15. New Mission

Kael opened his eyes to the early morning light. The serene atmosphere of the Jedi Temple, combined with the soft sunlight streaming in through the window of his room, gently woke him. As he sat up in bed, he took in the simple, yet meaningful decor of his room.

Jedi teachings and symbols hung on the walls, displayed on finely carved stone tablets. Each symbol represented virtues such as balance of the Force, patience, and self-sacrifice. As Kael looked at these signs, he thought of the steps he had taken on his Jedi path and the responsibilities that lay ahead.

He stood and stretched, shaking his arms slightly to shake off the slight numbness in his body. He made his way to the bathroom to begin his morning routine. In the small but tidy bathroom, he took the cool water in his palms to wash his face. The water felt refreshing on his skin. He looked at his reflection in the mirror and saw a young but determined face.

The moment he had recently completed his purple lightsaber flashed before his eyes. He had found his own Kyber Crystal in the icy caves of the planet Ilum and built the lightsaber under the guidance of his master, Mace Windu. The purple color of the crystal symbolized that he was at peace with both his dark and light sides. But he was not allowed to use it yet.

If the Jedi Council found out about Kael's balance with his inner darkness, it could cause trouble. So he had to make do with the blue lightsaber his master had entrusted to him. He took a last look in the mirror and sighed, "One day I will hold that purple saber in my hand," he murmured.

He left the bathroom and went back to his room. He opened his closet to get dressed and took out his Jedi robe. The brown fabric was simple but elegant. The weight of the fabric gave him confidence as he pulled it on. He carefully attached the blue lightsaber to the belt around his waist, feeling the cold touch of the metal on his fingers.

After taking a last look at himself in the mirror, he left his room. He began to walk through the wide corridors of the temple. The stone floor felt cool under his feet and he noticed the activity of the Jedi around him. Some were on their way to their meditation rooms, others to the training grounds. Kael met Tira, a young Padawan. "Good morning, Kael! It's very quiet today, isn't it?" Tira said cheerfully. Kael smiled and said, "Yes, just the right atmosphere for meditation. Have a nice day, Tira," he replied. Tira bowed his head and walked away, and Kael continued on his way.

His stomach rumbled slightly as he made his way to the breakfast room. He knew he needed a hearty breakfast to recharge his batteries before his morning workout. When he reached the room, he saw the Jedi sitting in a large area with a large buffet in the middle. The buffet was filled with fresh fruit, crusty bread, bowls of cereal and colorful drinks.

Kael took a plate and approached the buffet. He chose a few slices of juicy peach, a handful of oatmeal, and a slice of freshly baked bread. He poured himself a glass of orange juice. He sat down at an empty table and began his breakfast. As he took the first bite, the sweetness of the fruit spread across his palate. The tranquility of his surroundings made him think. "How ordinary this day has begun," he thought, "but the life of a Jedi is always full of surprises.

Just then, Obi-Wan Kenobi entered the hall. Seeing Kael, he came over and sat down. "Kael, you pushed me pretty hard this morning. For a moment I thought I was going to drop my lightsaber," he said with a smile. The friendly expression on Obi-Wan's face calmed Kael.

Kael laughed. "How are you going to improve, Obi-Wan, if I don't squeeze you a little? I learned that move from Master Windu. Combining strength and speed always works."

"Maybe I should get more sleep in the morning instead of dueling with you. After all, I'm a year older than you, my reflexes might slow down," Obi-Wan said sarcastically, taking a sip of his orange juice.

"A year difference doesn't make you old," Kael replied with a laugh. "Besides, your reflexes are still sharp. I think we should step up your morning workouts so we're always in shape."

Obi-Wan nodded. "You're right, laziness is not for us. But I still can't figure out your last move, can you give me a hint?"

Kael put down his fork and turned to Obi-Wan. "All right, but let's keep this a secret between us. Master Windu taught me to hold the sword upside down and make a sudden turn to throw the opponent off balance. That's what surprised you."

Obi-Wan looked impressed and said, "That is very Mace Windu. Working with him has really improved you. You will become one of the best Jedi."

Kael smiled shyly. "It's too early to tell, but thank you."

The two talked for a while. Obi-Wan spoke of Master Qui-Gon Jinn's last mission. "He attended a peace conference on Naboo last week. He said that dealing with politicians was more tiring than fighting with a lightsaber."

Kael laughed. "He's right. I like the action better too."

Just then, Mace Windu entered the hall. He approached Kael with a serious look on his face. "Kael, we need to speak with you," he said. Obi-Wan and Kael listened immediately. Windu continued in a calm but authoritative voice: "We have a mission on Tatooine. Strange reports from the area have alerted the Jedi Council. We will go with you and investigate the situation. Make your preparations, we will be leaving soon."

Kael bowed his head, feeling the weight of the task. "I understand, Master Windu. I will prepare immediately," he said. Obi-Wan gave him a supportive smile. "Good luck, Kael. I'm sure you will be up to the task."

"Thank you, Obi-Wan," Kael replied with a warm smile. "Talking with you has given me strength. Let's get back to training when we return from Tatooine, shall we?"

Obi-Wan nodded. "I promise, but this time I'll have the move figured out, so get ready!"

Kael laughed and got up from the table. As he left the lounge with Mace Windu, thoughts of the mission began to swirl in his mind. Back in his room, he opened his wardrobe to begin preparations. He chose a light but sturdy tunic to wear under his robes.

In keeping with Tatooine's hot desert climate, he chose clothing made of breathable fabrics. In a small backpack he carried a canteen, some energy pills and basic first aid supplies. He checked his lightsaber again; the familiar notches on the hilt reassured him. He slung the bag over his shoulder and left his room.

When he reached the Temple hangar, he found Mace Windu waiting by the ship. "Are you ready, Kael?" Windu asked, looking at him.

"Yes, Master. I will do whatever it takes," Kael replied in a determined voice.

Windu nodded his head in agreement. "Good. This mission will test both your skills and your patience. The deserts of Tatooine are unforgiving, but the Force is with us.

The two boarded the ship. The ship was one of the finest examples of Jedi technology, elegant in its lines yet extremely durable. They entered the cockpit and Kael began to study the control panel. "Setting the hyperspace coordinates, Master," he said, his fingers moving quickly over the keys. Windu said, "Good work, Kael. Check every detail, we don't want any mistakes," he added.

As they started the engines, the ship's low hum sounded like a pleasant melody to Kael's ears. The ship left the temple and began to float among the stars. Kael looked out the window and saw the infinity of space and the twinkling of the stars. "I always love this moment," he muttered. Windu turned to him and said, "The beginning of a journey is always a test for a Jedi. Keep your mind clear," he said.

After hours of traveling, the barren surface of Tatooine appeared on the horizon. The yellow and orange hues reflected the harsh nature of the planet. The change in temperature and the slight vibrations outside the ship as it entered the atmosphere added to Kael's excitement. "Landing gear ready," Windu said and took over the controls. The ship landed gently on a desert plain. When the hatches opened, the hot desert air hit them in the face.

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