Chapter 6: Visiting Master Billaba
Caleb and Ezra walked once again through the halls of the Jedi Temple, an activity that was becoming a staple in both of their lives. Over the years they had taken many walks together so Caleb could help guide the young boy, but now it struck them both how common these walks would become. It was only Ezra's first day still, but the boy knew he wouldn't mind a bit. This time they had to travel up higher in the Temple to reach the apartment assigned to Master Billaba, both a more senior and higher-ranking Jedi than Ezra had spent significant amounts of time near. Master Yoda occasionally taught a class and Master Sinube led lightsaber drills for younglings, but neither invited young Jedi to their apartments.
"Here we are," Caleb announced when they had arrived at her door.
"Will she like me?" Ezra asked nervously. Caleb frowned at the question.
"Of course she will!" he replied.
Knocking, Caleb was unsurprised to find his old master ready to open the door at a moment's notice. She always knew when he was getting close, and never let him forget that he was yet to sneak up on her.
"Good evening, Caleb. And this must be Ezra," Master Billaba greeted.
"Hello master," Caleb responded. Ezra just nodded quietly.
"Come on in. I promise I don't usually bite," Billaba said, directing the last bit in Ezra's direction with a grin.
They walked into the Master's room and Ezra noticed a similarity between it and Caleb's, though Billaba's was indisputably larger and held more character. She had collected artifacts and trinkets from her missions around the galaxy.
"Had a busy day?" the woman asked her two guests. They all sat around a table in the middle of the large common room.
"Oh yes. Ezra and I went to do some lightsaber training and some meditation. I think I know which he preferred though," Caleb grinned. Ezra blushed and looked down at his feet.
"Now, now. I seem to remember another young human boy who dreaded the thought of meditating for hours on end," Billaba jested. Caleb laughed and Ezra looked up at his master is amusement.
"True enough. No padawan with a personality is going to be drawn to meditation right away," Caleb conceded.
"You're a very quiet one, my young friend. Care to tell me a little bit about yourself?" Billaba asked Ezra. The boy gulped apprehensively and opened his mouth to answer.
"Y—yes. Sure, Master Billaba. I'm Ezra and I was brought to the Temple from Lothal. I guess we all kind of have the same stories from our Initiate days but that's really all there is to me," Ezra replied.
"Now I'm not so sure about that. What do you like doing when you aren't furiously training to become a Jedi Knight?" Billaba inquired.
"I like reading about other planets. I've only ever seen Coruscant and Ilum, but there are so many places out there," Ezra said in amazement.
"Yes there are, and I assure you that your master will take you to see a lot of them," Billaba agreed kindly. Ezra looked at Caleb excitedly and the Knight grinned in agreement.
"Speaking of seeing the galaxy. I heard that I'd be getting a mission pretty soon. Any ideas what I should be looking forward to?" Caleb asked his old master.
"I might know a little bit but I'd hate to ruin the surprise," Billaba tantalized.
"You're a cruel one," Caleb joked.
"Will I get to go with you?" Ezra asked excitedly with just a hint of nervousness.
"Yes, of course. That's one reason I wanted you so soon Ezra. I'd hate for you to miss out on seeing me embarrass myself as a Knight," Caleb smiled.
"Awesome!" Ezra exclaimed. Billaba and Caleb grinned at the boy's exuberant attitude.
"I can tell you that you'll get your briefing tomorrow. Now, as for tonight, how does everyone feel about dinner?" Billaba offered.
"Yes," both males answered quickly. The older woman shook her head in amusement and walked over to her kitchenette.
"First day as a 'grandma' Depa; you've got this," she mumbled to herself.