We stood in silence in the grand hall surrounded by Jedi masters. Some from the council, and some known throughout the order.
The Council Chamber welcomed us as the golden morning light streamed through its windows. Masters Yoda, Plo Koon, Shaak Ti, Mace Windu, and Fay stood off to the side of the room.
Then master Windu stood in the center, hands behind his back. "You five," he said, voice calm, "have been summoned because. You all, at one point or another, have shown your readiness to move past the title of initiate to Padawan."
An audible breath from Barriss. I could feel the nervousness radiating off her. More than usual, not like she was panicking, but I could tell exactly what she felt. But how is that possible? It wasn't just her but the others too. Anakin's calm eagerness. Seris was happy and excited. and Derren was the calmest one. Like nothing was wrong with him. This is weird. How can I do this?
"You will now be tested for Padawanship," Windu continued.
"However," said Master Shaak Ti, "the strength you've shown has accelerated this moment. The Council believes you are ready… sooner than expected."
"But the Trials, we will not rush," Yoda added, stepping forward with his cane. "Face them, you will. One at a time. In full."
Master Fay then walked forward while speaking. "These are not mere tasks. These Trials are a reflection of your essence. Each one of you will undergo a trial we believe is your greatest weakness. By overcoming your individual weaknesses, we believe you will be ready for the next step. These are test not just your ability to act, but your ability to be still and trust the Force, and listen when it speaks to you."
"The trials are not identical for all," Shaak Ti explained. "But their core is shared."
Master Plo Koon stepped forward, activating a small hologram to show a hologram in galactic script.
"These are your pillars:"
Demonstration of Knowledge
"You must show your understanding of Jedi history, philosophy, and the Code, not as memorization, but through choice and reflection."
Self-Discipline
"You will be placed in emotionally charged scenarios. Through meditation and control, you must prove mastery over your impulses."
Force Proficiency
"Finally, you will face a challenge where only the Force can guide you."
We stared at the hologram. All of us felt the balance of it. It felt right.
Master Fay turned toward the five with a gentle expression. "Each of you will take your trial alone. Your friends may walk beside you in training, but in the test, you will be with the Force. Nothing more."
Master Gallia nodded. ", These are real trials, customized to reveal who you truly are."
Master Windu added, "You may not all succeed. Not yet. And that is no shame. A Jedi's path must be walked at the pace of the soul, not the pressure of expectation."
I looked to Anakin.
Anakin to Barriss.
Bariss to Seris
And Seris to Derran.
We all breathed together.
"We understand," We all said in unison, while bowing.
Master Plo Koon stepped forward and held out a scroll, ancient and etched in crystalline script.
"In keeping with the Will of the Force," he said, "we have meditated on the order of trials."
He read:
Barriss Offee will go first, then Derran Talvos, followed by Seris Vhalan, then Anakin Skywalker, and finally… Cain.
We bowed. " We are ready masters."