Ezra's Apprentice: Jacen Syndulla

by Relsis

This story centers on Ezra Bridger taking on Jacen Syndulla, the son of his late Master, Kanan Jarrus as his own Padawan learner and eventually losing him to the dark side of the Force becoming Darth Caedus as a result of their conflicting ideals causing Ezra's death in a tragic duel and his brief usurping of the shattered Empire's throne before the rise of the First Order.

2. A Valuable Jedi Lesson

Two years have passed since Ezra Bridger took Jacen Syndulla on as his Padawan learner. Jacen's power and skill in both the Force and as a pilot were growing rapidly making him overconfident and arrogant at times.

"How many times do I have to remind you the importance of humility?", asked Ezra.

"Sorry, Ezra.", replied Jacen.

"You're being sent on a special mission to get intel on any Imperial remnants that may rise up against the New Republic. I'm giving you a special objective though. You are not to kill anyone. Only disarm them. Understood?", commanded Ezra.

"Yes, Master.", replied Jacen.

As soon as Jacen went to retrieve the intel, however, he witnessed many citizens of the New Republic being held as prisoners by remaining Stormtroopers and Imperial Officers. As Jacen attempted to rely on stealth to complete the mission, he was caught by one of the prison guards. As his cover was blown, he ignited his lightsaber by instinct and cut down everyone in his way as he rescued the prisoners of war. Jacen had gotten them all to safely in his U-wing and headed to Garel to rendezvous with Ezra and the rest of the Ghost team.

As the people Jacen rescued told Ezra of his heroic deeds upon being saved, Ezra told Jacen that they needed to have a talk.

"What did I tell you before I sent you on your first mission alone?", asked Ezra.

"I got caught! What was I supposed to do?", replied Jacen.

"You were supposed to not kill anyone unless you had to.", said Ezra. He then used the Force to confiscate Jacen's lightsaber.

"You lost your lightsaber privileges.", Ezra added.

"But I didn't have a choice!", replied Jacen.

"As a Jedi, you need to learn to think outside the box and value lives over everything else. You could have knocked them out or stunned them, but you didn't have to kill them.", said Ezra.

"But Ezra-", Jacen began.

"This isn't up for further discussion until you learn this. You need to remember that there's more to being a Jedi than just wielding a lightsaber. I have another lesson for you tomorrow during Jedi training. Now go clean the Ghost.", finished Ezra as Jacen went inside the ship.