Star Wars- A Jedi's Journey One: The Padawan's Struggle

Chapter Eleven

A couple of days later, I sat with Aaron, Letha and Adam on one of the many stairs from the temple's grand entrance to the base, it sat on. "Sooo... Excited for tomorrow, Aayla?", Letha asked. I had just told the three of them, that I was to be going on a mission with my new Master the following day. Adam had been shocked to hear that my master was none other than General Swift. In the distance, I caught June walking our way. I had purposely not waited for her to arrive for our little outing before telling them who my master was. Poor June wanted to be his apprentice and had told me so, and yet - I had taken the spot, though she deserved it far more. "Hellloooo, earth to Aayla?", Letha called, waving a hand in front of me. "Huh?". Wow. How very well-articulated. "Are you excited for your mission with The General?". I didn't know. Was I? "I suppose", I replied. "And with such enthusiasm", a voice sounded from behind. I recognised it, of course, although I supposed, it was more the way he spoke, which gave him away. I reluctantly turned around, ignoring my star-struck clanmates. "Hi, Master". It felt off. Calling him 'Master' instead of 'General Swift'. He sent me a nod, his silhouette briefly blocking out the view of the evening sun. "Greetings, Padawan". He sounded so distant. Aloof, somehow - Oh and cold, of course, let's not forget that. "General Swift", Aaron bowed his head in acknowledgement. "May we help you?". Letha and Adam both seemed to be frozen in one position, staring at General Swift with awe. "No, just here to remind my apprentice to meet me in The Grand Hall at five". The General looked at me. "In the morning", I said. "So, you remembered. Good". He said that with no feeling whatsoever. It barely registered as praise. Then, The General turned on his heel, bumping into a figure. His hands caught the other person in a flash, steadying them. "Apologies, Padawan", General Swift said curtly to June. My anxiety crept in, as I knew, June would be curious as to why, The General had been speaking to me. I wasn't ready to tell her just yet. June's temper was... Questionable for a possible future Jedi Knight. June's lips moved, but no words came out. I exchanged a wild look with Letha. I then stood abruptly, walking over to June, who just managed a brief "General Swift" accompanied by a deferential nod, before the two parted ways. "June!", I called over-enthusiastically, pulling her in for a quick hug. "How've you been?". My voice was too high-pitched. "Great, Aayla, you should have been there for Master Drime's lecture on cells". Yes, I would have loved that. "Aaron, your Master is amazing". Yes, and she had just unknowingly met mine. June sat down by our clanmates. I just managed an inward phew, thinking June would not have to learn that I was General Swift's apprentice just yet, when The General turned. "Apprentice", he called to get my attention. I stiffened. Nope. No. Nonono. I cringed, hoping beyond hope, June hadn't noticed. Her wide eyes proved the contrary. "Yes, Master?", I called. "I was wondering; where are you going? - Not the lower levels, I presume. I heard, you two had your fill of that", The General said, his voice icy while his eyes darted between Aaron and I. So, Master Drime had decided to tell him that. "No, Master, we weren't". I felt like I had to prove I wasn't that stupid as to repeat the same mistake twice. It took a minute before it dawned on me; I hadn't answered his inquiry. So me versus stupidity; 1:1. I cleared my throat under The General's scrutiny. "We were just going to The National Public Observatory with Master Quare". The General's brows furrowed. "Why is she taking you there? We have a perfectly functioning observatory within the temple walls". I shrugged. "I don't know. To have a night out?". "It is the last time she will be our teacher. We all graduated from The Academy, General Swift - The rest of the clan has already been shipped off to their positions in The Service Corpse", Aaron piped in. "Is that so? Congratulations on making it thus far, Younglings". The corners of The General's mouth rose up into a foreboding smile. Shivers found their way down my spine. "In regards to you though, Padawan", he began, looking at me. "Don't be back too late. You are to prepare for the mission early tomorrow. You're lucky, I'm allowing you to go. Next time you leave the temple, I expect to be notified and be asked for permission. Do not expect this leniency again. Is this clear?". It felt as though his words dug into me and hollowed me out, leaving me feeling empty at this drastic restriction of my freedom. It was like with the food the other night; It felt as though I wasn't allowed to do anything, I actually wanted to. "Yes, very clear, Master", I said, hoping I didn't sound too deflated. That hope was trampled too - by Letha's sympathetic gaze.