Chapter 2: A Mentor, A Friend, and A Father

Over the years Master Billaba's prediction about Caleb and Ezra were confirmed many times. The boy tried not to abuse his special friendship with a Jedi Knight, but on occasion he would find or call Caleb for advice. Caleb for his own part was never annoyed by the youngling and, instead, reveled in the chance to be with the child. Now nearly eleven years old, Ezra had a closer relationship with the young Knight than any initiate would typically have. A few of the more old-fashioned Council members thought of intervening to restore an 'appropriate' distance but Depa always deflected them behind the scenes.

It was mid-afternoon in Coruscant's central district when the Master's meditation was interrupted by a feeling. She knew someone was walking towards her door. After a moment she even heard their footsteps. Standing, she awaited the inevitable ring on her door chime. It was not as forthcoming as she'd predicted, however, and she could feel the conflict in the person outside—Caleb. So her former student was here, probably for some sort of advice. She knew how awkward it was to go to your old master for advice after your days as a padawan were over. It was the same as with a parent and child. Sensing that Caleb was about to leave, Depa waved her hand to open her door without warning.

"Caleb?" she inquired. The young man looked up in surprise.

"Master," he sputtered.

"Can I help you?" the woman smiled.

"Well I hope so. Sorry. It's a bit complicated," Caleb awkwardly said.

"I assumed so with all the conflict bubbling outside my door," Billaba laughed.

"Can I come in?" the tall man asked.

"You hardly have to ask, Caleb. You might be a Knight now but you'll always be my apprentice," she assured him.

"Thanks," he replied with a sincere smile. Stepping in, Caleb waited for the door to close before saying another word.

"Alright enough stalling. You came here for a reason and it's rude to leave me guessing for so long," Depa pushed.

"Fair enough. I want to take a padawan," Caleb blurted quickly. He dropped eye contact immediately after the confession. The older woman did not answer as promptly.

"Take a seat and talk me through it," she instructed. Caleb moved to sit opposite his teacher's usual place and she did likewise.

"Thanks," Caleb said.

"So you think you're ready to train a Jedi?" Depa asked. Caleb blushed and stumbled over his next words.

"Well I hope so and I already—I mean I think I can," Caleb stuttered.

"Calm yourself Caleb. I am simply asking questions to better understand your state of mind. You are a good Knight; I'm sure you will be able to teach if you put your mind to it. So do you already have an apprentice in mind?" Billaba queried.

"Yes I do," he replied surely. She nodded knowingly.

"I suspected as much," Billaba said.

"You did?" Caleb asked nervously.

"Yes, of course. You aren't as subtle as you think you are Caleb," she laughed. He looked embarrassed but less tense.

"It's a boy named—" Caleb started.

"Ezra Bridger," Depa finished for him. He nodded in confirmation.

"So you really do know. I never could keep secrets from you," Caleb said.

"No you couldn't. I have seen your interest in the boy though. It's a bit touching in my opinion. He clearly looks up to you, so I don't think there'd be a problem there. My only question is why now? He's only eleven," Billaba stated.

Caleb replied: "It's really a pleasure to help him. He's so devoted to his studies but he's unsure of himself. I know he's younger than the average padawan, but I think he'll learn better with me than he is now."

"Perhaps. Why do you say that?" Depa inquired.

"He's come to me for help a few times and each time he's managed to master the skill. It seems like he struggles, though, when he is in his classes. I think its his nervousness. Ezra always thinks he'll disappoint them," Caleb explained.

"You know how to calm him and keep him focused?" Depa asked.

"Yeah. He trusts me and I think he's more comfortable with one person he knows than a multitude he doesn't," Caleb replied. The older Jedi nodded in understanding.

"I was much of the same way. There's something else though. Why else do you wish to take him early?" Depa pushed.

"To be honest, I know it won't be long now before I'm given my first long-term assignment. Every young Knight is sent out to finalize their independence from their master, and I don't want to leave Ezra here. I think he'd learn more with me and I would feel better having him with me," Caleb confessed. Master Billaba was somewhat surprised by his line of reasoning but could hardly dispute most of it.

"Do you think he's ready to be on a mission with you, though?" she asked. It wasn't doubt that motivated her, but wisdom always dictated caution.

"Yes," Caleb responded without any doubt in his voice. Depa smiled; Caleb clearly had already formed a trusting relationship with his future padawan.

"Very well, then. I think it may be time. I thought I had a little longer before you made me a 'grandmother,'" Billaba joked. Caleb laughed.

"What can I say? The Force brought the kid into my life. I could hardly have predicted it myself," Caleb replied with a grin.

"You'll need to go before the Council to move forward," Depa said. She had now returned to the seriousness of the request her former student made.

"I know, Master. That's why I came to you first," Caleb explained.

"Very good. I will add you to the schedule. How does next week sound?" Depa offered.

"Perfect! Thank you so much," Caleb said with a fond smile. She smiled in return.

"May I add a personal note?" Billaba asked.

"Of course!" Caleb exclaimed. He was confused why she would even ask permission to do so.

"Taking him as your padawan when he's that young will create a very strong bond, especially since he already sees you in a similar light. You will be more than just his mentor. Under most circumstances one's master will become the closest of friends with their padawan, but you shouldn't be surprised if it's more than that. He'll start to look at you like a father; you might feel like one too," Depa said.

"I know. I'd be lying to you if I did not admit already feeling some attachment to the boy," Caleb confessed.

"You know I won't tell. Just don't let Master Windu hear you say that," Billaba replied.

"That'd be a nightmare!" Caleb laughed.