Upon Arrival/narrative

Jordo Ghar took his first steps down from the shuttle and onto the hot duracrete. After only a few moments of walking in the heat, he was sweating. The Telosian should have been used to the climate; Dantooine was a grassland world like Telos IV. In truth, it may have been a nervous sweat, brought on by his heightened apprehension. He was alone now, in a strange, new place.

“Greetings,” a droid said.

The protocol droid advanced on Jordo, chatting quickly and amiably.

“Welcome to the Jedi Enclave,” it said. “I'm sure you will find everything quite to your liking. If you're looking for the Council, you will find them through the first door on your left once you hit the courtyard. If, perhaps, you're looking for your quarters, those would be straight past the courtyard. I could also show you the closest food vendors, or the Padawans' cafe, if you would prefer.”

Jordo hesitated, trying to absorb the information and make a decision without losing his air of confidence.

“My quarters would be nice,” he decided.

“Of course, sir,” the droid said.

It turned and began to clang its way down the path. Jordo shouldered his pack and followed. He stumbled twice, blaming it on the lack of sleep. If the droid noticed, it didn't comment. Jordo hoped none of the surrounding Padawans took any more noticed than the droid.

Though she didn't comment on his hobble, someone had perceived him.

“Hi there,” she exclaimed, walking up to them.

“May I introduce you to Padawan Syn,” the protocol droid droned.

“You must be Jordo,” Syn said. “I'm Syn Halk. I've been assigned by Master Zhar to help you get acclimated to the Enclave.”

“That's very nice,” Jordo said.

“If you have any questions, I'm here to answer them,” she said.

“Thank you,” Jordo said.

“I was just showing apprentice Jordo to his quarters,” the protocol droid said.

“Excellent!” Syn said. “I can take you the rest of the way.”

“Sure,” Jordo said.

The protocol droid whipped around and clattered away in the other direction without bothering to say anything. The Padawan began to walk backwards, chatting with Jordo the entire way.

“You'll have to forgive the droids,” she said. “They're programmed to be very straightforward.”

“That's alright,” Jordo said.

“Is that all you've brought?” she continued, indicating his pack.

“Yes,” he said. “I didn't have much with me when I was told I'd be transferred here.”

“So where are you from?” Syn asked.

“Telos, originally,” Jordo said. “I was conscripted into the navy for the war though.”

Her face fell at his mention of the growing conflict with the Mandalorians.

“It's alright,” he said. “I never saw combat. I was pulled out by higher officers and sent here instead. As a matter of fact, I've been on the move for quite some time now.”

“Don't worry about that,” she said, her face lighting up again. “Most new apprentices are far from home and exhausted from travel. The important thing is that you put yourself out there and begin training. Don't skip sessions or you'll fall behind really fast. I once knew a Bith who locked himself in his quarters for his first standard month. It wasn't until his eighth Taungsday that he came to class, and he spent the next two standard months trying to catch up before Master Vrook had him sent to the Service Corps.”

“That's rough,” Jordo agreed.

“Yeah,” Syn said. “Don't be that Bith.”

At that point, they rounded another corner in the hallway and found themselves in what must have been the courtyard. A massive tree towered in the center of the room. Two Padawans sparred at its base, while others walked by the tree, and still more sat meditating on benches nearby.

“The Council's that way,” Syn said, indicated one of the plethora of pathways leading out of the courtyard. “We're going here though.”

Jordo trudged down the hallway after her. She led him through several blast doors, down a few halls, and finally up to a small door.

“These are your quarters,” she said.

He opened the door, revealing a surprisingly small room. There was a sleeper in the corner, a workbench against one wall, and a small set of drawers for clothing tucked in the back.

“That door leads to the refresher,” Syn said.

“Right,” Jordo said.

He was more distracted by the fact that there were two of each piece of furniture.

“I'm sharing the room?” he asked.

“I'm afraid so,” she nodded. “There's only so much living space, so most apprentices have to double up.”

“Fair enough,” Jordo said, knowing it was likely more comfortable than the navy lodgings.

“I'll see you around later,” Syn said. “If you need anything, you can come find me.”

“Thank you,” Jordo said.

He set about emptying his pack, transferring the clothes and other small personal items to their new places. It might have been a grueling process to some, but he found it calming. It had the navy's precision mixed with his Telosian zeal for specification and categorization. As such, it took him longer than it should have, but he felt considerably better once he'd finished.

After examining his room one last time, he considered taking a nap, but Syn's words about the Bith echoed in his mind. Resigned, he left the cell behind and began to walk the Enclave.

He had to consciously check his formal navy strides into something less rigid and more comparable to the passing Padawans and apprentices. He wandered as such, destination-less, eventually making his way out of the Enclave.

“Hello there, apprentice,” a man said.

He was old, clearly, but there was deep passion and intellect in his eyes.

“Hello, sir,” Jordo said, carefully.

“You're new the Enclave?” he asked.

“Yes,” Jordo said.

“How do you like it?” the Jedi asked.

“Well enough, I suppose,” Jordo said. “It's all a bit overwhelming.

“Yes, it certainly is,” the Jedi smiled. “It's a difficult balancing act for you apprentices. I don't envy you. On the one hand, you need to explore, discover new places and people, and make this place your new home. On the other, you surely must take time to stop and reflect on yourself, life, and the Force.”

“Yes, uh, Master,” Jordo said, desperately trying not to slip into his navy speech patterns.

“You don't have to stay here talking to an old man,” the Jedi said. “Run along and have fun, but know that I'd be more than happy to help if you ever need a hand with your studies.”

“Thank you,” Jordo said. “It was nice to meet you...”

“Nemo,” the Jedi said, extending a hand.

“Jordo,” he said as they shook.

Jordo walked on, and he eventually realized he'd gotten himself hopelessly lost. He allowed for a small chuckle, then pulled out his datapad to check the uploaded Enclave map. As he did, he noticed there was a message for him.

“New apprentice. You are expected to meet with the Jedi Council at Nineteen Hundred Hours Galactic Standard Time,” read the message.

Jordo checked his chronometer, which thankfully displayed that he had several hours, and then slowly followed his map back to areas of the Enclave that he recognized. He returned to his quarters, spent some time accomplishing nothing on his datapad, and finally prepared for his meeting. As he opened the door from the cell, he found a Nautolan standing on the other side.

“Jordo?” the man asked.

“Yes,” Jordo said.

“Hi there, I'm Leeha,” the apprentice said. “I'm sharing the cell with you.”

“Alright,” Jordo nodded.

He paused for a moment, and it became awkwardly silent.

“I'm actually heading out,” he finally said. “I have to meet the Council.”

“You haven't met the Council?” Leeha asked.

“No, have you?” Jordo asked.

“Yeah,” the Nautolan said. “I was transferred to the Enclave to finish my training. I've been here for a few days now, but I just got my permanent cell assignment.”

“I suppose we'll be seeing a lot of each other,” Jordo said.

“I guess so,” the Nautolan smiled.

Jordo nodded back, and then he hurried off down the hall. He made his way to the Council's antechamber, and he a took a seat there to wait.

A Jedi Master entered as well, and he sat next to Jordo.

“May the Force be with you, apprentice,” the Master said.

“Uh, may the Force be with you, sir,” Jordo said.

“Master would suffice,” the Jedi said with a smile. “I'm Master Dorak.”

“Jordo Ghar,” he replied.

“Welcome to the Enclave, Jordo Ghar,” Master Dorak said.

“Thank you, Master,” Jordo said.

“Are you excited to be among the Jedi, apprentice?” Master Dorak asked.

“Yes, I suppose,” Jordo said. “I've heard such amazing stories about Jedi, and I couldn't believe it when they told me I'd be a Jedi. It's amazing. It's incredibly. It's beautiful. It's... it's...”

He stopped for a moment.

“Sad,” Dorak suggested.

“It's both,” Jordo agreed.

“It's scary, and a large responsibility,” Dorak agreed. “Most apprentice's come to the Order at such a young age that they don't remember their family, friends, or home world. That is a challenge you will have to face. Remember, and use the memories to strengthen you, by all means. But don't focus solely on the past. You must know the past and learn from it, or you'll be doomed to repeat it, but you can't forget to live either. Beware attachment, longing, and regret. Those paths lead to the dark side.”

“I'm not afraid of the dark side,” Jordo lied.

“Of course not,” Dorak laughed. “No apprentice is ever afraid of the dark side. Yet they somehow all manage to fear it anyway.”

The door to the Council chamber swung open. Dorak stood with Jordo.

“You can go in first, if you have business with the Council,” Jordo said.

Master Dorak laughed again.

“Please, you first,” he said.

Jordo nodded and entered the chamber. To his surprise, Dorak followed and took a place among the semicircle of Jedi Masters facing him.

“I'm afraid Master Vandar is away,” a Twi'lek said. “I am Master Zhar.”

The sounded familiar, but Jordo couldn't place it.

“I am Master Dorak, historian,” Dorak said.

“And I am Master Vrook,” a stiff human said. “You think you have a place among us, apprentice?”

“Yessir,” Jordo said, instinctively reverting to his naval address.

“There's no need for such formalities here,” Zhar said. “You may address us as 'Master'.”

“Yes, Master,” Jordo corrected.

“Welcome to the Enclave, apprentice,” Vrook said. “You may indeed find a place among us. Or you may not. That task is in your hands, and yours alone. You will find yourself significantly behind the other students. Most have been training for years already. What makes you think you can keep up?”

“I was in the navy,” Jordo offered.

“A soldier's answer. Not a Jedi's,” Vrook said.

“You must learn to rely on the Force as your guide,” Zhar said.

“And you will find the Force most successfully through those around you,” Dorak said. “Train with the other apprentices. Speak and debate with them.”

“Spar with them if you must, but be sure to interact with them,” Vrook said. “You will learn from them, if you are lucky, and perhaps the Force will even deem that they can learn something from you.”

“Yes, Masters,” Jordo said.

“The Jedi Masters are here to help you succeed,” Vrook said, “but we aren't parental figures, nor are we superior officers. We won't dote over you, or watch your every move and actions, nor will we constantly be checking in on your health, physical or mental. If you have questions or wish for conversation, most Masters will be willing to speak with you, but you must go to them. Do you understand me, apprentice?”

“Yes, Master Vrook,” Jordo said.

“Your face speaks otherwise,” the Jedi grumbled.

“Apologies, Master,” Jordo said.

“No need to apologize, apprentice,” Zhar said. “I remember when I first came before the Jedi Council on Coruscant. I too felt overwhelmed.”

Jordo wasn't sure what to say to that, so he merely nodded.

“You may go now, apprentice,” Vrook said. “Take care in your studies.”

“And may the Force be with you,” Dorak added.

Jordo nodded meekly again, then turned on his heel and marched out of the Council room. Syn was there, waiting for him.

“Isn't the Council great?” she said.

“I suppose so,” Jordo agreed.

“I'll admit, Vrook comes off harsh,” she said, “and Zhar's a bit grand. Dorak can be a history weirdo too, but they're really great. And Master Vandar&mdash;”

“Master Vandar wasn't there,” Jordo cut in.

“Oh,” Syn twisted her face. “That's a shame. He's one of the greatest Jedi Masters.”

“Perhaps I'll meet him eventually,” Jordo shrugged.

“I'm sure you will,” she said. “In the mean time, I've got some people to introduce you to.”

“More people?” he sighed.

“Yes,” she said, either not catching his sigh or deliberately ignoring it. “Come on.”

She dragged him back down the halls, and he found himself in the courtyard again. He wondered briefly which of the many beings he was supposed to meet, but then a green Twi'lek hurried up to them.

“«It's so good to see you, Syn»,” he said in Twi'leki.

“How are you?” Syn exclaimed.

“«Good. Master Dorak gave me an assignment on the Great Hyperspace War. I think I'll be able to really prove myself to him with this one»,” he said.

“That's so great,” Syn said.

She turned to the Telosian.

“Jordo, this is Deesra Luur Jada. Deesra, this is Jordo Ghar, a new apprentice,” she said.

“«A pleasure to meet you»,” the Twi'lek said.

“Nice to meet you too,” Jordo said.

“«Welcome to the Enclave»,” Deesra said. “«I trust you'll have great success here».”

“I hope so,” Jordo smiled.

“Well, we'll see you around, Deesra,” Syn said.

“«Take care»,” the Twi'lek said.

Jordo nodded.

He followed Syn away from Deesra. When they were a short distance away, he finally voiced his question.

“Is that not who I was supposed to met?” he asked.

“There's more than one person for you to meet,” Syn laughed.

“Of course there is,” Jordo said.

They stopped next before a young girl.

“Can I help you, Syn?” she asked.

“I just wanted to introduce you to Jordo, a new apprentice here,” Syn said.

“Hello Jordo,” she said. “Aren't you a little old to be a new apprentice?”

“I suppose so,” Jordo said. “I was recognized in the Telosian navy.”

“I see,” she said, unconvinced. “You'd better make sure you catch up.”

“Any advice?” Jordo asked.

“Listen to the Masters, and keep the Jedi Code in your heart and mind always,” she said.

“Thank you,” Jordo said. “What was your name, by the way?”

“Bastila. Bastila Shan,” she said.

“Nice to meet you, Bastila,” Jordo said.

“May the Force be with you, apprentice,” Bastila said.

Syn dragged Jordo to see several more people.

“My name's Marie,” an Echani said.

“I'm Padawan Jaci,” introduced another human.

“And I'm P'nil,” a Kiffar said.

“Who discovered your Force-sensitivity?” Jaci asked.

“What's Telos like? Is it pretty similar to Dantooine?” Marie asked.

“How was being in the navy?” asked P'nil. “Do you think you'll be a Jedi Guardian because you were a soldier?”

“How much time a day to do spend meditating?” Jaci pressed.

So it continued. Jordo answered question upon question, trying desperately not to end each answer with, “sir”. He met, nodded to, and shook hands with countless beings. Their faces merged, their names blended, and eventually he couldn't even say “Jordo” properly anymore.

Finally, Syn let him go. She promised to see him again soon, and he profusely thanked her. Once they parted ways, he meandered back in the general direction of his quarters. His boots scuffed the duracrete, and he found himself sitting down on a bench. It was a few seconds before he noticed his companion.

“Hi,” Jordo said softly.

“Greetings, new apprentice,” the Jedi said.

He was a small creature, with long ears and large eyes. Jordo didn't recognize him, nor his species, but he appreciated the friendly smile on his face.

“I'm Jordo Ghar,” he said. “I'm new here.”

“I know,” the Jedi said. “Welcome.”

“I've gotten that a lot today,” Jordo said.

“Undoubtedly,” the Jedi said. “There are innumerable friendly faces at the Enclave.”

“I felt like I was with no one and everyone at the same time,” Jordo admitted.

“Understandable,” the Jedi nodded. “You will have moments of melancholy, moments of fear, and moments of doubt, but you will also have moments of joy, moments of accomplishment, and moments of clarity. That is what you will find in the Jedi Order, because contrary to popular belief, we Jedi aren't so different from everyone else.”

Jordo said nothing, but he smiled softly.

“I suggest you return to your quarters and get some sleep,” the Jedi finally said. “Your training begins tomorrow.”

Jordo stood and made to leave. He stopped though, turning back to the Jedi.

“Thank you, Master...”

“Vandar,” he said.

“Of course,” Jordo chuckled. “Goodnight Master Vandar, and, uh, may the Force be with you.”

“And you, apprentice Jordo Ghar. Whoever you are and whoever you become here, the Force will be with you, always.”