New friends

Year: 20 BBY

Location: Jedi Master Baas' quarters, Coruscant

Caleb is in Master Baas' room, being taught by the old Jedi personally, away from prying eyes. The information Master Baas teaches the Youngling is not meant for others. And usually it isn't meant for a Youngling either. But Master Baas has started to see Caleb as his student in a way. Not in the usual Jedi Master and Padawan way, but in the intellectual way. He is certain that someone will choose Caleb very soon. Mace Windu's influence is strong, but young and promising Jedi are desperately needed right now. So, it is but a matter of time. 

What Master Baas doesn't realise is that Caleb has already met someone very interested in taking him as her Padawan: Jedi Master Depa Billaba, Mace Windu's former Padawan of all people. She met him when he was asking questions to Jocasta Nu again. He was not willing to simply accept something because someone said so; he liked to know the details behind it and the reasons. That wasn't something that pleased the Jedi, however, and it pushed their acceptance of him being made a Padawan further back. Such was their arrogance. 

"Alter Mind? That sounds like the advanced version of the Mind Trick, Master Baas," Caleb says, listening to the information from the holocron.

"And in a way, it is. As its name suggests, this ability enables Force users to subtly influence the thoughts and actions of others. This simple form of mental persuasion can be used to reach a peaceful solution and avoid confrontation, causing adversaries to turn a blind eye or momentarily override their instincts. This ability works particularly well on the weak-minded, but some species, including Hutts, Geonosians, Falleen, Dashade and Toydarians, are naturally resistant to its effects.

As for Alter Mind, well, it is the ability to shape the minds of others. You see, unlike the mind trick, where you make a suggestion and it is over quite soon after, Alter Mind is something that remains. Alter Mind is the ability to project an image into the mind of another being. This image was often an altered perception of reality, but it could be an illusion that could influence the being," Baas explains.

"So it is like a long-term version of the mind trick, then?"

"In a way, yes."

"Then couldn't we use this to sit down with our political adversaries and solve the war quickly?" Caleb asks the vital question.

"Well, it's not that simple, Caleb. I agree with you; Alter Mind can be very useful, but I believe it could also lead a Jedi down the path to the Dark Side. You essentially take away free will from the equation, and that's not something that we as Jedi should do. It goes against our principles."

Caleb listens to Baas and nods. But he disagrees. The solution would be easy and elegant. Go and meet with the monstrous corporations who are only on the side of the CIS for profit, and make them see reason. The monetary prowess of the CIS would plummet, and their ability to produce droids would also grow smaller. But he kept his thoughts to himself. He had long understood that the Jedi Order was not receptive to either his 'unconventional' ideas or his questions.

"Alright, then what are other Force abilities that affect the mind, Caleb? What have you learned so far?" Baas asks. 

"Well, as you told me, I have studied it since last month and have found several so far. The first one is the Mind Probe. This Force technique is a variation of the mind trick and enables the individual to perceive and reach even further into the minds of others. In this manner, a practitioner of this skill can scan and navigate through a subject's mind through concentration and focus. Still, such an act is considered forcing oneself into another being's mind and is regarded as a Dark Side ability. Using the Mind Probe apparently creates great pressure in the Force. We as Jedi are forbidden from using the ability, which is seen as pushing oneself onto another and pressing further than any Jedi should."

"Yes, that's correct. It's good that you mentioned it was a rather dark technique. We should listen and do the will of the Force and not try to force our own will upon it. So what else?" Baas asks. 

"Well, I also found variations of the Mind Trick ability. There are quite a lot of them. There is, for example, Force confusion. It is among the more advanced mind trick variations, which can be used in combat to temporarily manipulate enemies into fighting as allies. It is handy when outnumbered, and was quicker to employ than affect mind in the heat of battle. 

Then there is Force fear, which is described as another Dark Side ability in the holocron. The user would strike directly at the deepest parts of the target's mind, causing an uncontrollable shaking fear that would wreak havoc with the target's capabilities. Through pure force of will alone, a user can cause them to lose their courage completely. If left undefended, the effects could be severe, rapidly demoralising the enemy with a feeling of hopelessness and regret. 

Then we have Mind Twist, where the user intrudes into another's consciousness and twists their perception of reality to suit their own ends. I read about instances where someone was able to convince another that he was suffocating, or that he was on fire, to the point where his body exhibited burn marks. 

And finally, there is a huge part that concerns the mind, and that's Force illusions."

Master Baas looks at the young man whom he has started to like more and more and smiles. If he didn't know Caleb for almost two years, he wouldn't have ever allowed him to do research into such things. It is far too tempting for most Jedi to know that there are such powers available, which they can't use. But Caleb is different. He has no need for them if they are not allowed to be used. He has a strong will and knows restraint, which is why Baas is so excited that he has someone with whom he can share his passion for knowledge. 

"Excellent, Caleb. I know there isn't a lot known about Force illusion, since it's genuinely a somewhat problematic aspect. You see, it is a very big part of Sith sorcery. Would you still like a description?" Baas asks. 

"Yes, please."

"Very well. When using Force illusions, the user projects an image into the minds of beings within range, ranging from a pillar of fire to a horde of snarling monsters to a fleet of warships, depending on the range, similar to Mind Twist. The user could "see" the illusion as well, though it would be only partially there, semi-transparent like a hologram. 

The key differences between a Force illusion and a hologram are that, unlike a hologram, the illusion can be controlled mentally and is limited only by the user's imagination. More importantly, a Force illusion does not merely affect a creature's sight; since it is projected directly into the creature's brain, it impacts all of the creature's senses, from hearing to smell, including senses such as echolocation. Even if viewed through an electronic system such as a cybernetic eye or camera, it is of no use if the creature is within range of the illusion during its duration; the beast would "see" it through the system as if the illusion were actually present, although any playback after the illusion has ended would reveal nothing at all."

"This sounds very powerful. Surely, there are drawbacks."

"Indeed. Nothing is without its drawbacks. Force illusions have a significantly reduced, or almost nonexistent, effect on Force users or Force-resistant species such as Hutts and those I mentioned before. And of course, it is also very difficult to learn. While Force illusions can create something out of nothing, they can't turn nothing into something, or in other words, render someone invisible; for that aspect, Force immersion would be used, although they can conceal anything within the illusion. 

Additionally, the illusion offers no physical substance. Although it can be "felt," in most cases, any appendage that touches it would pass straight through, usually revealing its status. Finally, the sustained use of a Force illusion could be taxing, particularly at the extreme ranges of the skill."

"I see. Well, that makes sense," Caleb thinks about this for a moment. 

He sees a lot of potential in the skill and will look into it further. Force illusion is something he could use, and if he could take it further, it would help them in the Clone War. The number of droids the Separatists have access to is so much higher than anything the Republic have. So, using Force illusions, they could make a difference. 

"Thank you, Master Baas. I'll see you tomorrow," Caleb says and starts walking out of the room. 

"Wait, Caleb. What about your progress on Force healing? Did you make some progress?" Master Baas asks. 

"Well, not really. I wanted to, but almost no one is willing to trust a Youngling to heal them. There is, however, something that has happened. I noticed that when I concentrate on feeling the damage, I start to see... 'lines' of some kind. I am not sure what it is, but when I heal the damage, some of them usually disappear."

"Lines... wait, do you mean-"

"Bye, Master Baas. I need to go now," Caleb says and runs out. 

"So he saw lines, huh. What a special child he is. Truly."

.

Senior Clone Commander Grey of the 227th Legion and Jedi Master Depa Billaba arrive at the Republic Centre for Military Operations aboard their gunship. 

"So when are you going to make the kid your Padawan, General?" Commander Grey asks her. 

"As soon as the Jedi Council finally agrees to it. I don't think this has ever happened before. A Jedi Master who can't take a specific Padawan for unknown reasons," Master Billaba says. 

"But why would they do that? I don't think I have ever seen anyone more suited for the battlefield than him. And you told me he is exceptionally skilled as a Jedi already, no? So why would they hold him back?" Grey asks. 

"It seems that my former Master, Mace Windu, who sits on the High Council, has worries about Caleb. His skills and his 'questions' or ideas are what worry the Order that he may fall to a dark path."

"Questions? So he was refusing orders?"

"No, it's more of a fundamental aspect. Caleb doesn't seem to take anything he is taught at face value and likes to know the reasons behind it. This may seem good, but the Jedi Order doesn't like those who seem to have a problem with their teachings and fundamental beliefs."

"Uh, I don't understand any of that. It just seems like a waste to hold him back. And I didn't see anything 'dark' about him yet. If anything, he seems like an amusing and bright young lad," Grey says. 

"Hehe, I agree. Ironically, his questions are what made me wish to take him as my Padawan. But we'll see."

The two make their way inside, where they see several clones of the 227th forming a circle around Caleb. He has his lightsaber ignited and blocks the stun shots from their blasters, which they keep firing at him. 10 troopers are firing at Caleb in random patterns, trying to hit him and knock him out. But he is fast and seems to know where the attacks are coming from beforehand. 

Caleb's lightsaber seemingly turns into a paintbrush, painting a blue line into the air. His speed increases as he is forced to adapt to the increased attacks from the troopers. Master Billaba looks at the scene in surprise. She hasn't witnessed Caleb push himself yet, so this is new for her. She is impressed by what he can do. He doesn't miss, he doesn't think too much and simply acts. She sees his movements grow increasingly smooth and use less energy. 

"Impressive, isn't it? The kid barely reaches my shoulder height and can already do this," Commander Grey says. 

"This is indeed impressive," Billaba agrees. 

After a moment, she holds up her hand, stopping the practice. Caleb sees the Jedi Master and smiles. He has felt a bond between them since he met her a few weeks ago. She doesn't bother about his questions and enjoys his nature. 

"Master Billaba, you're here. I'm glad you could come."

"Of course, however, I don't have a lot of time. I was given a mission by the Jedi Council," she says. 

"Oh, really? Where do you have to go?" Caleb asks. 

"Harrun Kal. We're leaving right away."

"I see."

"But that doesn't mean we can't spare a few hours to see how much you have progressed, does it?"

"Truly? I would appreciate it."

"Very well. Let's get back to it. But this time, we will increase the difficulty somewhat. Grey, how about we increase the number of troopers who attack our little prodigy here?" Billaba asks. 

"Sure, how much?"

"Let's double it. And what's more, I will occasionally attack you as well. You won't know how. It could be using my lightsaber, or the Force, so be ready for that as well."

Caleb nods and gets into position. 

"Ready?"

"Yes!"

"Then go!"

After waiting a second, the first two clones fire. Caleb blocks the attacks, having felt them approach, and his body moves instinctively. He swings his lightsaber through the air, wanting to cut through another stun shot, but his hand is suddenly stopped mid-swing. Master Billaba uses the Force to hold him back. Again, his body moves instinctively, and he jumps over the attack, dodging it and backflipping to the ground. With one fluid motion, he returns to the fluidity of before. 

The increase in clones attacking forces Caleb to move faster than before, and the presence of Master Billaba also makes this task a lot harder. However, he is keeping up, much to everyone's surprise. The way Caleb moves seems inhumane, and his dexterity is off the charts. He always knows where the attacks or interventions are coming from and adapts accordingly. It shouldn't be possible. This should be enough to make the 'Youngling' stagger and fall unconscious. 

The truth is, no matter how effortless it seems, Caleb feels the strain of the exercise. He pushes himself to the limit and beyond, moving faster than ever before. But as that happens, he also feels the gains. His mind, which couldn't keep up with the speed and was lagging behind his body, which was moving on its own, is starting to catch up. 

Master Billaba uses the Force to push him off balance. He reacts and uses the fall to dodge another set of attacks, rolling off the ground and regaining his footing. For the past two years, Caleb has read about Exar Kun, Revan, and other skilled lightsaber combatants, and he has begun to create his own version of a lightsaber form. He started with Form VI and then added certain aspects of different forms to supplement it. He wanted to keep the option of using the Force while he was using his lightsaber, since in his opinion, it was the Force that separated the truly formidable Force users from the rest. 

Since the clones have set their blasters to stun, Caleb can't reflect them, so he has to use another method to end this practice. And he believes he has found a way. As his mind catches up with his body, an idea is born. He waits for Master Billaba to use the Force on him again. Just as he feels it coming, he moves to the side. The Force Push hits the clone in the line of Billaba's sight instead. 

Caleb reaches out with his hand and grabs hold of the blaster of another clone. He slashes his lightsaber through the air and forces the blaster to turn to the side slightly, shooting past him and hitting a clone behind him instead. The clone falls unconscious. Realising what he just did, the clone tries to pull back, but it's too late. Caleb forced the blaster to turn to the side slowly, hitting more clones and reducing their number further. 

Depa Billaba can only observe with widened eyes, how the Youngling grows above himself and displays a Master Jedi-like aptitude for battle sense and uses the Force in tandem with his lightsaber to take out one clone after the other. Caleb uses Force Push to blast the clones back, or Force Pull, to get them into the line of fire. After a while, Caleb has managed to reduce the number of clones to five, and Billaba waves her hand, stopping the exercise, seeing how Caleb is breathing hard.

"You know, Caleb, I have never seen or heard of someone who has a higher aptitude for precognition than you do. Your body moves on its own. It is magnificent to observe. After my mission, I will besiege the Council to allow me to take you as my Padawan," she says. 

Caleb starts to beam with happiness. This is what he has waited for, for a long time. 

"Thank you! I can't wait..." Caleb says, out of breath. 

"Haha, I'm sure you can't. Let's stop here. We have a mission to go to after all."