Maldecka wrinkled her nose as the warriors ran about yelling. She didn't think it so odd that a ship was coming out of the sky. Ships came to their village all the time and that never prompted so much effort. Stepping back to avoid being trampled by a passing warrior she sighed. Oh, to be ten years older so she could join her brothers on the defensive walls. But the age limit was set to fifteen for a reason, because adults always seem to have a reason.

Suddenly all the yelling stopped, and a hush fell over the village. Maldecka stood in the silence for about thirty seconds before deciding that the age limit was silly and she wanted to go see what had everyone so upset.

Creeping forward Maldecka tried to walk the way her brothers had taught her, gently placing her heel and slowly rolling to her toes, to avoid making noise.

Upon reaching the gate Maldecka saw the strongest warriors forming a half circle around two tall beings. Maldecka gasped. She had never seen Zabrak like them before. They had no horns, or tattoos, or even hair! And their skin! It was bright blue!

Maldecka frowned, because it was possible they shaved their hair or had it all tucked into the two long dangly bits hanging off their heads. But STILL! If someone is blue then they're dead!

Jumping back Maldecka realized that must have been why the Warriors were so upset, the DEAD HAD COME TO LIFE! Clenching a fist Maldecka calmed herself. She wanted to be a warrior, and warrior's do not bow to fear, they conquer it. With sudden surety in the rightness of this, Maldecka strode forward until she was right between two of the biggest warriors and took a deep breath.

"I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU, YOU DEAD ZABRAKS!"

Maldecka blinked, she hadn't expected her declaration to make everyone look at her.

The shorter one crossed his arms and looked annoyed, "I'm not a Zabrak, I'm a Twi'lek. And I'm certainly not dead."

The taller one put her hand out to push the shorter one back, "I apologize for my padawan. As I said, we sensed a strong force presence here. We wanted to offer that individual the opportunity to train as a Jedi."

The Chief stepped forward, "Why should we give up a powerful warrior to be trained by peacenik Jedi?"

The taller one tilted her head, "We do strive for peace that is true. And yet, we are all trained to fight. Is this greeting not enough to prove even you respect what two Jedi can do?"

Maldecka did a double take when the self-proclaimed Twi'lek claimed to be trained to fight. They had no armor or weapons! Or even decent clothes; they were wearing long flowing robes. A true warrior wore armor that wouldn't get caught on everything they pass.

The Chief scowled at the Twi'leks, "Well, today's your lucky day. This girl here is the only force sensitive child in this village. Ask her if she wants to be a Jedi."

Maldecka tried to stand taller as both of the Twi'leks turned their attention to her.

"Really? Her? The one that bellows insults? Can't we just go home Master?"

"Padawan, we need to talk about your sensitivity to other cultures. Child, what is your name?"

Maldecka planted her fists on her hips, "I am Maldecka of the Sunset Tribe! I do not fear you!"

The taller one smiled sadly and Maldecka wondered if the Twi'lek could tell that she was afraid. The twi'lek kneeled to be level with Maldecka before asking, "I would like to invite you to train as a Jedi. What is your answer Maldecka of the Sunset Tribe?"

Maldecka hesitated, it was clear this Jedi training would involve leaving the village, leaving her brothers. She could feel the fear of not having them around uncoiling in her gut.

Forcing a confident grin onto her face Maldecka looked her fear in the eye, "I accept. When do we start?"