Chapter 2: Welcome to Coruscant
As their ship exited hyperspace, Knight Rowe turned to young Bel at his side. "This is the place, young one. The Jedi Temple at Coruscant at last." Contrary to his expectations, Bel's expression wasn't wide-eyed amazement (or not entirely), but rather a mix of amazement and nostalgia. Right, the dreams. That's never going to get old. Nonetheless, Bel made the appropriate oohs and aahs, and claimed it was even bigger than he remembered. Well, I do like it when they enjoy the view. Wonder who he saw in his dreams, if he was older when he came to the Temple? He idly wondered. Ever in flux the future is, so it doesn't matter too much. Huh, he considered, that seemed pretty good for a cryptic remark, that'll come in handy if I become a Master. He listened idly as the pilot coordinated with flight authorities to announce their arrival and request permission to land in the Temple. Descending quickly, they entered atmo and the buildings of the city-planet slowly became distinguishable, along with the ever present aerial traffic.
"It really is co-rus-ca-ting, Master! All the buildings and the people! Do other Hutt live here too?" Beldorion was excited enough, and other than his extended vocabulary, really seemed a child his age. Like a 6 year old human maybe? Why didn't I study Hutts better before going anyway? Out loud, he replied. "Well, I don't know if that's why they called it that, but it does seem pretty shiny from above. Never forget that it hides a deep darkness underneath, however." Man, I'm going to be the best Master, he thought as Bel raised his eyebrows, impressed. He might have mysterious dreams, but thank the Force they didn't take his childhood away for good. He walked alongside Bel as he stuck his face to the viewport, captivated by the descent into the city. And in that darkness at least a few Hutt are probably ripping off somebody. A lot of somebodies more like. But that was not part of the day's lesson. Or something he'd want the youngling involved in for a few years yet, or at all.
"When we arrive at the Temple, we will see the fosterer in charge of Initiates. You may or may have seen it, but the next part will be assigning you to a clan. The other Initiates will be your friends and allies for years to come, Bel, so put your best... uh... I mean, just try your best." Force damn it, was that specieist? And it was going so well too. Beldorion seemed to ignore his gaffe, so he relaxed. Poor Master, he is so nice. He shouldn't worry so much about how he talks. Bel thought. I don't think I'll know the others, but like he says, I should try my best. In my dreams they were mean when I was, so I should do alright. He smiled at Rowe, which eased the last of the tension from his shoulders, and asked. "Will I get a saber soon, Master?" Rowe laughed, and started explaining about training sabers, Khyber crystals, and some basics about the Gathering. Just enough to whet his appetite. Not like he needs it. Smiling, he stood next to Bel as the ship landed. It seemed an auspicious beginning.
Jedi Master Jaune Beq felt like someone might be playing a prank on her. She had caught a few side glances and hushed whispers among his fellows, but they seemed harmless enough. There were a few more bystanders on the landing pad than was usual, even if the arrival of a youngling did make for a bit of an spectacle. Right, she decided, it's a male and he's supposed to have some talent for Force visions. Older than usual, but a nice prospect from what I've been told, his name is Beldorion. Am I missing something here? The slim Twi'lek could recall no more relevant information, so she decided it was probably just her nerves acting up. It's okay, Jaune, you've seen dozens of younglings before. Nothing to see here. She did her best to ignore the whispering guests and realized the ship had finished landing as she waited. With a bright smile, she let the ramp lower and took a step forward. "Knight Rowe, it gladdens me to receive you again. I heard that you are bringing a new friend?" Rowe smiled back (wait, is his smile too wide? She whought), and with a flourish, stepped aside while calling inside. "Bel, would you do Master Bew the honor of making your acquaintance (right, she thought drily, there really is a prank, and he's clearly in on it). Slowly, a small figure crawled from behind Rowe, and down the ramp. "Good day, Master Beq," he squeaked, "thank you for receiving me." And then he bowed.
Her smile having morphed into an open mouth at some point, Jaune closed it (noting that some figures seemed to be exchanging credit chits), smiled again, and replied. "And I am glad to meet you, young one." She bowed back, and furiously thought. And just how did everyone forget to mention the small matter of his race? And who was it that bet I would greet him open-mouthed like a bumpkin? Despite her momentary surprise, she quickly began making plans. The clans were mostly well balanced, and he was older than usual, so he could either join one under strength or perhaps one with older younglings so he'd fit in better. But first things first, someone is paying me my cut of the betting. Her lekku twitching irritably, she called to his new charge. "You should say goodbye to Knight Rowe, Beldorion. Though you will see him tomorrow when we spar for our lightsaber class." There, not so smiley now, are you? You backstabbing Gorg. Her smile more genuine, she turned to take Bel's hand as she watched Rowe gulp as a few other Knights jeered at him. I didn't forget about the rest of you, don't worry. Twi'leks could get fierce when provoked, and they'd get to experience that personally in the following days. So many volunteers for saber class, what a lucky break! Her smile remained as genuine, but it did seem sharper.
Author's note:
A harmless little prank, with no consequences! Well, some consequences (mild bodily harm) for the pranksters