Chapter 13: Rowe, Rowe, Rowe your boat
After the time spent preparing, getting selected as Padawans was a foregone conclusion, to be honest, but the matter of the selecting Master remained. Just about any Jedi would be delighted to have Naltek as a student, and Beldorion had noticed a particular Cerean Consular taking an interest on him. For his part, Master Rowe was without a Padawan at the moment and he had attended their Trials, so Bel was hoping they would become partners. This hope was strenghtened when Rowe saw him and nodded at him with a smile from across the room. That was a load off his back.
Soon enough, Naltek was called and the Consular Bel had suspected, Kha-Xun-Gide, did indeed take Naltek as a Padawan. Then, it was Bel's turn and Master Rowe approached with another Jedi Knight. "Young Beldorion," the unknown Knight greeted him, "I am Jedi Knight Serm Bunduki, from Etti IV. I conversed with Master Rowe and we are both interested in getting to know you, as a Padawan." Rowe smoothly interjected as Serm fell silent, "It's true, Knight Serm is somewhat of a scholar, and feels your interests may align with you rumoured interest in healing and less popular abilities. I myself am more of a Jedi Guardian, and we'd see the Galaxy while focusing more on martial pursuits." He turned to look at Serm, who nodded and added, "and so we put the question to you, have you given any thought to how you wish to develop?"
A weighty matter, Bel thought, certainly not a decision he expected to have thrust upon him. Usually the Masters would decide between themselves, if more than one was interested, but letting him voice his opinion was a nice gesture. So then, he had to consider if a more cosmopolitan training, with more extensive travel, and the companionship of Master Rowe of course, was better than a more relaxed and intellectual apprenticeship researching into the Force with Knight Serm. Difficult decision, but also easy if he let the Force guide him. He had been connected to Master Rowe since he took him from Nal Hutta, and when he took Bel's concerns seriously and shared his advice when Ta'gen died. So his more studious impulses would have to take a back seat for the moment.
"Master Serm," Bel noted the Knight was attentive, but looked like he expected to be rejected, "I believe Master Rowe was sent by the Force 12 years ago, and it is only fitting we continue forward today. Thank you for your kind offer, and trust me when I say that I look forward to working with you whenever our path crosses." He bowed deeply, and Master Serm nodded at him. "Unsurprising, if a bit disappointing. I hope you accomplish great things, and also hope to compare notes when we meet again." He bowed to Master Rowe, then left at a sedate pace. Master Rowe smiled at Bel. "Well, let's make it official then! To the Council!" Happily, he strode away, trusting Bel would follow. Hmphh, he's lucky I like him, Bel thought, he will really benefit from a serious Padawan.
Considering he had said his farewells to the rest of the Clan beforehand, there was no need to wait any longer, so there they headed, joining the other Padawans and Corps inductees. Even though it was not usually a matter pertaining to the safety of the Galaxy at large, the Council still made a point of convening after the Trials to welcome the new Jedi into the ranks. It was symbolic, and the Padawan and Master still needed to register in the Archives, but it was traditional. As they walked to the Council, Bel slithered closer to Naltek, and kept a running conversation with him while they walked. It might be the last chance to talk in a while, after all, so he exchanged final training tips, as well as promises to keep in contact.
It had been a good year, and only an unlucky youngling from Kybuck Clan had been deemed unfit for Padawan promotion or the Jedi Corps. All in all, eighteen candidates walked in alongside their Masters, or their teacher in the case of those headed for the Corps. They made their way before the Council and bowed. The Councilors nodded back, and Grandmaster Jeyr Nekas, an elderly Human, greeted them. "Please, be welcome, young Jedi. You are the future of the Jedi, and we are honored to be a part of your journey. May the Force ever guide you, and may the Galaxy be protected by your valiant efforts." He then bowed deeply, to them! It was almost surreal, but it did make one feel warm inside, Bel thought. He didn't remember much of Grandmaster Jeyr, but that was a great welcome to the ranks of the Jedi for sure. Soon, Naltek said goodbye to Beldorion as he was taken away by his Master, and he was left with Rowe in the hallway outside.
"Well, this is it then. We leave for our first assignment tomorrow morning, so tonight we'll be bunking on my quarters. We have been assigned to escort a shipment of farming equipment to a Republic world out in the boonies. Supposedly safe, but then they wouldn't need a Jedi, would they?" He winked at Bel, smiling, then added, "well, 90% chance it'll be easy at least. Ease you up into missions. Anyway, we have the rest of the day off, so let's go eat out then, have a talk, then you can go to the library before sleeping or something." Bel nodded, it sounded like a solid plan, and he was thinking of asking for library time anyway. It ended being up a relaxing time for them, and a chance to catch up on their lives. After a hearty meal (Bel already eating more than Rowe could), they went their separate ways. Adventure awaited.
Author's note:
Into the Galaxy we go. Beldorion and Rowe, one's a Human jokester, the other is a straight-laced Padawan! Together, they fight crime!