Chapter 7: The Mission
Caleb walked into the briefing room at the appointed hour and noticed a number of Council members standing around the main table. Masters Windu, Luminara, Billaba, and Kenobi were there to give them their first mission as a Jedi pair—and Caleb's first solo mission overall. Ezra was at his side, likely the first time the boy had been allowed in this part of the Temple. In contrast to the days of the Clone Wars there were only Jedi in the briefing room.
"Ah, here is Knight Dume and his young padawan," Master Luminara noted upon their entry.
"On time too," Master Billaba joked. Caleb had a bit of a reputation for tardiness during his time as her apprentice.
"Some things do change," Caleb responded.
"Indeed they do," Billaba said wistfully.
"Well let's get down to business, shall we?" Master Windu directed. He activated the holo-map and highlighted a planet.
"Of course," Billaba replied.
"There have been reports of trouble on Lasan, a world that lies mostly outside of the Jedi's knowledge and fully outside the Republic. They are a proud, traditional society with a mixed opinion of our Order and our role in keeping the peace. Normally we would be hesitant to send someone into such an environment but the items that have been stolen recently are concerning," Windu started.
"What items?" Caleb inquired.
"A shipment of power cells headed to Lasan's Royal Armory, two Rogue-Class starfighters, a few local weapons known as 'bo-rifles,' and an Ashla Staff," Luminara answered.
"Ashla Staff?" Caleb questioned. Windu opened his mouth to answer but was interrupted by an unexpected source.
Ezra interjected: "Ashla is an ancient word for the Force used by the Lasat. Ashla Staffs are important in their rituals to direct the Force." Despite looking somewhat annoyed at the boy's interruption, Windu also appeared impressed.
"Very good, young padawan. You've been studying your galactic cultures," Windu complimented. Ezra blushed and nodded quietly.
"You see why this is a Jedi concern. If they're stealing advanced technology and Force-sensitive items it could be evidence of the Sith or another undesirable group," Kenobi said. Caleb nodded in recognition of this logic.
"So we're going to Lasan," Caleb said while looking over the map. He felt Ezra shift uncomfortably beside him.
"Yes. Your orders are to investigate these disturbances in cooperation—and I must repeat cooperation—with the local authorities. If and when you find out what is going on out there report back to the Council. In the case that this is something like the Sith resurgence we want to get ahead of it quickly. We mustn't allow ourselves to be caught unawares like last time," Billaba concluded.
"It's a long journey, but we believe you can handle it. Do you agree with our confidence in your abilities?" Windu questioned.
"Yes, Masters. We'll leave straight away," Caleb replied.
"Something is troubling you padawan. What is it?" Master Luminara asked. Caleb looked at Ezra encouragingly so the boy did not think he was in trouble.
"Sorry, it's just that I had a vision about Lasan a few nights ago. I saw Lasats and a city in the trees," Ezra stuttered.
"So you saw the future? That is not unheard of among young force-sensitives. Do not let it weigh on you needlessly," Master Windu instructed.
"Yes, Master Windu," Ezra bowed in understanding. Caleb put a hand on his padawan's shoulder.
"Just let me know if you have any more dreams. We can meditate on them together if you'd like," Caleb offered.
"Thank you, master," Ezra said respectfully. He smiled softly at the Knight's ever-helpful demeanor towards him.
"It is settled then. Proceed with caution: we cannot offend the Lasat or fail to understand what is at work in their system. They are typically skeptical of both the Jedi and the Republic," Windu said.
"I presume we're not taking a Republic Cruiser out there then?" Caleb questioned.
"Correct. General Rex will transport you aboard his Cruiser to the planet Naboo. There you will hire a private ship to go to Lasan. Naboo trades with them, so it shouldn't be difficult. The Jedi Council has arranged funding with the local Naboo: they'll front whatever costs are necessary to get you to the Lasan system," Kenobi explained.
"Private transport? I can't say that's normal procedure. Should be interesting," Caleb responded. Master Billaba laughed.
"Interesting indeed," Billaba agreed.
"With your permission, we will go prepare for our departure," Caleb announced. When there were no objections, the master and padawan left the briefing room.