Chapter 6. Training
Obi-Wan was waiting for me. He turned at my entrance.
"You're late, Emma," he told me, not sounding at all annoyed.
"Sorry," I said. "I was … delayed. I met Master Billaba and her Padawan Caleb in the hallway, and I was talking to them for a little while. Caleb had a lot to say," I added, wondering what my father's reaction would be.
"Ah yes," Obi-Wan said. His lips twitched with amusement. He chuckled. "Young Caleb Dume is always full of questions. And he's quite insightful."
"He mentioned that you promised to tell him about Earth."
Obi-Wan sighed. I had the feeling he was avoiding talking to Caleb about Earth. Then he looked keenly at me. "He didn't ask you any questions about Earth, did he?"
"No," I told him. "But I think he would have if we had more time."
Obi-Wan sighed again. "Be aware of what you say, Emma. I wouldn't be surprised if he asks a question that leads him close to the truth about Star Wars."
"I won't say anything," I assured him. I decided not to tell Obi-Wan that I had almost mentioned Order 66 in front of Master Billaba and Caleb.
Then I looked more closely at my father. His beard was gone!
"Did Mom make you shave?" I asked my father with a grin. It was a family joke that my mother did not like beards.
"No, I made the decision myself," Obi-Wan declared, looking dignified. "I'm going for a new look." He tried to keep a straight face and failed. We both broke into peals of laughter.
Seeing my beardless father reminded me of something else.
"Do you want me to grow a braid?" I asked him, tentatively touching my hair.
"It is not a strict rule," Obi-Wan informed me. "However, I would urge you to consider it, as it will easily distinguish you as a Padawan."
"You're not going to order me to wear it?" I asked, feeling relieved.
"I will let you make the decision yourself," he decided. "I will only tell you what my own experience was. As you know, I wore a braid when I was a Padawan. I was glad to wear it, to show that I was training to become a Jedi Knight. It is part of the Jedi culture and heritage. I always knew that once I passed the Trials, Master Qui-Gon would cut off my braid with his lightsaber." Obi-Wan looked sad and spoke wistfully as he remembered his former master. "It would have been a very special moment."
"So does that mean you would cut off my braid when I become a Knight?" I asked him.
Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes. It is tradition for Masters to remove the braids of their Padawans at the Knighting ceremony."
I could see it all so clearly in my head. The picture was there: Obi-Wan cutting off my braid as I kneeled, my parents smiling proudly.
"I'll think about it," I promised him. "And will you tell me about Master Qui-Gon sometime? How you met him, what he was like and all about your training?" I had seen The Phantom Menace and knew a little, but I wanted Obi-Wan to tell me the entire story.
"I will," Obi-Wan declared. "So how was breakfast?" he asked me casually.
"Well, not as bad as I thought it would be. I liked the milk. The eggs were ok." I shuddered as I remembered the vile side dishes. "The vegetables were really gross, though. And that biscuit tasted like cardboard."
"Sounds about right," he agreed. "The biscuits are much better at Dex's."
"Can we eat dinner there tonight? Please?" I pleaded with him.
"It would be better than the dining hall," Obi-Wan concurred. "We'll see."
"I met a really nice boy in the dining hall," I told him. "Ben Snoke. He's Master Windu's new Padawan?"
"Oh yes. I haven't met him yet, but Master Windu says good things about him."
"Oh, Ben will be happy to hear that!" I thought of how Ben had seemed to almost worship Mace Windu.
"So where do we start?" I asked him eagerly. "Force pushes? Lightsaber training?"
"We will get to all of that," he assured me. "You will learn everything you need to know. We will start with this. This is your first lesson." He handed me a slim book. I looked at the blue front cover. The title was The Jedi Code: Our Rules and Way of Life.
"Before we begin, I have something to ask you." I looked at him uncertainly. I hoped he wouldn't think I was being snide. "Should I call you Father or Master?"
Obi-Wan looked at me tranquilly. "How about Master when you're training?"
And Father the rest of the time, I finished his thought. That made sense to me. I could tell Obi-Wan was pleased that I was now calling him Father. He knew I had forgiven him.
"So, the Jedi Code is all of the rules of the Jedi Order?" I asked him. "Like protecting people and not using dark side emotions?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "Essentially, the Code is a set of ideals that we aspire to achieve. It directs our behavior and keeps us balanced."
I opened the book. The first page listed the new Jedi Code:
There is no emotion, there is peace.
There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.
There is no passion, there is serenity.
There is no chaos, there is harmony.
There is no death, there is the Force.
This was the mantra that Obi-Wan had recited on our trip to Coruscant.
"This is the Code that I learned as a youngling," Obi-Wan told me. "It has brought me peace and comfort many times throughout my life."
On the second page, these words were written:
Emotion, yet peace.
Ignorance, yet knowledge.
Passion, yet serenity.
Chaos, yet harmony.
Death, yet the Force.
"This was the original version of the Code," Obi-Wan explained. "This is the form that we have returned to, the one that the earliest Jedi complied with. You will memorize these words. You will live by them."
"Why are there two versions of the Code?" I asked him. "What was wrong with the first one? Why did the Jedi feel the need to change it?"
"The second version was written by Master Odan-Urr, thousands of years ago," Obi-Wan answered. "He set about to clarify the meaning of the Code, since many Jedi told him that they found the original version confusing."
"I think this second version is more confusing," I declared. "It seems really inflexible. And it sounds like the two Codes have two totally different meanings."
"I do not pretend to have the definitive answer to that question," Obi-Wan told me. "Even Jedi Masters debate this. Some Jedi believe the two Codes are fundamentally the same, that they are both about acceptance. I've come to feel that the Code means to let go of the first point; for example, no emotion; and welcome the other; there is peace."
"So basically, this Code was established to keep Jedi away from the dark side, right? That's why they forbid certain things. But it sounds to me like Master Odan-Urr is asking Jedi to completely reject that certain things exist. Isn't suppressing your emotions dangerous? Mom always says it's important to talk about my feelings. My teachers in school said that, too. Are they wrong?" I wasn't trying to be difficult; I just really wanted to know what was right.
Obi-Wan sighed. "Your mother and I were raised very differently. I am not going to say that there is one 'right' and one 'wrong' way for every being in the galaxy. But you are here now, on Coruscant, in the Jedi Temple. You must follow our teachings, even the ones that you don't fully agree with."
"I will not ask you to deny your emotions," he continued quietly. "I have learned from training Anakin. And the Order has returned to the original Code. You can always acknowledge your feelings, not hide from them. You will be taught to control certain feelings, to master your emotions. In truth, the Jedi have always strived to live that way."
I flipped to the next page, which included a supplement to the second Code:
A Jedi does not act for personal power or wealth but seeks knowledge and enlightenment.
A Jedi never acts from hatred, anger, fear, or aggression but acts when calm and at peace with the Force.
Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy.
Jedi use the powers to defend and to protect, never to attack others.
Jedi respect life, in any form.
Jedi serve others rather than ruling over them, for the good of the galaxy.
Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.
I had heard Obi-Wan quote the second line during our flight. And I remembered what Yoda had told Luke in The Empire Strikes Back: A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack.
I skimmed through the rest of the book, which discussed characteristics that Jedi should display. Some of it I already knew, like the Jedi being peacekeepers, disciplined, rational, patient, forgiving, empathetic and compassionate.
Whoa, Anakin violated a lot of these rules, I thought. A Jedi will not kill a weaponless opponent or prisoners (yeah, Dooku); a Jedi will not take revenge (did he ever, against the Tusken Raiders on Tatooine after they killed his mother); a Jedi does not hold onto the past. No wonder he turned to the dark side. I stopped that train of thought. In fact, Anakin had not turned. That reminded me to try to speak to him alone the next time I saw him. I was still determined to figure out exactly what had happened to prevent that catastrophe.
"The Code sure does mention knowledge a lot," I commented to Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan nodded. "Learning is a life-long pursuit for us," he said. "Do not think that your training will end once you become a Knight, Emma," he told me. "You are never finished studying the Force. It takes a lifetime."
Next, I learned that the Code covered three main areas: self-discipline, responsibility and public service. In the self-discipline section, there was guidance on defeating things like arrogance, self-doubt, curiosity (well, both Caleb Dume and Ben Snoke were going to have to work on that one), anger and distractions. The responsibility section dealt with honesty, morality, honor and respect. Public service referred to helping the Republic, protecting the weak and innocent, and acting as defenders of peace and justice throughout the galaxy.
"Can we read what the Code says about attachment?" I asked him, even though I knew. "Let's turn to that part."
I read the part of the Code that forbade attachment and relationships.
"I think that attitude is ignorant and wrong," I said bluntly. Before he could say anything, I quickly added, "I mean no disrespect. I know I'm only a Padawan and have a lot to learn. But it's not like everyone else in the galaxy who are not Jedi turn evil when they form attachments. And what about all the Jedi in the past who married and had families? How many of them turned to the dark side? Plus, Luke and Leia got married and didn't turn. Besides, look at you and Mom. You fell in love, and you didn't turn to the dark side. And is it better to have secret relationships that can cause guilt and stress? Wouldn't that be more likely to lead to the dark side, if you have to hide how you feel?" I hoped Obi-Wan wouldn't think this was a childish argument or interpretation of the Code. I didn't think he would, seeing as how he had voted in favor of ending the attachment rule.
"The Council has already had this dispute," he reminded me. "And ultimately the decision was made in your favor … the way we wanted it to go. But you make good points."
I saw that the bottom of this page had an asterisk, which listed the amended portion where the Council had voted to allow attachments and marriage. I was really glad they had done this. I noted that they discussed the risk inherent in attachments but would leave the decision up to individual Jedi to determine how best to handle this.
Together, we reviewed the rest of the book, and then Obi-Wan pointed to a blue cushion on the floor. "Please sit there," he told me. "It's time for your next lesson."
"Meditation?" I guessed, watching Obi-Wan sit down cross-legged on the blue cushion next to mine.
"Mom tried teaching me," I told Obi-Wan. Although I had learned a few yoga moves from my mother, I had not been able to sit still for more than a minute or two. "I didn't have the patience for it then," I admitted, hoping this wouldn't count against me.
"You will learn patience," Obi-Wan said simply.
"You must work toward correct form. Sit up straight, and place your hands face up by your sides. Now, close your eyes and relax your body. We will practice a breathing technique," Obi-Wan told me. "Inhale slowly, as I count to five. Then exhale slowly for five breaths."
I did this and felt noticeably more relaxed.
We repeated this breathing exercise for several minutes.
"How do you feel?" he asked me.
"Much calmer," I said.
He smiled. "Good. Now, clear your mind," he instructed.
"And how exactly do I do that? It's always buzzing like a busy bee."
"It takes lots of practice," he told me.
"Let your breathing be slow and even," Obi-Wan guided me. "Allow any thoughts and emotions that come to your mind, observe them, and then let them go. Focus on the sound of your breathing to keep your mind from wandering."
"You will learn to trust your feelings, but also to be mindful of them, so that they won't hinder your judgment. That is why it is so important to learn meditation. Your instincts will guide you, as long as you maintain a calm and harmonious mind."
"When you go deeper into meditation, you will be able to obtain a powerful union with the Force, as well as sense the will of the Force. You may see visions of the future."
"Like Luke did in The Empire Strikes Back," I remarked.
"Or like Master Yoda does all the time," Obi-Wan added. Then he sobered somewhat. "You will learn to sharpen your perception of the future, but you must always remember to be aware of the present moment. This was something Qui-Gon had to prompt me about a few times during my training."
"Right," I said, remembering that scene in The Phantom Menace when Qui-Gon had reminded Obi-Wan to be mindful of the Living Force.
"Meditation will teach you to be present with your breath. With time, all your thoughts will melt away and you will be totally immersed in a different state of consciousness. It will enhance your concentration and focus. You will achieve a state of great inner peace."
"When I first began meditating, I would recite the Jedi Code over and over. It helped my mind move away from other thoughts, and gradually my overall awareness and attention improved. Through this process, you will get to know yourself better. Meditation is crucial in order to fully achieve self-discipline."
"You won't master this overnight. We started slow this morning, with a five-minute session. We will practice again later this afternoon. Gradually, you will increase the amount of time you stay in meditation. You will meditate several times a day, as we all do. Again, this will take a lifetime to perfect."
"Yes, Master," I replied. I hoped that one day, I would become so proficient that I would achieve floating meditation, and be able to rise off the ground, along with any nearby objects. Just like Luke and Rey did.
"I will teach you one more thing before lunch," Obi-Wan said.
"What is it?" I asked him with avid interest, hoping that he would show me some cool Force power.
"Now that I have introduced you to the Jedi Code and meditation, it is time to begin your lessons in understanding particular features of the Force and how to use them."
"I know the Force is an energy field," I said, proud that I already knew this. "It connects everything in the galaxy and gives us our power." I had learned so much from watching A New Hope."It is in all living things, but the Jedi are special because we have a lot of midi-chlorians and can sense the Force. We learn to control it and use it for good."
"Not just the Jedi, Emma," Obi-Wan reminded me. "Any being who is Force-sensitive can utilize the energy of the Force. And remember, we can control it, but we also have to be open and compliant to the will of the Force, since it directs everything that we do. We are the vehicles through which the Force transmits its will, and that is how we fulfill our destinies."
I thought of what Obi-Wan had told Luke in A New Hope about the Force, when Luke had asked if the Force controls your actions: "Partially. But it also obeys your commands."
"And, speaking of control … that is where you will begin." Obi-Wan stood up.
"The Jedi divide the study of the Force into three topics: Control, Sense and Alter. These are the three steps of Force power advancement. I will explain what these terms mean, and then give you examples of Force powers in each category."
"Control is the first thing that is taught to younglings. It refers to your ability to feel the Force inside you. This skill is the most basic, as mastering all other areas of Force use depend on your understanding and succeeding with this. At this level, you learn to control your body; the emphasis here is on self-control. Some examples of powers in this category would be Control Pain, Force healing and Force speed."
"Isn't Force healing really hard?" I asked him. "I mean, not everyone can do it, right? So why is it in this category, if it's not a basic skill?"
"Not every Jedi will have every single Force ability," Obi-Wan explained. "The categories are not classified according to whether a specific power is easier or harder to use than others. The ability to become a Force ghost would also be considered a power in the Control category. If you'll recall, Control refers to a firm command over focusing the Force by means of your body. Since Force healing requires that, it is considered a Control power."
"The second stage of learning is Sense, which is taught to Padawans. This involves awareness of the Force in the outer environment. With Sense, you will expand your comprehension of the Living Force and eventually learn to use the Force as if it was one of your own senses. So, for instance, you would be able to sense disturbances in the Force."
"Like you did when the Empire destroyed Alderaan," I said soberly. "I mean, in A New Hope," I hastily added, thankful that destruction had not actually occurred.
"Correct. The focus here is on increasing your insight and awareness of everything that surrounds you. Examples of Sense powers are Life Detection, Force sight, Force vision, psychometry and telepathy."
"What is psychometry?" I had never heard of this.
"It is the ability to sense things about people or events by touching an object. It is a rare gift. My friend, Master Quinlan Vos, is the only Jedi I know who can use it."
"The third, and most demanding, area of study is called Alter. This means you have learned to change the essence of the Force itself and to exercise control over other objects. Some of these skills are taught to Padawans who have become totally proficient in Control and Sense. Sometimes they are not learned until a Padawan becomes a Jedi Knight. We believe these abilities, such as Force jump, Force persuasion, or the mind trick, Force pull/push and telekinesis, require an exceptional knowledge of the Force to use."
"But I first started to use telekinesis on Earth," I protested, puzzled. "I didn't even know I had Force powers. How could I know how to use it without any training?"
"Granted, it is unusual. But not unheard of. Some Force-sensitives have more powerful connections with the Force sooner and intuitively know certain skills that others would need training in order to perform. Your telekinesis was an innate response, Emma. With training, you will master Control, and it will become stronger. You will be able to successfully apply your skills whenever you need them."
I nodded in agreement. Then I thought of how Luke had used telekinesis in The Empire Strikes Back to get his lightsaber without being trained in it. And what about all those Force-sensitive babies in Rebels who had it without any training whatsoever? Perhaps it was not as unusual as Obi-Wan thought.
"After lunch, you will have lightsaber practice," Obi-Wan announced as we walked to the dining hall.
I fairly raced through lunch, so eager was I to begin this training. I took a bite of a sandwich with trepidation, but I liked it. It tasted like peanut butter. I drank another glass of the sweet blue milk. I even attacked another batch of strange-looking vegetables with enthusiasm, although thankfully, these tasted better than the ones at breakfast.
However, Obi-Wan seemed to be in no particular hurry and took his time eating, even chatting leisurely with another Jedi Master at our table.
At last, he was finished eating and talking and we returned to our training room.
Finally! This was what I had been waiting for.
Obi-Wan handed me a small lightsaber. I took it, almost giddy with excitement. He showed me how to ignite it. I pushed the button on the handle and swung it around carefully, my eyes drawn to the glowing blue blade.
Obi-Wan watched me wave my lightsaber for a minute. Then he spoke.
"This is not fun and games, Emma," he warned me sternly. "This is deadly serious. The first thing you need to understand about a lightsaber is that if you ignite it, you must be ready to take a life."
"I understand, Master," I said conscientiously.
"This is a training lightsaber," he told me. "It looks and feels exactly like mine, except it has a minimal amount of power. This is so you don't accidentally cut me, yourself, or damage anything in this room. Well, if you do make skin contact, we won't receive a cut but a shock. It won't result in a serious injury, just a bruise or a minor burn."
"That's a relief," I muttered. I looked at him, feeling a little apprehensive. "Maybe I should start with a stick or a bat."
"You'll be fine, Emma," Obi-Wan said. "Have faith in yourself. I do. This is the type of lightsaber that all the younglings begin with."
Obi-Wan held his own lightsaber. "My lightsaber is set to training mode," he assured me, correctly reading my expression. "Just to be on the safe side. You don't actually think I would wound you, do you?"
"No," I said. "You're much too skilled for that."
Obi-Wan smiled at my praise. "Today you will learn the basics of using a lightsaber, as well as an overview of the various forms. Observe how I move my feet, my arms and the rest of my body."
"I will train you in lightsaber fighting and defense. However, you must always remember that drawing your weapon is a last resort to solving a problem, or getting out of a difficult situation, after you have exhausted every other possibility. Conversations and negotiations are always the preferred method of resolving a dispute. If a peaceful solution is not possible, then sometimes you will find that fighting is necessary."
Well, they didn't call him the Negotiator for nothing.
"There are seven forms, or styles, of lightsaber combat. I am most proficient in Forms III and IV. I prefer to use Form III, which is known as Soresu, since it is the most defensive form. I will teach you this style, once you have learned the basic poses."
"What's wrong with Form IV?" I wanted to know.
"There is nothing 'wrong' with it," Obi-Wan explained. He shook his head at some memory. "It doesn't emphasize defense, and I believe that was why Maul was able to kill Qui-Gon. It also places greater physical demands on Jedi than other forms do, and you can tire more quickly. After my Master's death, I changed my specialization from Form IV to Form III."
"What is Form IV called?" I asked him.
"It is called Ataru. This style has a very quick pace and involves gymnastic skills."
"Isn't that how Yoda fights?" I asked, remembering all of Yoda's flips during his battles with Count Dooku and Darth Sidious.
"Yes, Master Yoda favors Form IV. Every Jedi determines their particular fighting style, based on their own capabilities and strengths."
I watched as Obi-Wan ignited his lightsaber and adopted a defensive pose.
"I will teach you Form I, or Shii-Cho, first. It is the first form that all the younglings learn and is the easiest one to master. It will lay the groundwork for understanding all of the other forms. You will learn the basics of strikes, parries and which areas of the body to single out for attack. The main focus here is on disarming your adversaries."
"Then you will learn Form III, which, as you now know, I prefer to use. Eventually, you will gain a basic understanding of all the lightsaber styles, and pick which one you want to specialize in. Well, all except Form VII. You will not learn Form VII."
"Why not?" I wanted to know.
"It is essentially forbidden to teach. It is the most dangerous form. When I tell you more about this fighting style, you will understand why. Qui-Gon never allowed me to learn it."
"Ok," I said, at least glad that the reason he wasn't going to teach it to me was because he doubted my skills.
Obi-Wan demonstrated a few basic lightsaber poses and strokes, then said to me, "Now it is your turn, Emma."
"What about practicing the lightsaber with a helmet so I can't see? Aren't we supposed to use training droids first?" I asked him. "Isn't that how younglings learn in the beginning?" And how Luke learned, I thought.
"I will blindfold you when we get to blast-deflection tomorrow," Obi-Wan told me. "Today I want to see how you do learning the postures and practicing against another lightsaber."
Obi-Wan instructed me to move into a ready position.
"Focus, Emma. Don't doubt yourself. Know that you can do it." I swung and missed. I swung again, and Obi-Wan moved to the side, easily dodging the blow.
"You're overthinking it, Emma. Feel the Force."
This time I was ready when he attacked, blocking a hit high, then low, then spinning around and clashing my lightsaber against his.
"Good, Emma. Now you're trusting your instincts."
I brandished my lightsaber. "Let's go again."
We practiced for the rest of the afternoon. At first, I had lots of energy and concentration. After a while, I grew tired and had to sit down and rest. I was not used to all of this physical work. Obi-Wan told me that I had drained my personal Force reservoir. He stated that I would slowly build my endurance and strength, but it would take some time. As I grew in experience, I would be able to use my Force powers more often before I became weary. Obi-Wan had me take frequent breaks. While I was resting, I watched him closely, until I had memorized his stances and steps, and could perfectly imitate them.
"You did well today, Emma," Obi-Wan said at the end of the day.
"You disarmed me, like, ten times," I grumbled.
"You won't understand everything overnight, Emma," Obi-Wan said soothingly. "You performed admirably for your first day of training. I am proud of you for how good you are handling your adjustment to life here."
"Thanks," I said, beaming at his praise.
Obi-Wan handed me a pile of five books. I took them dubiously.
"I don't have to read all of these by tomorrow, right?" I asked him wryly. "I know I'm behind everyone else with my training, but …."
"No, I don't expect that, Emma," Obi-Wan told me with a grin. "And don't think that you're trailing behind all the other Padawans. I'll bring you up to speed soon enough."
Oh great, I thought. I'll bet I only get, like, two hours of sleep a night.
We walked back toward our living quarters. When we reached my parents' room, we found my mom talking to Anakin and Padmé.
"Mom!" I gave her a hug. "How did it go today? Are you going to be a nurse here?"
"Yes, Emma." She looked tired but happy. "The healers have decided to accept my services, such as they are. I have some homework too." She looked at all my books and laughed.
"I remember these." Anakin checked the titles on the spines of the books and smiled. "I had to read these too. I breezed through youngling training in about six months. I'm sure you'll do the same. I hope you're ready for the daily quizzes."
"Quizzes?" I asked, slightly nervously, then I realized he was joking. Obi-Wan was shaking his head at him, but he was smiling too. Then he remarked, "After dinner, I'm going to show Emma and Lara the meditation chapels and gardens."
"Oh, Emma hasn't seen them already?" Anakin looked at me with that same intent look I remembered from my Council test.
Obi-Wan was standing several feet away talking to my mother and Padmé. Anakin moved closer to me and spoke in a low voice, so that only I could hear him.
"Enjoy the tour," he said. "They're very special places. Maybe you can ask Obi-Wan to go back to the Council Chamber. Perhaps it will trigger some memories."
With that, he rejoined the group of adults, who were now discussing whether we should eat at Dex's Diner that night.
I stared at Anakin's back. What exactly had he meant by that?
