Exterior: Concord Dawn, Mandalorian Knights enclave.
As she ran up to and hugged her safely returned father, Omega greeted, "Daddy! You're home!"
"Missed you too, ad'ika," replied Galen as he knelt down and returned the embrace.
"I'm really happy to see you," sighed Omega as her head rested on his shoulder, "I love you, Dad."
"I love you too, lil 'un," returned Galen, "Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum."
Upon a familiar yellow starfighter landing, Galen and Omega turned to see Anakin exit the cockpit with R2.
"Uncle Ani!" called Omega as Skywalker came over to them.
With a small smile, Anakin knelt down and hugged the kid, "How's my little niece?"
"Great," answered Omega, "I'm glad you're back, safe and sound."
"Me too, kid, me too." sighed Skywalker as their hug ended.
"How was Dromund Kaas?" asked Mandalore.
"Terrible weather, poor accommodations, the prices are outrageous, no nice beaches.
The locals were no fun, and there was no sunshine until after I left." answered Skywalker, "and your brother says hi."
"Anything we should know?"
"Vitiate ordered the Dark Council's execution before we confronted him.
Cay and a Lethan woman were the only surviving Dark Council members."
As his holocom beeped, Galen answered to see Grandmaster Yoda, "To what do I owe the pleasure, Sage?"
"Soon to be held, is the Padawan tournament.
Wish for you to attend, I do."
"I'll be there, and I'll bring Omega with me.
She's been asking to see the temple again."
"Look forward to seeing you, I do." mused Yoda as the call ended.
"What's the Padawan tournament?" asked Omega.
"A competition where Jedi initiates showcase their skills with a lightsaber and the Force in hopes of being taken as an apprentice." answered Skywalker.
"It sounds like fun to watch."
"We'll have to bring our own popcorn."
A day later.
Interior: Coruscant, Jedi temple, hangar, morning.
As they disembarked from the Rogue Shadow, Galen and Omega were met by a familiar Tholothian youngling.
Galen removed his helmet, and knelt down to meet her at eye level, "Hello, Katooni, it's nice to see you again,"
"You remember me, Master Galen?" asked Katooni, timidly.
"Of course, little one," answered Galen who asked, "did Master Yoda send you to meet us?"
"Yes, Master, he's waiting for you, and asked me to escort you."
"You're participating in the tournament today, aren't you, sweetie?" asked Marek, sensing Katooni's anxiety.
"I am, but I don't know if I can do it," admitted the youngling, "I'm scared I'll mess up, even though I've been practising a lot."
Giving her a reassuring hug, Galen sent soothing vibes through the Force, "You can do it, Kat'ika, you can do anything you set your mind to.
I believe and have faith in you."
Katooni smiled appreciatively, "I could use some advice, Master Marek."
"Concentrate on the moment. Feel, don't think. Use your instincts." softly said Galen, "the Force is with you, let it guide you.
Trust yourself, and trust the Force."
"I'll try my best, Master."
"I know you will do your best, but you must believe in yourself.
Don't centre on your anxieties, for your focus determines your reality."
With a smile as the hug ended, Katooni nodded, "Thank you, Master."
"Anytime, ad'ika."
With a smile, Omega greeted the Tholothian, "Hello, my name's Omega. I'm Galen's daughter,"
"Hi, Omega, I'm Katooni."
"I like you, can we be friends?"
"Of course."
Shortly thereafter.
Interior: Coruscant, Jedi temple, Padawan tournament arena.
Standing before the Sage, in the audience, with his daughter next to him, Galen gestured, "Yoda, you remember Omega."
The little human girl smiled and gave a small wave, "Hello."
"To see you again, a pleasure, it is." Yoda greeted the child.
"Likewise."
As the Force drew his attention to her whilst she looked up at him, Galen gave Katooni an encouraging smile and a thumbs up.
"For young Katooni, showing support, you are.
Boosting her morale, your very presence is," observed Yoda, "A fine Master to a Padawan, you would make."
"With Vitiate dead, the extent of the Sith military's decimation, and the war's de-escalation, I'll have more time on my hands which I can devote to training a Padawan."
"So sure are you that the war will de-escalate?"
"I know it will."
"Taking a Padawan, will you be?"
"Speaking of, I have a ground rule for doing so."
"Oh? Be what, would it?"
"I will not be using my own, nor anyone else's, Padawan as a child soldier. It's wrong in every way." firmly answered Galen, "Padawans and younglings should be spending time with friends, learning from their mentors, finding themselves, and having fun.
Not being radicalised, broken, dismembered, mutilated, killed, or traumatised because some di'kut sent them into a war zone."
"Share the sentiment, the Council and Senate do."
Whilst watching the Initiates compete, Galen asked, "Hey, why didn't I have to do this?"
"Fought far worse than your peers, you had.
Spar with Masters and Knights you often did, outmatched, your classmates would be."
Paying close attention, Galen thought, "The kids from the Gathering are doing well."
"Agree, I do."
"Are Padawans like the sons and daughters of their Masters?" Omega asked, curious and fascinated.
"To look at it, one way, this is." mused Yoda, "an ideal perspective, it is."
"So if Dad picks a Padawan, I'll have a new brother or sister?"
"Perhaps."
Watching the final match as it came down to Katooni and Petro, Galen asked, "Have the Initiates I accompanied to Ilum been okay since Florrum?
I know better than anyone how the first battle can leave scars and give you nightmares."
"Helped them through them, Healers Stass, Luminara and Barriss have."
"How are Caleb and Depa handling Mace's death?" asked Galen, then there was a small gust of wind as Caleb catapulted himself into his arms, "Hello to you too,"
"Hey, Buir." returned Dume, warming Marek's heart.
"Are you doing okay, ad'ika?" asked Galen.
"Yeah, I have some Mandalorian traditions of honouring the fallen to thank for coping so well.
And the Jedi code's part about there being no death, only the Force."
"I'm glad. Now what's this I hear about you recently preventing a temple bombing?"
"Barriss and I went to the roof for meditation, and found some Dark Jedi planting bombs on the main tower, so we handled them."
"I'm proud of you, ad'ika."
"They claimed they were trying to join the Imperial Inquisitors."
"Cay values loyalty in his agents, he wouldn't accept those traitors."
"I figured that much about him."
"Speaking of my Sith twin, I have good news."
"What kind of news?"
"He and Anakin killed Emperor Vitiate." answered Marek.
"Think that's a result of the shatterpoint Master Windu mentioned when he told you not to save him?"
"I do." confirmed Galen.
With a smile, Omega greeted Dume, "Hi, big brother,"
"Hey, sis," returned Caleb, "it's nice to see you again."
"Likewise."
"How was Ryloth?"
"Interesting, and mum introduced me to General Syndulla and his daughter, Hera."
"Cool."
As Petro and Katooni finished the final match in a draw, they bowed to each other and shook hands whilst their peers applauded them.
"Great job, Petro, that was fun," praised Katooni, "I'm proud of you."
"You were amazing, Katooni," returned Petro, "I'm proud of you too."
"Thanks, and who are you hoping for as a Master?"
"Maybe Master Qui-Gon, Vos or Obi-Wan.
How about you? Who do you want as a Master?"
"Like a wish, I can't tell you, or it might not come true." she quipped.
Petro observed, "You seem really confident, even though, earlier, you were as stressed about the tournament as I was about the written exam."
Stifling a small giggle, Katooni replied, "Yep."
"Also, thanks for helping me study.
I seriously owe you one."
"You can buy me lunch at Dex's, sometime."
"It's a date." blurted Petro, then he and Katooni blushed at the thought.
As he and Omega approached, Galen praised, "Great job, you two."
Bowing, the two younglings smiled, "Thank you, Master Galen."
"Well done, both of you." added Kenobi as he approached, "Initiate Petro, might I have a word, please?"
Petro nodded, "Of course, Master Kenobi." before the ginger led him away.
Kneeling down, Galen met Katooni's gaze, "I've been thinking about taking a formal Padawan learner."
With a big smile as she heard the unspoken question, the little Tholothian radiated joyful enthusiasm, "I'd be honoured to be your Padawan."
"Then it's settled."
"Good, very good," approved Master Yoda, "Galen Marek's Padawan, you are now, Katooni.
Galen Marek, Katooni's Jedi Master, you are.
From each other and the Force, learn together, you will."
The Mandalorian Jedi nodded as he stood, "I will care for, take care of and love her as I would my own child, and do my best to train, mentor and guide her."
"Turning out well, your Mandalorian Knights are," observed the Grandmaster, "one more student, this is."
Warmly hugging Katooni, Omega grinned, "Yay, I have a new sister!"
"Are you adopting me, Master?" asked Katooni, returning the hug, and looking up at Galen in surprise.
"In the times of Arca Jeth, Jedi Masters openly addressed their apprentices as their sons and daughters," recalled Galen who asked, "would you like me to do so with you?"
"Since we don't know each other that well, yet, I'll take some time to think about it." answered the Padawan.
"Very well, and take as much time as you need, young one."
"Thank you, Master."
"Now I know how you felt taking your first Padawan after becoming Grandmaster." chuckled Galen as he met Yoda's gaze, "How's the Council?"
Yoda stated, "Dismissed from the Council, Masters Mundi, Tiin, Kolar and Oppo have been.
Replaced, they have been."
"Who by?"
"Skywalker, Secura, Luminara, and Vos."
"I thought Luminara was already on the Council."
"Informally, she was. Official, it now is."
Yoda inquired, "Here on Coruscant, or on Concord Dawn with your fellow Mandalorians, will you train your Padawan?"
"As Mand'alor, I must be with my people, but I will ensure Katooni stays in touch with her friends here too," answered Galen, "and my enclave on Concord Dawn is always open to the Jetii," earning a grateful smile from his new pupil.
"Good, very good."
Returning with Obi-Wan, Petro smiled, "Katooni, Master Kenobi's picked me as his new Padawan."
"That's great, and Master Galen's chosen me."
"Think we'll be on missions together?"
"That'll be up to our Masters."
"You will most certainly be on missions together, and spending a good amount of time together when we're off duty," assured Obi-Wan, "however, I will not be making you command troops or squadrons, Padawan Petro."
"Nor will I do so with you, Katooni." added Galen, "I've never approved of or condoned using child soldiers."
"Okay, Master." replied both younglings.
Caleb mentioned, "One of the conditions of him joining the war effort in the first place was that I didn't have to."
"Of course he did that, you're his adoptive son." pointed out Omega, "even though you initially called each other brothers."
"I don't even mind that I'm not going to be leading troops," admitted Petro, "At first, I wanted to be on the front lines, but Florrum showed me just how out of my depth I'd be on a real battlefield.
And I don't want to be a liability."
"I'm glad you feel this way, Padawan," replied Kenobi, "it shows maturity to acknowledge one's own need for further learning and more experience."
"Thank you, Master."
"Don't usually hear you described as mature," mused Katooni.
"I can be mature." insisted Petro.
"I know, but people don't always notice when you are."
"That's true."
"Galen wasn't always mature either, not in the normal or healthiest sense," pointed out Kenobi, "one time, Naga Sadow's spirit possessed Anakin's body, and Galen immediately started cursing at him." making the Padawans, Grandmaster, and Omega laugh.
Katooni gestured to Omega, "Master, where did your daughter come from?"
"She's born on Kamino, from the DNA of Jango'Buir." answered Galen.
"She's adorable." mused the Tholothian.
"So are you." blurted Petro, making Katooni blush.
Omega observed Petro's stance, tone, gaze and body language, "You like Katooni as more than a friend,"
"Is it that obvious?" asked Petro, embarrassed.
"Yep." answered Katooni.
"If you don't feel the same way, I'll understand," stated Petro who assured his friend, "but no matter what happens, I'll always love and care about you.
And be there for you when you need me."
"Thanks for being honest with me, and I care for and love you too." returned Katooni as she hugged Petro.
Posing for photos with their new Padawans along with Caleb and Omega, Galen and Obi-Wan smiled brightly.
After the photos, Marek knelt down to his daughter, "Obi's lightsaber was temporarily misplaced recently.
You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you, ad'ika?"
"Nope," denied Omega, failing to keep a straight face.
"Are you sure?" inquired Galen, amused, "I have ways of making you talk, lil 'un."
"I had nothing to-" began Omega who burst into innocent giggles and squirmed as Galen tickled her midriff.
Ceasing after 5 minutes, Galen held his daughter's hands, "Now, did you hide Obi's lightsaber?
The truth, please?"
"Yes," confessed Omega.
"And how soon did you return it, lil 'un?"
"I returned it shortly after Qui-Gon gave him the 'don't lose your lightsaber,' lecture in front of Uncle Ani." informed Omega, making everyone chuckle.
"Atta girl."
"Galen, sweetie, did you ever do something like that to Obi-Wan?" asked Luminara as she joined them.
"Yes, when he lost his, on Naboo," answered Galen, "I found it, and waited for the right time to return it."
"Oh, yes, more than ten years of waiting for the right time," confirmed Obi-Wan, "and people call him impatient." making the present company laugh.
"I had to disassemble, sterilise and clean every individual part, and make sure it was working properly." pointed out Marek, "plus, a few damaged components and wires needed replacing."
"Thank you for giving my lightsaber the remastered edition treatment."
"Now you know how I found my hobby of lightsaber construction and maintenance." mused Galen who observed Luminara looked different, "and you look amazing, Lum'ika."
Unduli wore cobalt blue robes and battle skirt, black pants and boots, belt, a patterned sash, a silver circlet, which kept her short hair back, and a golden ring on her left hand.
A new lightsaber hung from her belt.
"I thought I was well overdue for a change in wardrobe, and thank you, sweetie." replied Luminara, "I actually burned my old robes, and built a new lightsaber, to sever the last ties to my former Master."
"I'm happy for you," mused Mandalore who eyed the ring, "for that and your engagement to Obi-Wan.
Congratulations, by the way."
"How did you know?" asked Luminara, surprised.
"The rings you and Obi-Wan are wearing, how you've been together since I was a kid, your body language, and the vision I had so long ago." answered Galen.
"I thought that 'vision,' was just you teasing us." admitted Luminara
"It was real, and it's only logical that you and Obi-Wan are taking the next step."
"Visions aside, how did you come to this conclusion?" chuckled Luminara.
"You pick up a few things about observation when you have 'friends,' like Thrawn."
"He's your friend?" asked Petro, bewildered.
"More or less." shrugged Galen.
Later.
Exterior: Concord Dawn, Mandalorian Knights enclave, courtyard.
Showing Katooni and Omega around, Galen gently held their hands, "What do you think, Kat'ika?"
"This is so cool, Master, I had no idea you'd actually started your own Order." admitted Katooni, "people said you did, but I wasn't sure if it was true.
Or if it was just a rumour started after a whole bunch of Jedi joined the Mandalorians."
"I had lots of help from said former Jetii, and members of other Orders of Force wielders."
"Like who?"
"The Zeison Sha, Jal Shey, and Matukai."
"Cool."
"You never told me your family name, did you?" he inquired.
"It's Allie, my full name is Katooni Allie."
"Allie like Stass Allie?" asked Omega.
"She's my Aunt," admitted Katooni.
"Master, who is your new companion?" asked Visas as she approached.
"Visas, this is Katooni, my Padawan." introduced Galen.
"So you have taken one after all," mused Visas as she knelt down to Katooni, "Hello, little one."
Padawan Allie observed, "You're the Miraluka I saw on Florrum."
"Yes, you are correct," confirmed Visas, "and how are you, today?"
"Happy, since I got picked as a Padawan as soon as the Padawan tournament ended."
"I am happy for you, young one.
Galen is a kind and gentle Master to his students."
"Are you another of his students?"
"I am, and your aura in the Force is full of life, potential and hope.
It is… beautiful to see."
"Thank you."
Noticing the Miraluka's lack of a blindfold, Galen asked, "The damage to your eye sockets have been successfully regenerated?"
"Yes, my Lord and beloved, thank you." answered Visas.
"Body parts can be regenerated with the Force?" asked Katooni.
"So far, I'm the only person I know of that can do it, which wasn't easy on either end of doing it, or painless for the patient," answered Galen, "And until recently, Visas's eye sockets were empty because her former Master ripped her eyes out."
"Ouch!" gasped the young apprentice, horrified.
"As a Miraluka, I'm born without eyes, but I understand what you meant, Master." interjected Visas, "there was however flesh covering the sockets where one would normally have eyes.
That covering of flesh is what was ripped from me." before the two children hugged her.
"Would you like something to eat, Padawan?" he inquired.
"Yes please, the tournament built up an appetite."
"I'm hungry too." added Omega.
Approaching as she removed her helmet, Bo-Katan looked from Katooni to Galen, "Who's the new kid, Mand'alor?"
"My Padawan learner," answered Galen who gestured, "Bo-Katan, this is Katooni."
"Hi," greeted the Padawan, with a small wave.
"You're cute," mused Kryze, "how long have you been his apprentice?"
"A day."
"You were one of the kids he accompanied on the Jetii rite of passage, right?"
"Yes."
"You handled yourself well, on Florrum."
"Master, may I please have my own armour?" asked Katooni, "maybe like some Ahsoka's?"
"Of course you can, Kat'ika," answered Marek, "we can see the Armourer after we have lunch."
"You keep calling me that.
What does it mean?"
"Little Katooni, in Mando'a, as a term of endearment.
Like how Plo calls Ahsoka 'Little 'Soka,'."
"I like it."
Sitting at a table, Galen, his Padawan, and his daughter had dumplings, stir-fry and rice for lunch.
"This is delicious, Buir," thanked Omega as she took a bite.
"It really is," agreed Katooni whilst taking a sip of water.
"I'm glad to hear it." replied Galen as he chowed down.
As she looked up at her new Master, Katooni asked, "Is it true that your twin brother's a Sith Lord?"
Finishing a mouthful, Galen nodded, "Actually, Cay is now the Sith Emperor."
"Oh!"
"He's a good person deep down.
And his predecessor, Vitiate, was one of the greatest evils known to the galaxy.
Cay teamed up with Anakin to take him out, since I was preoccupied."
"Why weren't you there?" wondered Omega.
"I was busy intercepting an Imperial Armada, enroute to Coruscant, at the border of Mandalorian space."
"That makes sense." stated Katooni who noted, "Also, I heard people mention an Ascendency amongst your allies, but I don't know what it is."
"The Ascendency is the ruling government of the Chiss."
"They're scary."
Galen stated, "When I was a kid, before joining the Order, Zabraks scared me, because of Maul."
"Really?" inquired Omega.
"Yes, and I overcame my fear of them the moment I saw Maris Brood for the first time."
"Awww, that's adorable, Master." mused Katooni.
"Speaking of adorable, I have a recording of when Anakin and Padme met for the first time, and the first time I met Aayla'Buir."
Katooni grinned, "Can I watch?"
"Of course, and I'll get out the Jetii aliit photo album."
"You have a Jedi family photo album?"
"Yes, and now there's new additions to it."
"Cool."
"Since you're a Jedi, not a Mandalorian Knight, your training regimen won't be as combat oriented," mentioned Galen, "but it won't be neglected either."
"What Forms do you think I should focus on?" asked Katooni.
"Based on what I've observed, I'd recommend Forms III and VI.
Soresu and Niman."
"Master Drallig says Niman's the best choice for a Consular."
"Consular-class Jedi focus more on diplomacy, study and meditation than lightsaber combat, so a balanced form makes sense."
"Some people think Niman's a weak form."
"It's the least physically demanding, therefore the practitioner uses less energy.
Any of the Forms can be considered weak if neglected by its practitioner, or used in the wrong situation."
"Which classes of Jedi do you fall into, Master?"
"A Sentinel, Shadow, Watchman, Battlemaster, and Weapons Master."
"From your reputation, I understand why."
"Yeah."
"Of all the younglings you could've picked as your Padawan, why me?" wondered the little Tholothian.
"Because I felt a connection." elaborated Marek, "And of all the Jedi in the temple, including Yoda, you asked me for guidance."
"I felt the connection too. It was like a song we were playing together."
Omega asked her new friend, "What was one of your biggest worries about becoming a Padawan?"
"That I'd end up with a mean Master who wouldn't care about or love me." admitted Katooni.
Holding his Padawan's hand, Galen met her gaze, "You are, and always will be, loved, valued, cherished and cared for, Kat'ika.
You'll always have and be part of the family." as the Tholothian smiled appreciatively before finishing her meal.
"Master, can we see about some armour?" innocently asked Katooni as she finished washing her hands.
"Say please, and we will."
"Please?" she requested, giving him the Puss in Boots eyes.
As her watch beeped, Omega informed, "I've got a lesson with Ti'Buir, in a few minutes."
Galen and Katooni nodded, "Have fun."
Shortly thereafter.
Interior: Concord Dawn, Mandalorian Knights enclave, forge.
Entering with his Padawan, Galen greeted, "Su'cuy, Armourer."
The Armourer turned from her workbench, and gave a small bow, "Su cuy'gar, Lord Mand'alor.
Whom do you bring with you?
A foundling, perhaps?"
"My new Padawan learner, Katooni Allie.
She's here to get outfitted with some armour."
"Indeed," Armourer stated more than asked.
Kneeling down to look Katooni in the eyes through the visor of her golden helmet, the Armourer inquired, "What kind of armour do you wish me to forge for you, Jetii'ad?"
"Something fashionable, light, protective, easy to move in, and won't hinder my use of the Force."
"Indeed, Katooni Allie." mused the Armourer, "This is the way."
"Anything about Mandalorian armour I should know?"
"The colours worn on one's armour often reflects their personality, if not their allegiance to a faction or clan.
White is traditionally for a fresh start.
Blue is for reliability, as green is for duty.
Red is for honouring one's parents or family, as grey is for mourning.
Gold is for vengeance, whilst black is for justice.
And orange is for a lust for life."
"Okay."
"Coats of arms are also worn on one's armour, such as the crest of the Jetii Order, and the Phoenix of House Marek."
"I want to wear the Jedi crest in orange with a white outline, and Master Marek's family crest behind it in red."
"And the dominant colour of your armour?"
"Blue."
"This is the way."
Soon thereafter.
Suited up in a blue beskar combat suit, vambraces, and fingerless gloves, Katooni observed, "Beskar's way lighter than I thought it'd be." before donning a new headdress.
"Wear your armour with pride, Jetii'ad.
Pure beskar is one of the most precious metals in the galaxy." stated the Armourer, "it has scarcely been gifted to Jetii through the ages."
"Thank you." gratefully replied Katooni, "May the Force be with you."
"May the Force be with you as well, Jetii'ad."
"What does 'Jetii'ad,' mean?"
"Child of the Jedi, though it may also mean Padawan."
"Okay."
Exterior: Concord Dawn, Mandalorian Knights enclave, zen garden.
Sitting cross-legged, Katooni closed her eyes, "What now, Master?"
"Breathe… just breathe. Clear your mind. Stretch out with your feelings," guided Galen, "look deep within yourself, and within your surroundings.
What do you see?"
Doing as instructed, she opened herself up to the Force, "Life. Death and decay… that feeds new life.
Warmth. Cold. Peace… violence."
"And between it all?"
"Balance… an energy… a Force."
"And inside you?" he asked.
"Inside me? That same Force," answered Katooni.
"This is the lesson that the Force belongs to no-one.
It existed long before the dawn of time, and will continue to exist forever after."
Opening her eyes as she stood on… nothing, Katooni realised she was floating several metres above the ground, "Master?"
"It's okay, Kat'ika, picture yourself slowly descending and landing on both feet." he calmly instructed, "Picture it in your mind."
"And what if I fall?" she asked before he nonchalantly floated up to her with Force flight.
As he held her hand, he promised her, "You won't fall. We'll return to the ground together, okay?"
"Okay." she agreed as they slowly lowered themselves, landing gently on their feet.
"There we go, great job, Kat'ika."
"Master, are you secretly Peter Pan?" innocently asked Katooni, gazing up at him in awe.
Amused, he chuckled, "I got that a lot as a kid."
"Hey, Master?" she softly asked.
"Yes, my Padawan?"
"I trust you."
"Thank you for trusting me, and I trust you too."
"As far as trust building exercises go, that was so much cooler than catching someone falling backwards."
"Agreed."
"What now?" asked Katooni, eagerly.
"Padawan, please assume a defensive position, Form III." instructed Galen, "Proxy's going to help you practice your Soresu, okay?"
"Okay, Master." acknowledged Katooni as she took the correct stance.
As his holo-droid appeared, Galen ordered, "Proxy, initiate module designation 'Padawanakin,'.
Difficulty level one, and hostility level one.
Safeguards engaged."
"Yes, Master, activating instructed settings," obliged Proxy, "and initiating Padawanakin module."
"Padawanakin?" laughed Katooni before Proxy changed into the short haired form of pre-war Anakin with his Padawan braid.
"This is where the fun begins." declared Faux Anakin, adopting the mannerisms and posture of the real one.
"Begin," Galen permitted, then his Padawan and droid began to spar, starting slowly.
Identifying her opponent's chosen Form as Ataru, Katooni kept up her Soresu whilst studying for patterns to predict movements.
As faux Anakin leaped over her head, Katooni held her blade to block from behind as she turned around, then swung her blue blade to meet the cyan blade of her opponent.
30 mins later.
As she parried a dozen or so attacks, having found a pattern, she ducked a swipe and blocked another series of strikes before her Master signalled them.
Switching off his avatar as he and Katooni stepped back, Proxy praised, "Well done, young Mistress."
"Thanks," replied Katooni, "although I thought it took longer than it should've."
"Padawan, you have a question," observed Galen.
"What'd you mean by some of the settings Proxy set?" she asked.
"When I was a kid, one of his original prime directives was to kill me."
"W- what?" stammered Katooni, "you programmed him to kill you?"
"I had a somewhat dark sense of humour,"
"And by safeguards, you meant non-lethal?"
"He doubles as a combat droid, so yes."
"Understood, Master."
"He also takes on the mannerisms of those he impersonates.
I'd set the module to the easiest level because my personal training regimen for myself can be considered overkill, morbid or even cruel."
"Okay."
"As you may know, a number of my Mandalorian Knights are former Jetii," began Galen.
"And I'm more than welcome to become one too, if being a Jedi doesn't work out?" guessed Padawan Allie.
"Yes, because no matter what happens, you will always have a family to stand by, love, treasure, cherish, aid, and support you through and through."
The young girl beamed, "Thank you so much!"
"That's what aliit is for."
"Aliit?"
"The Mandalorian word for family."
"You have a tendency to take in and adopt strays, don't you?" mused Katooni.
"Adoption is one of the most ancient and core traditions in Mandalorian culture.
We take in foundlings and orphans, and raise them as our own.
Family is something beyond sacred to a Mandalorian, thus we ensure everyone has one."
"Oh, okay."
"Yeah, Kal Skirata has adopted more foundlings than Batman." he noted, making her chuckle.
Mando'a translations.
Kat'ika - little Katooni.
Jetii - Jedi.
Jetii'ad - Child of the Jedi, Padawan.
Aliit - family.
Ad'ika - little one, son, daughter.
Buir - parent.
Jango'Buir - papa Jango.
Aayla'Buir - momma Aayla.
Su'cuy - hi.
Su cuy'gar - so you're still alive.
Di'kut - idiot.
Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum - I love you.
Ti'Buir - momma Ti
Mand'alor - sole ruler.