For this chapter, thanks goes to Jedi Ani Unduli for help with the corrections. Thanks!!! This chapter is dedicated to Ani (the abovementioned Ani) and to any Star Wars fans.
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: George Lucas. That is all I'm going to say.
The battle had started to quiet down on Kashyyyk, more than a standard month after they had arrived. A-57 and his brothers had fought hard, and were now relaxing in a clearing not far from their base. Some of the clones were practicing their combat training, others were discussing tactics, and others, like A-57, were just sitting and watching.
A-57 was admiring one of his brother's fighting, when Jedi Master Unduli came and sat down next to him, on the mossy log he'd been sitting on. He looked up and realized she was watching him closely. He shuffled uncomfortably.
"What is the matter?" She asked. "Something on your mind?" A-57 shook his head. He tried to focus on the fact that a Jedi, an actual Jedi, was talking to him. He also felt stupid that he was tongue-tied in front of his general. He heard her chuckled slightly beside him and felt even more stupid Ask for advice, he thought. Now, before you completely lose your nerve and make yourself look like a fool in front of your leading officers!
"How do you remain calm during the fighting?" he blurted out. He noticed there was little shock on the Jedi's face. "I mean, you and other Jedi always remain calm. When things aren't going well, most of you still remain calm." He added. She nodded and smiled.
"Meditation." She answered simply. "It's as easy as meditation. All you have to do is find a quiet spot, or time either before or after the battles, and meditate. Relax your muscles. Breathe deeply. Clear your mind. And just meditate. Sit, relax, breath and clear your mind." She explained, closing her eyes as she spoke. Her left eye opened slightly to watch A-57 as he talked.
"It's that easy? Just meditation? But-" She held up a hand as she breathed in.
"Just relax, breathe and clear your mind. Do it. Now." She commanded. A-57 wondered briefly if his brothers would think him weird before he closed his eyes.
"Do I have to close my eyes?" He wondered aloud. He could hear General Unduli's deep breathing next to him.
"Yes." She replied. Together, they sat in silence for a few moments, hearing little except an occasional clone trooper's shout, some birds flying around and squawking, and the trees rustling in the forest around them.
"Just breathe."