

“It was Senator Chuchi of Pantora.”

“Ah yes.” Myria said with an unsettled look in her eyes. “Well, I am sure you need to be somewhere. Master Kenobi all I ask is for you to look after my son.”

“I will do my best senator.” Kenobi said. He did a short bow and made his way out of the room.

The Senator was still somewhat distraught over what Masion had done. Kenobi could sense that the Senator was not telling the whole truth about the type of body language Masion has used with Senator Chuchi.

“All ready to go.” Anakin asked as Kenobi entered the hallway.

“Yes, let’s make our way back to the twilight, we need to link back up with Rex and Cody.” Kenobi said.

“Yeah, can’t let them have all the fun.” Anakin said. “Ready for some action Kid?”

“Yes Master, it will be good to finally use my skills on an actual battlefield.” Masion said.