Temple Life ✔️

New Assignment

Caleb was glad when he was cleared to go back into the field. It may have only taken a couple of days, but it seemed like forever to him.

Depa, on the other hand felt like it wasn't long enough. She didn't want either of them to go back to the war. Everyday it continued it claimed more lives. Every battle they fought in threatened to shorten their time together even more. Any battle could be their last.

"I sent the men ahead of us. We'll rejoin them on Mygeeto. Only your friend Stance will be accompanying us." Depa said as Caleb was changing.

"He refused to leave without me didn't he?" Caleb asked as he walked out of his cabin.

He had already known the assignment having been at the meeting when it was assigned. They had been given a day to train more before they left.

"Well, he did save your life and you two did become friends rather quickly. He's just looking out for his little friend." Billaba said.

"What he's being is over protective. That's your job master not his." The boy replies.

"Well remind me to thank him for that then. I could use the help keeping you alive out there." She teased.

"To be fair I've been in one battle. It was a success even though I was shot twice. I still survived it." Caleb groans.

"The later only because of his actions once you were down. You might consider that before you continue with that attitude Padawan." She scolded.

"Sorry master. I'll keep that in mind." He replies.

"Good, now do you have everything ready to leave?" She asked.

"I have a full weeks worth of robes and change of clothes in my cabin back on the flagship. I also put extra power cells in case the fresh one I just put in runs out, as well as some spare parts. I'm fully prepared for anything that could happen to my lightsaber short of the kyber crystal being cracked." He answered.

"I'm glad you're prepared."

"Always master. Like you thought me. As a Jedi Padawan this weapon is my life. I should treat it as such."

Depa smiled and gestured for Caleb to follow her the two headed to her flagship. Stance was waiting there for them. He saluted her.

"Good morning General." The clone said.

"At ease Stance." Depa said quickly.

"Hey kid. Nice to see you're back out there with us." Stance said as Caleb walked by.

"So formal for my master, yet so informal for me. You of all people know I don't like being called kid." Caleb replied.

"Yeah, but Commander Dume just doesn't sound right yet. Plus you have the same amount of experience as me. How do you out rank me already?" The clone responds.

"Different and longer training for one." Depa answered. "Training that is continues on the field at my side."

"With all do respect commander. Don't we all continue training at your side on the field? We are your troops." Stance asked.

"That sounds like something I would ask." Caleb remarks.

"Well 'Commander Dume' I think we have found your kinder soul." Depa replied. "Do you care to help me explain this time Padawan ?"

"Clones aren't Padawans and can't use the force like you and I can." Caleb attempted.

"For starters yes. You've also been training for thirteen years in the Jedi temple. What did you study?"

"The same as you did master. Multiple languages of different planets and species, all the traditional subjects, to control my emotions, basic control of the force, the lightsaber forms, to analyze with our eyes and though the force, to protect and value the lives of others, and not to get attached." The Padawan responded.

"Clones are bred and trained for ten years in basic education and military training. As you both very well know under accelerated aging and modified genetics at that." Depa added. "Now Caleb, Stance, how important is your weapon and how do you care for it."

"It's just a blaster. Sure it's good protection but it can be replaced easily. We just have to keep it clean." Stance replied first.

Caleb unhooked his lightsaber from his built and held it in both hands in front of him.

"As a Jedi this weapon is my life. I should not lose it. I gathered each piece, designed, and built it myself. It is unique to me. As such I should know where it is and maintain it at all times. If it is broken or damaged I repair it. Just like the force I shall use it respectfully and responsibly for defense. It is not to be used aggressively under any circumstances." Caleb replied in a serious tone.

"It really means that much to you guys?" The clone asked. "Can't they be replaced?"

"Can a Life be replaced?" Depa asked. "To us all life is important and worth fighting for. It is also worth dying for. As Jedi, we are thought from the day we first arrived at the temple to stand up for those who are being oppressed. We are supposed to be keepers of peace and leaders in the fight to keep it."

"A symbol of hope for the Galaxy." Stance added finally understanding.

"Oh, we are so much more than that." Depa said.

"We are the light." Caleb added.

•This was meant to be something else. The set up went as planned, but the story took an unexpected turn. This is just where the flow of it took me. The next one should be the med starship story I planned on writing. No promises though. Who do you guys want to see in it anyways? Anyways...

•May the force be with you

•Cass