…On the Planet Coruscant…
Surrounded by the organized chaos of Coruscant, the Jedi Temple shimmered in the morning sun. Master Cin Drallig waited to be escorted into the Jedi Council chambers. To have a sensitive meeting off the record meant this must be of great importance. The doors opened and the Battlemaster entered. As the Council was not in session, only Masters Yoda, Windu, and Koon were present. The doors closed. "You summoned me Master Yoda?", Master Drallig inquired.
"Yes. Officially declared, war has been. Begun, the Clone Wars have. Look to the future, we must.", said Yoda solemnly.
"With the support of Chancellor Palpatine, the Senate has requested the Jedi lead the Clone Armies. We are granting you, as Battlemaster, permission to suspend the traditional lightsaber training as we will need as many combat ready members as you can provide.", Master Windu stated plainly.
"Yes Master...", Master Drallig bowed. "...I shall begin immediately."
"There is one more thing Master Drallig…", interjected Plo Koon. "...This war may bring terrible losses. The time for choosing our replacements, should the worst occur, has arrived."
"I have made my choice. If you will accompany me to the training grounds.", Drallig responded.
The four Master Jedi made their way to the viewing platform overlooking the courtyard below. The sounds of hundreds of lightsabers could be heard as the area was divided into separate training stations. Organized into rows and columns, Padawans performed the basic movements of the Shii-Cho form together under the watchful eyes of assistant instructors, while those soon to undergo the trials worked one-on-one with carefully selected Jedi with advanced training in combat.
"If you will direct your attention to the Northern Wall, you will see Naan Sho…", Drallig's voice trailed off as he pointed in the direction of his apprentice. There were two Jedi Knights circling the young Kel Dor who stood motionless with his sparring saber at the ready. The two Knights attacked simultaneously. Like a flash of lightning, Sho moved with perfect precision, narrowly avoiding the closest attacker's blade and shoving him off balance directly in the path of his incoming accomplice.
"His use of Soresu is impressive.", nodded Master Windu approvingly.
The second attacker was forced to change angles and attacked from a high position. The Kel Dor took advantage of this momentary one-on-one opportunity and transitioned flawlessly into Form II, quickly disarming and striking him in the midsection on his way to the first attacker who had regained his balance and was turning to reengage. He stopped and stood still as Sho's sparring saber hovered in front of his throat. The Jedi Knights exchanged looks of amazement, humbled by the silent prowess of the young Padawan.
"Most Impressive use of Makashi.", observed Master Koon.
"Ready to begin the trials, you feel he is?", asked Master Yoda.
"Naan Sho has much to learn, but if he remains diligent in his devotion to his studies, I forsee he will become a great instrument in passing down the Jedi ways to the future generations.", answered Drallig.
"Then it is agreed. Prepare him for his trials.", declared Master Windu…
…Shipyards of Corellia…
"Beat it, or I will call security!", yelled the Republic Loading Officer as he shoved Sal away from the cargo ramp. Sal walked away in frustration. This was the fifth ship that turned him away. It was always the same reasoning…"War is no place for a kid.". Things were becoming desperate.
A loud crash nearby drew his attention. One of the foremen was shouting at a moving crew as they collected the contents from several large shipping crates that had been accidentally turned over.
"You! Boy! Get back to work!", snapped the foreman. Sal realized the man was addressing him. Sal joined the workers, scooping up an armful of Republic uniforms. Sal froze for a moment as a plan formed. After working tirelessly all day, Sal was finally told to collect his pay and go home. The paymaster did not so much as look at Sal and simply handed him the credits and called for the next worker in line. Placing the credits in his pocket, he walked out of the working station. Outside and away from the others, Sal pulled out the uniform he had stolen…
…The next day, Sal stepped onto the platform. His hair was clean cut like the other officers, his uniform pressed, and his funds completely depleted. He had checked the departure schedules that morning and had settled on the Republic supply ship Vila. It would be leaving shortly and joining the convoy heading for the Mid Rim.
Sal found a group of new recruits waiting in line to report to their superiors. Managing to slip in without notice, Sal quietly waited as the assigned dockmaster began processing the officers. A Clone Commander stepped off the boarding ramp and began greeting the recruits. Sal was so fascinated by the Clone, he did not notice until it was too late that the dockmaster, with a broken nose and black eye, was the very same man Sal had met just two nights prior during the failed smuggling operation.
Sal pulled his hat down and kept his eyes to the ground. The group stepped forward.
"Names?!", the dockmaster asked gruffly. One by one they responded.
"Where do you think you are going recruit?", the Clone asked Sal who was attempting to slide back into the waiting line.
"I…I…nnh…nowhere.", stammered Sal.
"You will address me as Sir!", yelled the Commander.
"Sir, yes Sir!", responded Sal who unconsciously snapped to attention.
"What is your name?", asked the Clone.
"Sal Sir!".
"Just Sal? No surname?", the Commander asked suspiciously.
By this time, the dockmaster had focused his attention on the boy whose eyes now met his. Sal had a terrified look as he knew the dockmaster had recognized him.
"You know this recruit Eras?", inquired the Clone who had observed the non-verbal exchange. The dockmaster searched Sal's pleading eyes.
"Yes Sir. He is my nephew…", the man lied. "...Right Sal?".
"Yes Uncle.", spoke Sal who looked somewhat dumbfounded but quickly composed himself.
"He looks a little young to be going on supply runs into combat zones. Can you vouch for him?", asked the Commander.
"Yes Sir. It was Sal here who helped me escape those White Worm thugs. Nearly cost him his life. He may be a bit young,…", said the dockmaster without taking his eyes off Sal, "...but I know Sal Eras will make the most of this opportunity and will not let you down.".
The Commander stared skeptically for a few moments longer and then smiled. "Well, we will see. Fall in with the other recruits to be issued your kit. Welcome aboard."