One of the Jedi instructors leaned forward.
"Knight, what was that final strike? I don't recognize it."
"That was a Shiak — a stab to the torso. It was more common among the Sith, since it's meant to be lethal. It's also highly effective against droids. There's no need to destroy an entire chassis, especially a large one, if you can strike a vulnerable point."
The younglings immediately began whispering among themselves.
"What clan were you in?" one of them asked.
Well, yes, for younglings, that was an important question. And honestly — what clan was I in? Oh, right... Zio, couldn't you have come up with something better?!
Still, I had to answer.
"Snurglings," I said.
Laughter rippled through the crowd — not only among the younglings, but even among a few Jedi. That was hardly surprising. Snurglings were small, fluffy, airborne creatures that floated thanks to something like swim bladders — only instead of air, they were filled with a light gas. Harmless, round, and undeniably cute.
But then a hand shot up from the back rows. A light-haired human girl was nearly bouncing in place.
"Me! Me! I'm in that clan!"
"Me too!" added a small Twi'lek girl.
Well, of course. Girls.
The chatter died down as Drallig, who had been observing quietly from the side, approached me again.
"All right," he said, patting my shoulder. "Tomorrow afternoon. Same place. Let's see how far you can go."
"Don't be late, Master Drallig," I replied.
Picking up my cloak, Ahsoka and I headed back to our quarters.
She giggled quietly the entire way, until she finally couldn't hold it in.
"Master, I never would've imagined— ha ha— no, really… Snurglings…"
"And what clan were you in?" I asked.
"Clawmouce!" the Togruta declared proudly.
"Really? I thought you were in the Mad Rancors," I said innocently.
"Rancors? I've never even heard of that cla…" She frowned. "Master, are you kidding me?! Do you think I look like a Rancor?"
I examined her critically through the frame of my fingers, then, adopting a perfectly serious tone, replied:
"Yes."
We walked a few steps in silence — and then burst out laughing together.
***The Jedi Council convened for another meeting to discuss the latest developments of the war. Obi-Wan Kenobi had recently returned victorious after the capture of Muunilinst, and he had just finished delivering his report.
"Important, your victory is, Master Kenobi," Grand Master Yoda said, stroking the cane resting across his knees. "But rest on our laurels, we must not."
"What will be our next target?" asked Evan Piell, studying the holographic map of the galaxy.
"We must regain control of Brentaal IV, located in the Bormea sector," Yoda replied after a short pause. "The Parlemian Trade Route passes through it. This planet has joined the Separatists. They seek to cut us off from other sectors. Eliminated, this threat must be."
"Many systems are joining the CIS, and many have already been seized by them," Ki-Adi-Mundi added, gesturing to several highlighted points on the map. "Especially in the Outer Rim. We simply do not have enough ships to respond to every threat. We are bogged down in multiple campaigns — for example, on Atraken, where the fighting has continued for five months now."
"Who will lead this operation?"
"Masters Plo Koon and Shaak Ti, I propose," Yoda said. "Too important, the outcome of this battle is."
Shaak Ti glanced at the Kel Dor beside her, then inclined her head.
"We will depart as soon as possible."
"The Sector Army's reserves, you will take. Inform Moff Trachta, we must."
Shaak Ti agreed without hesitation — for it was her duty. Although… she assured herself that her participation in this operation would be useful, deep down she recognized that the defeat at Hypori had affected her, shaking her confidence in her own abilities...
The Council continued its deliberations, and the incoming reports were no less significant.
"...Agen Kolar reports that he has found a trace of Quinlan Vos. Nar Shaddaa…"
"...We must dispatch Jedi to Esseles. Citizens loyal to the Republic have risen up against the CIS droids that seized the planet. Immediate assistance is required."
"...Masters Mace Windu and Saesee Tiin will travel to Iktotch to destroy the droid army that has landed there…"
"...This decision by the Senate did not come as a surprise," Windu said, referring to the newly passed bill.
"On the one hand, it will benefit us greatly. Subordinating planetary defense forces to the Grand Army of the Republic will allow us to eliminate confusion and redeploy up to ten million soldiers and nearly three thousand ships from strategically insignificant regions. These forces could stabilize several critical fronts."
"However, this consolidation of power in the Chancellor's hands is beginning to cause concern. Do not forget — coordination of these troops and fleets is entrusted directly to him. Of course, Palpatine will appoint capable and intelligent commanders, but…"
"...Master Oppo Rancisis, what did you wish to propose to the Council?"
"I propose a reform of our rank structure," Rancisis said calmly. "The current system has proven inefficient, often causes confusion and disorder. Jedi generals should be divided into several ranks, mirroring those of the Order. Jedi Knights will retain the rank of Jedi General. Jedi Masters will become Senior Jedi Generals, while members of the Jedi High Council will hold the rank of High Jedi General. Accordingly, Grand Master Yoda would assume the position of Supreme Commander. This would make our command structure more flexible and responsive than it is now."
"Necessary, this change is?" Plo Koon asked.
"Yes," Rancisis answered simply.
Shaak Ti, the Togruta Master, looked around the chamber. Many of the Council members nodded in agreement.
After exchanging a glance with Yoda, Mace Windu spoke.
"Then it is decided. The rank structure will be reorganized. A formal message must be prepared for the Order."
"I will see to it," Rancisis said.
Obi-Wan Kenobi then stepped forward, drawing the Council's attention once more.
"I ask the Council to grant my Padawan, Anakin Skywalker, the rank of Jedi Knight. I believe he is ready. I believe he is ready and has passed all the tests required for this title."