Geonosis, harsh red planet.
Dust and rock and pitiless heat, wind and sand and a sky full of shards.
 Tenacious life. Capricious death.
 All moist green beauty long burned away.
No second chances here, no soft place to fall. Secrets and sedition and singular minds.
 Refuge for some.
 Graveyard for others.
 Blood of the Republic seeping into dry soil.
 Faint on the ceaseless wind, sorrow and grief.
Gathered in the arena, a weeping of Jedi...
 - Karen Miller, Wild Space

Aftermath

TWO WEEKS AFTER THE BATTLE OF GEONOSIS.

Stepping out of the chambers that held the Sparring Tournament, the last event of Exhibition Day—where younglings were able to showcase their skills with the hopes of being selected by a Master—Obi-Wan Kenobi sighed heavily through his internal debate, walking in solitary solace.

There were countless disadvantages, and admittedly, advantages, to raising a Padawan.

But a full-scale war was about to begin. These were unprecedented times…

And every time he closed his eyes, he still heard the screams. Smelt the smoke. Saw the blood.

Felt the dead.

The harsh, unforgiving heat of Geonosis, swallowing up the remnants of all the lives that had been taken. The deafening silence that followed wave after wave of death.

What should have been a time for celebration had turned into a time of grief. After years of training and of trouble, Anakin Skywalker had finally reached Knighthood. And instead of the gift of pride, the young Jedi had been fated to a prosthetic hand.

What should have been a time of joy, had turned into a time of apprehension. Obi-Wan himself had been appointed to a seat on the High Council. After decades of picturing the look on his former Master's face when he finally broke the news, he had received the promotion. But instead, he was replacing Coleman Trebor, who lay amongst the two hundred dead.

But then again, Qui-Gon was gone too.

Instead, it was necessary to prepare for the gravity of an entire systems army under his command. Hundreds of thousands of men.

He glanced pensively out the large windows at the blue, cloudless, Coruscanti sky, hoping to find some answers, some guidance, some reassurance that they would not be alone in this fight against the darkness that would soon, inevitably, consume the galaxy.

But the Force remained silent, and instead, he found himself left with only the echoes of his own thoughts, and the weight of his own fears. The burden of leadership, and the responsibility that came along with it.

The Jedi Order stood at the precipice of the unknown.

…and yet today, amongst the faces of the children that had participated, he glimpsed the one thing that was, perhaps, needed most throughout a long war.

Hope.

Thirteen year-old Jaina Arden hurried out of the sparring chambers, her brunette curls just barely held together by a pale pink ribbon that was beginning to come undone after the intense spar.

All those sleepless nights…

…all those years of sleepless nights, working endlessly to finish as the valedictorian of her youngling year…only for her to finish at the top of every single class…except lightsaber training.

As if the Force itself were rubbing salt on the wound, she'd finished eighth place in the lightsaber tournament, despite her hundreds and hundreds of hours working to improve her Soresu form. Eighth!

Jaina sighed. At four-foot-ten, she was shorter than most, if not all, other students her age, and had attempted to use her petite frame and agility to her advantage against her larger, stronger classmates.

Attempted to. Not quite successfully.

Spotting the Jedi Master walking down the opposite hallway, Jaina pursed her lips for a moment, her mouth twisting into a thoughtful frown as her mind worked swiftly. Well. Now or never.

Jaina hurried towards him, her short legs working to catch up with his stride. "Master Kenobi?" She murmured timidly, lowering her head in deference. "Forgive the interruption. May I have a moment?"

Obi-Wan looked over his shoulder to glance downwards at the girl, and the pensive expression he'd worn only mere moments before seemed to have eased, leaving behind an air of calm and softness. "Of course."

A beat passed as the youngling's footsteps drew nearer, and a small smile crossed his face at the sight of her round, freckled cheeks, delicate features, and her small, petite frame scurrying to catch up with him. "So. Eighth place? And with Soresu?" he chuckled softly. "I must say, Jaina, I was quite surprised to see the Form in use today. I don't know of many thirteen year-olds with enough patience to favor Form III."

Jaina blinked, not quite having expected the Jedi Master to have remembered her name. Her cheeks warmed slightly. "Thank you, Master Kenobi," she mumbled shyly.

Obi-Wan's blue eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled down at the youngling—who, with her size, appeared more like an eight year-old to him, rather than the young teenager that she was in reality. "Tell me," he began curiously, "how do you think you performed in the tournament? Your skills with Soresu are impressive, for one so young. But if we're to talk honestly, I believe you might have made some mistakes, some miscalculations."

"I know," Jaina said quietly, clasping her fidgeting hands behind her back. "I…I think I got a bit…nervous…among other things, of course…"

Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes, I noticed you seemed a little flustered during each bout. You need to try to focus only on your opponent's moves next time—not about other things." He glanced downwards towards the small youngling. "Not about the pressure, not about the future, not about the past. Nothing. Just focus on their moves, your defense, and your counter. Then, do as you've trained. Follow your instincts."

Jaina nodded thoughtfully, a soft smile crossing her lips as she gazed up at him. "I…needed to hear that," she chuckled sheepishly. "Thank you, Master Kenobi."

Obi-Wan smiled back, his tone comforting and reassuring. "…So why did you wish to speak with me, again?" The Jedi Master was genuinely curious, and his smile had only broadened with the youngling's, who seemed so much happier after having had that little bit of reassurance.

Jaina blinked. "Oh! Right. Right. I…uh, was wondering…" She began quietly, struggling to keep her face neutral, her voice even, despite her fiercely flushing cheeks. "If any particular students caught your attention today? Or if you'd decided on a Padawan to take under your wing?" She paused. "I understand that Master Skywalker has just been Knighted, and you are…potentially…in search of a new apprentice."

The Jedi Master's eyebrows rose slightly. He seemed surprised, but not displeased, his blue eyes retaining some of their earlier softness, but now turning slightly analytical.

"…Yes, it is my duty to select a Padawan to train. And yes, Anakin has just been Knighted," Obi-Wan eventually said after a long moment, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "However," he added, "it is not a decision to be made lightly. The bond between Master and Padawan is a serious commitment. I am taking the time to deliberate on who that youngling shall be…so…it would be best to not jump to any conclusions before I have made any announcement."

"Oh, I wasn't—I mean, I wasn't—I…" Jaina paused, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of pink. "I was just…uh…asking…if any…but…alright…"

She cleared her throat and hastily lowered her head in deference. "Thank you for your time, Master Kenobi," she murmured, scurrying away.

Obi-Wan blinked, standing there in the hallway, watching as she rushed down the hallway. "Now, hold on a minute!" The Jedi Master took a few quick steps forward, his curiosity piqued. The youngling was quite timid, and he found it rather endearing. "Where are you headed?"

Jaina paused. "Oh, I…usually spend my spare time at the Archives…I was going to unwind a bit…after today…"

…And there was that shy, nervous, stumbling side of her again.

"The Archives, you say?" Obi-Wan paused for a moment. No doubt the girl was quite intelligent, if her mannerisms were any indication. "I've been meaning to spend some time there myself," he said. "It would be nice to have some company on the way, if you don't mind?"

Jaina offered a small, polite smile. "Sure."

Obi-Wan took a thoughtful breath, then gestured for the small girl to follow. He began strolling down the hallway, leading the way to the Archives. "So, you spend most of your time in the Archives, then?" He began, hoping to put the girl at ease. She was a bit awkward, but there was a certain kind of natural charm to her and the Jedi Master found himself rather intrigued by the youngling. "I had always assumed most teenagers preferred more…active pursuits, particularly in the company of, well, other teenagers?"

Jaina shrugged. "I always preferred the company of a good book."

The Jedi Master chuckled quietly as she spoke, finding that particular detail about the girl rather charming. "A reader, are you?" He had yet to make up his mind about the girl, but she was certainly intriguing enough to keep conversing with, at the very least. "Anything you enjoy reading about, particularly?"

"Mostly history," Jaina mused. "I've always believed that perhaps the galaxy would be a much better place if civilizations learned from past mistakes."

Obi-Wan nodded thoughtfully, his blue eyes narrowing slightly as the girl spoke. She was quite intelligent, there was no denying that fact, but was she clever and resourceful…?

He hummed quietly in thought, looking a bit more intently at the girl as he continued. "A wise way to look at the world, young one," the Jedi Master said, deciding to test the waters a bit further. "I'd be inclined to agree, even…Although I must admit, I'm surprised someone as young as yourself would think in such a manner."

"Tell me," he continued, looking a bit closer at the girl, as if he were examining something under a microscope—her mannerisms, character, and overall intelligence. "How is it that you're…well, so unlike most children your age?" He asked curiously, raising a brow and tilting his head slightly.

Jaina paused thoughtfully, clasping her hands behind her back. "I don't know. I haven't really thought—I mean, I never really fit in with the other younglings, I guess. It's…just always been that way…"

"And you don't wish to fit in," Obi-Wan commented, making a logical inference about the girl's behavior. He paused their walk. "…You enjoy being unique."

"You are intelligent, quite perceptive…" the Jedi Master continued, his blue eyes narrowing even further with thought. "…I imagine you have some thoughts about how to deal with the troubles we currently face?"

Jaina slowed down to a stop next to him, awkwardly shifting her weight between her feet. "I…may have…a few…"

Obi-Wan hummed quietly for a moment, gazing down at the girl. How much intelligence and resourcefulness could be packed into such a small, soft-spoken package was yet to be determined…

"I would like to try something," he finally said. "…Follow me."

Jaina blinked, then hurriedly followed along, down the hallway. Her boots pattered quickly against the marble floor as she struggled to keep up with the Jedi Master's longer strides. They walked in silence for a few minutes, passing by other Jedi who nodded respectfully towards the newest appointed member of the High Council.

Obi-Wan was glad that the girl had been willing to follow him. It meant she had at least a little bit of trust in his actions.

Finally, they stopped in front of a large door, with the Jedi Master waving his hand and sliding it open with a soft whoosh. "After you," he said, gesturing for her to enter.

Jaina stepped inside and found herself in a small conference room, with a long table at the center and plush seats—all surrounded by screens with various maps and lists of rapidly scrolling information. Her eyes widened. "Oh."

"One of the Council's private meeting rooms," He explained, sinking into a seat and crossing his ankle over his knee. "Not many younglings get to see this place, I'd imagine. Have a seat."

Jaina sat down, setting her bag on the floor and interlacing her fingers on her lap.

For a long moment, the Jedi Master simply looked at the girl, his blue eyes scanning over every inch of her facial features—the small, upturned nose, the bright blue eyes, the round, rosy cheeks spattered by freckles. The timidness and shyness; the nervousness and self-doubt. Yet, as she sat there, quietly sitting and waiting, there was also an air of calm.

"So…" he said, his voice low and even, "enlighten me. What sorts of ideas do you have for dealing with our current situation, and the impending war?"

Jaina paused, her eyes widening. "…you mean…off the top of my head?"

Obi-Wan nodded. "Take your time," the Jedi Master said, remaining calm and level headed in the face of the girl's nervous demeanor. The room was quiet for a moment, a few seconds stretching out into an awkward silence, as he watched the girl think, the weight of the galaxy's upcoming struggle floating above their heads like a dark cloud.

"…I think the Republic needs to capitalize on the momentum of Geonosis," Jaina said quietly, after a few moments of silence. "I…think the naval forces need to prioritize securing the Republic-aligned systems next to the major hyperspace lanes, particularly the Perlemian and the Hydian," she said slowly. "Since their proximity to key Corporate Alliance planets likely means that the Separatists will be using them for supply lines, in their efforts to expand."

Obi-Wan nodded silently, his blue eyes narrowing further at the girl's suggestion. It was obvious, with the way that she spoke, that the youngling had put a lot of thought into her plan, despite the short time he had given her to think. Not to mention the fact that her thought process was logical, precise, and, overall, quite wise.

He noted the nervous waver in her voice and the soft volume of her speech even as she spoke with confidence. "You're quite astute," he said softly. "Your ideas are sound, and would no doubt benefit us in the coming conflict. But you've overlooked one crucial detail…"

Jaina paused thoughtfully, her fingers absentmindedly tapping against her thigh as her mind worked. "…the allocation of naval and ground forces to Kamino? Since it's isolated from the rest of the Republic systems, and will likely be one of the first Separatist targets as a counterattack, after Geonosis?" She exhaled slowly. "…Perhaps it would be prudent to establish a Rishi base?"

Obi-Wan leaned back in his chair and nodded, impressed by how quick and adaptable the girl was. "Good, good…" he said. "And the Jedi? What of their role in the upcoming conflict?"

"I read through the Jedi Military Integration Act last week, when the Senate first released it, Master Kenobi," Jaina said quietly. "I…I understand all the implications, and…I'm aware of all the changes that are about to take place." She paused. "It's why I approached you earlier on, partially, at least."

Obi-Wan nodded. So she had done her homework. The act of militarizing the Jedi Order was a controversial one, and the fact that she'd researched it beforehand spoke volumes about the girl's intellect. "Then you understand the significant shift in the way in which the Jedi Order will operate, particularly during wartime…" He paused, gazing at her sternly. "You understand the responsibility I now face, as a Jedi Master, as a member of the Council, as a High Jedi General."

"You understand the responsibility a potential Padawan of mine will face, as my legally designated Second-in-Command."

Jaina sighed softly, her voice quiet. "Master Kenobi, I…I know I only placed eighth during the tournament. I understand that there were many other students who were more talented duelists than me today, and would probably be the more obvious candidates for being successful wartime Padawans."

She paused, attempting to collect her thoughts.

"But I…I am top in my class in everything else, because…because I work hard. I never stop," she said quietly. "I was not born particularly…exceptional—I'm not—I'm never going to be—in the same league as your former Padawan, probably not in a million years…But whatever I lacked in natural abilities, I've spent the rest of my life thus far compensating with hard work and effort." She exhaled heavily, her eyes steady. "I will work harder than anybody else."

Despite the girl's meek and timid exterior, Obi-Wan couldn't deny her dedication and her determination. She was certainly a strange case—timid, yet sure of herself. Nervous, yet calm. Quiet, yet tenacious.

He hummed thoughtfully, studying the small girl for a moment, a look of understanding and respect slowly forming in his eyes. This girl was a different breed…and that impressed him. "Your honesty is commendable, young one. And your dedication is impressive." He paused, his eyes searching her face. "But being a Padawan, especially in these times, requires more than just hard work. It requires quick thinking, adaptability, and the ability to make tough decisions under pressure."

Jaina nodded earnestly. "I understand, Master Kenobi. I know that I have a lot to learn. But I'm ready to face any challenge. I won't let you down."

Obi-Wan sighed pensively. "The strength of the Jedi stems not from how well we wield lightsabers," the Jedi Master said softly. "It comes from our minds, our discipline, and our will. I have always believed—personally—that hard work beats natural talent every time," he continued. "And while Anakin is certainly a talented Knight, you also clearly have your own gifts, in your own ways."

"So," he said. "I have a question for you now, Jaina."

Jaina inhaled softly, her fingers fidgeting slightly on her lap, beneath her large sleeves.

Obi-Wan paused, as if giving her time to collect her thoughts. "Are you ready for this? If I were to take you as my Padawan, do you fully understand what that entails? All of it?" His eyes narrowed. "I need you to be honest and realistic with me."

"I'm ready, Master Kenobi," Jaina said quietly, without missing a beat. "I spent all my days as a youngling taking every single elective available, to ensure that I'm well-versed and prepared—or rather, as prepared as can be—for the galaxy out there, because I…because I want to do my part. And I…I want to grow, I want to learn."

"I'll train harder, study longer, and do whatever it takes to be the Padawan and the soldier that you need." She exhaled steadily, her brows furrowing over her bright blue eyes. "I'm ready."

The Force, thought Obi-Wan. She was a little too eager, and he knew it. He could sense her eagerness and her anxiety in equal measure, as if she might jump out of her skin.

Timid, but determined. Stubborn, but not cocky. Reserved, yet not unwilling to speak her mind. Perhaps a quiet, yet powerful mind.

Was he really ready to train another Padawan at this point in time? Especially in the beginnings of a war?

He was ready to turn her down…

But the fire in her eyes, the determination he could feel from her words…

And just how much she reminded him of himself at her age, repeatedly approaching Qui-Gon Jinn with nothing but pure will…

"Very well." He said calmly. "Meet me at the Council Chambers at eighteen hundred."