Let arms yield to the toga.
Let war yield to peace.
(Marcus Tullius Cicero).
***
Well, that's it — we're in hyperspace. Ten hours to spare. Huh, looks like we can relax a little… Yeah, right. Who's going to train, damn it? And I still need to read and review a couple of holodisks. Damn, and I've got to teach and mentor Ahsoka. I'm losing my mind. And it's only the second week of the war. Poor, poor me.
Okay. That's it — something's wrong. I'm already talking to myself. Two hours of sleep. The rest later. Otherwise, I'm done for. Although…
My gaze fell on a pile of clone armor and individual armor plates. Taking a deep breath, I sat down on the floor and picked up a durasteel plate…
***
As soon as she had a free moment, Ahsoka hurried to the training hall. This was the Togruta's favorite part of her training — lightsaber combat. She often neglected other disciplines, for which she had been reprimanded countless times by her instructors. Still, Ahsoka stubbornly held to her opinion…
Minutes turned into hours. Ahsoka was finishing a Shien sequence, trying to weave it into her own Ataru form — even adapting it to her preferred reverse grip. She was so absorbed in her movements that she didn't notice when her teacher entered the hall and began quietly observing her. When she finally sensed his appraising gaze, Ahsoka flinched.
Oh no, here we go again.
"Master!" The Togruta deactivated her lightsaber. "I'm sorry, I won't do it again!"
Ahsoka approached her teacher, putting on the most innocent face she could muster.
The Jedi's reaction was almost comical — his eyes widened in genuine surprise.
"Uh… what are you talking about?" he asked, taking a step back.
"Well… I use a reverse grip on my lightsaber, and I've always been scolded for it… I tried to change, but it's just more comfortable for me…"
"Oh, that's what you mean! Phew!" The teacher ran a hand over his forehead. "And here I was imagining all sorts of… bad things."
"Teacher!" the Togruta exclaimed indignantly.
"Come on, I'm joking. To hell with the reverse grip. If that's what you prefer, use it."
Yes, yes, yes!
"Really?" The Togruta could hardly believe it.
"Of course!" the Jedi waved his hand dismissively.
Scratching the back of his head, the teacher sighed. "You distracted me… yes. Anyway, we had an unfinished conversation. Let's go."
"Um… it's about…" The Togruta blinked in confusion.
The Jedi almost smacked his own forehead but stopped himself at the last second. Taking a slow breath, he exhaled through his nose before continuing.
"About the idea that 'Jedi are guardians of peace and balance.'"
Turning, he headed toward his cabin. Ahsoka followed behind, sometimes breaking into a jog. He always walks so fast I can barely keep up. Do I look ridiculous? Grr… is he doing this on purpose?
Reaching the right door, the Jedi opened it and gestured for her to enter first. Ahsoka obediently stepped inside — and froze.
What a mess!
Her eyes darted over an open backpack spilling its contents, a holoprojector on the floor surrounded by scattered holodisks and infocrystals. In one corner sat a heap of clone armor and helmets, alongside scraps of leather, fabric, and several cans of paint. The bed was perfectly made — too perfectly. Clearly, no one had slept in it for a long time.
Does he ever sleep?
Meanwhile, the teacher waved his hand, levitating the clutter off the floor and piling it neatly on the table to clear a bit of space. He then sat down cross-legged in his favorite pose — one he strangely called "lotus." When the Togruta sat opposite him, he closed his eyes and asked:
"What do you understand by this concept?"
"Well," Ahsoka began, racking her memory for what she'd once been told in class, "it's one of the seven postulates that a Jedi must follow."
Waiting for an approving nod, the cheerful Togruta continued, counting on her fingers.
"The first postulate states: 'Jedi are the guardians of peace and justice in the Galaxy.'"
"And the others?" the teacher asked, leaning forward with interest.
"The second postulate: 'Jedi use their power only for knowledge, to protect themselves and others, and never to attack.'
"The third: 'Jedi respect life in all its forms.'
"The fourth: 'Jedi do not rule, but serve others for the good of the entire Galaxy.'
"The fifth: 'Jedi constantly improve themselves through knowledge and training.'
"The sixth: 'A Jedi may take only one Padawan at a time as a student. A Padawan may have only one permanent teacher — but should also listen to the opinions of other Jedi. A student can be of any age.'
"And the last: 'To use the Force, a Jedi must remain in harmony with it. Acting in disharmony with the Force leads to a weakening of one's ability to wield it.'"
"Not bad. You know the basics." The teacher looked at Ahsoka closely. "But what does that mean to you?"
"Um…" Ahsoka faltered, then quickly gathered herself. "I — that is, we — the Jedi must be an example to all. Act for the good of the Republic, protect the weak, and help those in need. We must always train and learn, be strong, honest, and brave."
Ahsoka fell silent, but her teacher said nothing. He just sat with his eyes closed, his steady breathing the only sound in the room. The Togruta didn't dare interrupt.
Sitting opposite each other, master and student both sank into their thoughts.
After a long pause, the teacher finally spoke.
"Not bad, Ahsoka. Not bad at all. I expected less."
"Well, it's me," the Togruta grinned. "Or have you forgotten?"
Clapping his hands lightly on the floor, the Jedi deliberately cheerfully said. "Speaking of forgotten things — I have a gift for you."
Ahsoka blinked in confusion.
Rummaging through the pile of armor, the Jedi placed a bundle before her — and on top of it, a helmet.
"This is your armor."
"Where did you get it?"
"Well, I made it myself," the teacher said modestly with a shrug.
"May I?"
The Jedi nodded.
Ahsoka picked up the helmet. It resembled a clone's, but with many differences: no light filters, reduced plating, and a design that looked strange — unsuited for a human, but perfect for her. It was more like a mask than a helmet.
"May I?!"
"Of course."
Grabbing the bundle, Ahsoka bolted from the room to try on her new outfit.
She didn't hear her teacher collapse onto the floor behind her, letting out a long, weary groan.