"You're early." A familiar voice drawls behind me. Turning back, I spot Master Dooku in his normal regalia.

"Master." I nod respectfully.

"What is cause for the occasion? If I'm not correct, you're due to be in Sociology in a few hours." Dooku checks his wristwatch.

I fall into step next to him down the corridor. "I didn't have Dance today since Sabine's out of town. And I have already banked a perfect test score in there, so I figured they could live without me for a day."

"Indeed they can." Dooku chuckles. "How did you manage an extra perfect test score?"

"By showing up the day Vader got out."

Dooku's expression twitches slightly. "Well I'd say you earned it then."

I guess you could look at it like that.

"Where we you thinking of heading?" Dooku asks, changing topics.

"I was going to go practice my blaster deflection for an hour or so, then maybe spar with Cayle if he has time."

"I believe Master Tano has nothing outstanding for him. I'd imagine he'd be happy to oblige you. And speaking of obliging you…" Dooku preaches.

Uh oh.

"I believe I have left you waiting in an attempt to talk to me. I was contacted by you AI about some matter?"

Oh yeah…

"Yes, uhm. I did." I say, sliding my hand in my pocket to find the beskar.

Dooku placidly turns to me. "Which is…?"

"Do you think I am being focused enough? I, uhm—" I swallow a sudden lump in my throat. "I heard a speech at work, and boiling it down, it was about doing everything you can to become the best you can be at what your passion is. 'What matters to you?' was the driving force behind it. I kind of feel like I'm distracted."

There's never enough time for me to get done everything I have to do. Every day I have to make cuts like less sleep, choosing work over an invitation from Matt or Cayle or JJ.

It's always something.

"You must remember, young one that this is your first time doing this." Dooku begins. "Your friend Aubrey was correct in her observation in that you are to an extent flying blind. Especially in the fall semester. Your time management skills will improve with time."

Okay.

"Now to answer the crux of your question, that hasn't been so well defined. You've sought to prove yourself not only to the Council, but to the Temple and Order writ large. And whether you'll admit it to yourself or not, the Council and the Order do trust you. Our monitoring is not nearly as invasive as it was even five months ago, when we had your every movement examined.

The question you seem to be asking, without knowing how to phrase it is two-fold: How do you solve your time crunch? And what is your path forward as a Jedi?"

I…

"I guess you could put it like that." I admit to him.

Dooku chuckles at my clear surprise at his ability to cut right to the issue. "As unique as you truly are Ezra, you are but a young man in a very old world. I've seen many Padawans face these very issues. Now may I attack them in turn?"

"Of course."

"Your time crunch can be massaged in a myriad of ways." Dooku begins. "We could lighten your load each semester by taking summer courses. One per summer grading period, but leaving you with twelve hours of class work instead of the fifteen you have currently. The downside to that is that your work essentially would never stop."

That would stink.

"The other factor to consider, is the increased demands on your limited time. Your friends are relationships you've fostered. And those will only expand, not contract. As well as your time with the Syndulla family. Whether you like it or not, you need to spend more time with the children. They love, adore and look up to you Ezra. It is the least you could do to spend time with them and reciprocate that love."

"I feel like I am doing a decent job of that right now." I reply.

I see them multiple times a week at home for dinner. I see Jacen at least once a week when I teach his class of younglings.

"They are but the easy part. It is amazing how those around us interweave themselves into our lives. That part , I am confident, will play itself out."

I nod, then allow Master Dooku to continue.

"As to your purpose as a Jedi…that is a question for the Council. Your role is one that has never been filled before, the ex-Sith turned reformed and exemplary Jedi. But taken at surface level, your combat skills and acumen could serve the Order quite well. You would be well served to put more time into the more martial pursuits of the Order as well as your study of the Force."

I nod to him as he pauses to allow me an opportunity to reply. "I do want to do that."

My dad made me to become a weapon. If I'm going to do that, might as well be a weapon for good.

"Glad to hear it. I would love to set up a semi-regular time for us to focus on some of the…finer points of Form II. More nuanced than what I have taught you in the past. But I should warn you, they are not for the faint of heart."

"Sign me up."

Dooku's mouth tilts into a smirk before he bows his head. "Once we get you through the remainder of this semester, and create your plan for the summer and fall semesters, we can set up a time. I am looking forward to it."

"Thank you, Master." I bow my head in gratitude.

Dooku returns the gesture. "Of course, my young apprentice."

He's always been extraordinarily kind to me. Taking the early interest in me when I arrived at the Temple. It was him who identified my need for a new style of lightsaber combat, wisely pointing out that my rage-filled Form V, Djem So would only harm me in my newly stated goal of leaving the Dark Side behind.

He's essentially retired as a day to day Jedi Master. More of an emeritus role, floating around the world and from Temple to Temple.

Even though he's taken to sticking within reach of me, if I should ever need him or a friendly ear.

He's as much my Master as Kanan is. Kanan…

Don't think like that. He is your Master. He knows things about the Force you do not. Just because you could best him in combat doesn't mean you're above him and that his role is strictly parental.

That is Sith ideology seeping into my brain.

Three sharp knock on a doorframe bring me out of my thoughts. "Master Tiplar." Dooku says respectfully.

"Master Dooku." Master Tiplar replies before turning to her left, Dooku and I's right—

"Hello Master Dooku." A group of younglings chants in greeting to Dooku.

Dooku smirks, then motions for me to step forward and reveal myself. I do just that, only for the Force to leap with the younglings' excitement.

Oh. They're my younglings.

"Hello Master Bridger!"

I give them all a smile and a bow. "Hello."

"What brings you here before us today Master Dooku?" Tiplar asks.

"A change of plans I am afraid. Master Trebor has become intermeshed in the Force and is continuing to meditate. Young Bridger will be assuming responsibility of the class for the remainder of the day, beginning now by leading them towards lunch."

That sounds nice.

Master Tiplar's eyes flash in suspicion, but Dooku doesn't back down an inch. "Alright then." She turns to the class. "Return your items to their respective homes. Our time together has come to a close."

"Yes Master Tiplar." The younglings reply in the affirmative, then move to line up and start towards their lunch.

(Five Hours Later)

GOAL: USC 1 SDST 0 – Wren (8) ; 17'

GOAL: USC 2 SDST 0 – Wren (9) ; 26'

GOAL: USC 2 SDST 1 – Anna (1) ; 35'

GOAL: USC 3 SDST 1 – Wren (10) ; 37'

Halftime: USC 3 SDST 1 – 45'

Substitutes – Vanko for Wren

Schaefer for Kendall

Martin for Weber

—

Jeez Sabine.

Ten goals in seven games over the span of three days really drives the point home.

Sabine Wren is still the undisputed goal scorer on her team and living up to her lofty recruiting rank.

Mira cooing drags my attention away from my phone before I set it back down next to my beskar. "Hey…enjoy your nap?"

With a gooey smile, Mira confirms a successful nap with more attempts at talking before Jacen drifts over, lightsaber and helmet in hand.

I bet the class is just about ready.

"I gotta go." I say to Mira just before Jacen sticks his hand into her playpen and brushes Mira's hair out of her face.

"Silly…"

Gently, I prod Jacen back into position amongst his fellow younglings, some of which have turned to watch us before I use the Force to pull the remote for the blinds and lights to me. "Alright guys, clear your minds…relax for me." I begin while clicking the button for the blinds. "Put your helmets on…"

Tiny heads hurriedly move to obey my command. "Begin to reach out…feel the Force all around you. Encircling you. It is with you…always." With another flick of my wrist, the overhead lights begin to dim.

"Think back to the training we've been drilling on. Over and over again." I address them. "What is the basis of good blaster deflection?"

"Proper footwork." The younglings answer unanimously.

My answer to that is to activate all of their probe droids at once, sending them into the air before each youngling. "That is correct. Now today I'm making it a little more difficult than the last few times we've met. So far I've only had the probe droid stay right in front of you. This time, I'm turning up the setting one level, so that it can move from side to side."

The Force immediately rings with their apprehension before a youngling's hand, Liam, flies into the air. "Yes Liam?"

"But what about hitting everybody else? If it's moving, I don't want to try and block a bolt and run into anybody else."

"That's a very good question." I smile.

Showing concern for everybody around him.

"But there's an easy answer. Everybody close your eyes, focus…and reach out. Do you feel your fellow younglings all around you?"

A moment passes, with all of the younglings marshalling their focus before they answer "Yes Master Bridger."

"Concentrate on that. Feel your fellows all around you. If you do that, while focusing on your footwork, you won't drift into anybody else's way or hit anyone. Alright?"

That's a good question.

"Wonderful. Now take a deep breath in…" The younglings take an audible breath. "And out…

Exhaling, I smirk at the sight. "Now activate your lightsabers—"

Right away, 24 lightsabers hum to life in all colors, purple to green to blue.

"On my mark." I call out to all the younglings, helmets over their heads and lightsabers at the ready. "Three…two…one…"

I activate all of the probe droids at the same time, and they audibly buzz to activity, taking a moment before the first round of them fire off at their targeted youngling.

Blocked…good.

The second round follows shortly after, and is blocked by their younglings.

The last of the droids should be firing soon—there they are…

The younglings collectively block the last of the initial volley of shots just before the droids begin firing at irregular intervals.

"Breathe…Reach out and use the Force…" I repeat for them before practicing what I preach.

Oh. Looks like I have a guest.

Glancing behind me, Kanan raises a finger to his lips to indicate silence, at least at first.

Okay…

"Good job." I praise the room. "Doing great guys…remember to keep your feet moving."

Drifting back a couple of steps, I sidle up to Kanan, who is leaning in the doorway. "Well done, Master Bridger." Kanan smirks at me.

I chuckle at the moniker and bow my head. "What gives me the honor, Master?"

"Oh I'm tired of staring at the holoscreen. Have been all day, doing research for a project for Depa."

Master Billaba.

"What's the project?"

"Force healing." Kanan replies. "It's still in it's infancy in terms of regular usage. There's been documented uses in the field when under extreme pressure—"

One of the younglings, Dipitka misses a bolt and jolts back.

"—but she's exploring if it can be used in a larger manner around the world."

"That would alter the perception of the Order." I reply.

People would see us as Healers. Similar to the belief that the Jedi are sorcerers, magicians.

Charlatans.

The younglings continue on in their drills, however they all are still holding their breath. "Relax…don't forget to breathe. Allow your mind to become one with the Force, letting it guide you…"

Good.

"Good…very good…" I compliment the class as Kanan slips past me, towards when Mira is in her playpen. "Continue on, we have another Master with us, younglings…Master Jarrus has come to observe us."

Jacen's movement stutters for an instant as his father hugs the wall and reaches Mira's playpen and scoops her up.

"In…and out…"

I don't want to talk too much.

That's something I haven't found a rhythm with yet.

When to talk in a lesson and when not to. The younglings don't seem to mind, but if/when I advance it'll be an issue.

Kanan, meanwhile returns with Mira, who has— "How'd you get that…" I say quietly as Mira is gnawing on my beskar.

"Is that yours?" Kanan asks. "I assumed it was a part of the playpen she pulled off."

"No, it's mine. It's beskar, so she can't hurt herself or it."

Kanan's head whips back to me. "Beskar? You…how'd you get it? Sabine?"

"She gave it to me."

"When? I missed this."

I haven't told anyone." I confess. "She gave it to me way back in February."

"I don't know a ton about beskar." Kanan admits. "I know it's precious, almost sacred to Mandalorians. Nearly an indestructible ore even before refinement."

"The way she described it I would say it's sacred. When it's refined it almost has rings to it."

"Like when it's forged into a ingot or bar?" Kanan sarcastically asks while leaning closer to look at what Mira's gnawing on.

Silly…that is not a teething tool.

"I don't think it tastes all that good…" I comment as Mira eyes me as she chomps on the bar.

"There's a lot of rings there…quite compact. I would venture a guess that is pure beskar there. Likely over a million dollars' worth."

I shrug. "I don't know. She just gave it to me and told me to keep it with me at all times."

Now how she got it from the table beside her I don't know… She's a smart one, that Mira.

"You two can't be doing too badly then." Kanan comments before I raise a finger to silence him.

Just one second…

"Some of you are drifting guys…reach out, connect to your fellow younglings…use the Force. Let it guide you…" I advise the younglings before reaching out and pausing all of the probe droids.

The younglings all seem to take stock of their positions in the Force as well in the physical location before the out of step younglings slide back into line.

Good.

"Great. Now…three…two…one…go." I call out, then let go of the probe droids.

A few of them fire off right away, about half of which get blocked and the other half find their students. "Maintain your focus…breathe. Move your feet. Use the Force."

You'll be fine.

As I look on, my eyes fall upon Jacen just before he successfully blocks a bolt, keeping his feet moving and using his wrists more than his arms.

His form is the best in class, and he's performing at the top as well.

Makes sense since he probably has more practice than everyone else he's with. But still…

He is doing it.

"How's Sabine doing in Vegas?" Kanan asks, taking the time to rub Mira's feet.

Mira waggles her feet in response and blabbers, still teething on the beskar. "Good, she scored another hat trick today."

"Hat trick…that is…?"

"Three more goals. Pushing her total to ten."

Kanan lets out a low whistle. "Ten goals in two and a half days. And you said she hasn't played in all the games either?"

Yup.

"She's only started four of them. Came on as a sub in one and has sat out two."

"Making it even more impressive." Kanan comments.

"She hasn't said it directly." I tell Kanan. "But I know she's missed playing. So she's probably taking this more seriously than some of them are."

It's a spring exhibition tournament. Not much to play for outside of pride and showing skills to your coaches.

"Still though." Kanan counters. "Performing is performing, no matter the stage."

Kanan finishes his point with a nod just before I probe with the Force.

They're getting tired.

Snapping my wrist once more, all of the probe droids deactivate and rise higher into the air. My action prompts many of the younglings to raise their helmets in curiosity. "Very well done everybody. Now let's take a moment to catch our breath. If you need some water, there's cups and coolers in the corners of the room. But good start guys, excellent. Very good." I smile at all of them.

Multiple smiles are shot my way in return before a significant portion of the class makes a beeline for the water coolers. Jacen, however, makes for both his father and I.

"Hey bubs." I smirk at him.

He probably wants to say hi to Mira.

"I have a question." Jacen begins, before pointedly looking towards me.

"Yeah?" His dad asks patiently.

Jacen, deadpan, turns to his dad. "I was asking Ezra. He's in charge here."

Jacen!

"True. Carry on, carry on…" Kanan replies, then busies himself with Mira.

I make sure to turn my attention visibly to Jacen. "What's your question?"

"The lightsaber I'm using feels lighter than all of the others. Especially Cayle's…show…so—"

"Shoto." I give him the word. "His other blade."

Not his full length lightsaber.

"Yeah!" Jacen nods fervently.

"The fact that it's lighter is a good thing Jacen." I smile. "It means that you're getting used to having a lightsaber in your hands. You're getting comfortable. Comfort is invaluable when using a lightsaber."

"What's in-alluable mean?"

Chuckling to myself, Jacen gives me a slight frown before I smile back at him. "Invaluable means that you can't put a price on it. It's essential. It's a very, very good thing."

He's relaxing.

"Okay." Jacen smiles and moves to walk away. But before he can, I grab him."

"Hang on, before you go…there's one other reason." I tell him. "Cayle's shoto is a real weapon. He built it and trusts it with his life. You're feeling the difference between that, and a training blade."

Another very good thing.

"Now go get some water. You're doing great dude." I usher him away, only for Jacen to hustle towards the water coolers with a big smile on his face.

"What'd he say?" Kanan asks as I rise back to my full height.

"He's noticing the difference between Cayle's shoto and the training saber. It's lighter to him."

Kanan's expression changes from an even one, to a unmistakable grin. "Really…"

He's becoming at ease with it in his hands.

Mira babbles her pleasure and happiness at Kanan's smile before I tell him. "I/m going to text Cayle, see if he'll come down and let Jacen borrow his shoto. Feel free to speak to the class."

I'm sure he's got something he could impart to the class that I'm not thinking of.