Private A Padawan's Path

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

The Jedi Temple was alive with its usual rhythm — the soft hum of lightsabers in training chambers, the quiet murmurs of Padawans studying, and the distant melody of Temple chimes marking the early morning hour. Amid the tranquility, a summons had been sent to one Kyra Banuelos , a new Padawan still finding her place within the Order.

Inside one of the Temple's briefing rooms, Valery stood near a holographic display table, her fiery amber eyes fixed on the flickering projection of a distant star system. The light of the holomap cast faint shadows across her face, giving her an air of quiet intensity. Though she had not yet met Kyra personally, the young Padawan's name had crossed her desk in recent days, her potential standing out amidst the reports.

The door to the briefing room slid open with a soft hiss, and Valery turned, her arms crossed loosely in front of her. Her expression softened slightly, the stern edge replaced with a calm yet welcoming demeanor.

"Padawan Banuelos," Valery said, her voice carrying an air of quiet authority, but not without warmth. "Thank you for coming, and it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Master Noble."

She motioned for Kyra to step inside, the door sliding shut behind her. The room was minimalistic, with clean lines and simple furnishings, save for the central table with its glowing map.

"I know this summons might feel… unexpected," Valery continued, studying Kyra with her piercing gaze. "But there's something I need to discuss with you. Would you please join me at the holo-table?"Valery gestured toward one of the chairs at the table and took her own seat across from it, her posture composed but not intimidating. She waited for Kyra to settle in before continuing, the faint hum of the holomap filling the brief silence.

Kyra Banuelos ​

 

[Kyra Banuelos]

The Jedi Temple was nothing like Kyra’s home on Bracca. The tranquility and the people around all cared for one another as if they were family. It was something she had to get used to since Ky was always stranded at home with only a droid for company. The life she was given before this was not one Ky would go back to no matter what, so she was more than thankful for the Jedi who noticed her abilities. Without the Jedi, Kyra would more than likely still be sitting in the apartment all alone with very little to do.

It was still early in the morning and Kyra was putting away some tunics she was given when she entered the Jedi Temple. Her color choice was always dark colors, mainly to reflect what she has gone through in terms of their past. Today, Ky picked out a dark grey tunic with a belt, a pair of boots, and wristbands that were all black. After she was fully dressed, the communicator began to go off. It was one of the Jedi within the Temple, summoning Kyra for a conversation of sorts. The teenager took in a deep breath before exhaling slowly, then she began pacing towards the location where she was expected to meet.

The walk was short, but it gave Kyra enough time to clear their mind and embrace the conversation with a open mind. She had no idea what the topic was going to be about and she fully figured it was because of her little stunt before being accepted in the Jedi Temple. Regardless, it was behind her and their focus was on the present. When the door slid open and Kyra walked through, she was greeted by a Jedi who spoke in a warm tone, one that was inviting and calm. The young girl stepped forward and let the door shut behind in almost immediately.

When Valery Noble invited Ky to sit down, the young girl nodded warmly before taking a seat at the holo-table as instructed. “Master Noble, it is a pleasure to meet you. What is on your mind?” She asked in a curious tone, wondering exactly why she was brought in. Ky still had questions about everything, but she was too worried about why she was summoned to be blurting out random questions about the path that was taken. Either way, Kyra remained quiet and still because of the nervousness she was experiencing at the moment.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery's warm gaze remained on Kyra as the Padawan settled into her seat. She could sense the nervous energy rolling off the young girl, but also the undercurrent of curiosity and determination. Valery leaned forward slightly, resting her hands lightly on the edge of the holo-table as she began to speak.

"Kyra," Valery said, her tone calm and reassuring, "I summoned you here today because I wanted to get to know you better. Transitioning into life within the Jedi Order can be a lot to take in, and I want to make sure you're feeling settled and supported."

She offered the Padawan a small, encouraging smile before continuing. "I've also noticed your potential, and I believe the best way for us to start building your confidence and sharpening your abilities is through experience. So, I'd like to invite you to join me on an assignment."

Valery's amber eyes shifted to the holographic display, her fingers deftly swiping across the controls to bring up a new image. The star system faded, replaced by a hologram of a planet shrouded in mist, its surface dotted with ruins and dense forests.

"This mission will give you a chance to step out of the Temple and experience what it means to be a Jedi in the field. It's a lower-risk assignment, but it will give us plenty of opportunities to work together, for you to ask questions, and for me to help guide you as you learn."

Her gaze returned to Kyra, the sincerity in her voice unmistakable. "There's no pressure to be perfect — this is about growth and exploration, and I'm here to support you every step of the way. What do you think? Are you ready to take this next step with me?"

Valery's expression softened further as she leaned back slightly, giving Kyra the space to process the invitation.

Kyra Banuelos ​

 

[Kyra Banuelos]

Kyra sat at the holo-tables with both hands on her thighs, fidgeting each finger around with nervousness filling the air. When Valery’s voice was heard, Kyra instantly felt the nerves reside. Was it their tone, the way she spoke, or something else? Regardless, Ky was relaxing in their seat, almost as if she were sinking on a soft, gentle cloud. The smile never faded, though, and Kyra was more than happy to be in the presence of someone such as Valery. “There is so much on my mind, sometimes I don’t think I can comprehend it all. This life can be a lot and I am still very new, so I do appreciate you reaching out to me.” She replied.

Valery Noble continued on about experience and how it would be the best way to get Kyra initiated with the Jedi way. The young girl couldn’t help but smile throughout the entire conversation because this would be the very first time she had been away from the Temple since joining the Galactic Alliance. “Of course, I would love to join you, Master Noble! Is there anything I should bring with me?” She asked with a bright smile, hoping that they would be going on this adventure soon. Kyra had a soft heart and great mind, but it was clouded because of the abandonment she endured at such a young age. This would certainly help that in the long run.

Before Valery could even respond, Kyra slowly raised their hand in the air and started to speak without a care. “The Jedi, the Galactic Alliance, what is the purpose for all this?” She was curious and had no idea what any of it all served, so why not begin to ask questions for one of the best Jedi Masters the Temple had? There was no reason to stop there, but Ky’s curiosity would allow her to wait to bombard Master Noble with more questions about the Jedi.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery smiled warmly as she listened to Kyra, her amber eyes reflecting both understanding and encouragement. The young Padawan's enthusiasm and curiosity were evident, and it filled Valery with a quiet hope for her growth within the Order. She leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the edge of the holo-table, and let Kyra's questions settle for a moment before responding.

"I'm glad to hear you're excited," Valery said, her tone soft and genuine. "For this mission, just bring your lightsaber, if you have one, and whatever else makes you feel prepared and comfortable. It's not about the gear — it's about your mindset, your willingness to learn, and how you adapt to the unexpected."

Her smile grew as she addressed the second part of Kyra's thoughts. "As for the Jedi and the Galactic Alliance, that's a big question, and it's an important one. The simplest way I see it is this: the Jedi exist to bring balance, to protect those who can't protect themselves, and to stand against darkness, whether it's in the galaxy or within ourselves."

She gestured lightly toward the hologram of the mist-shrouded planet. "The Galactic Alliance, on the other hand, is about unity. It's an attempt to bring together different worlds, people, and perspectives under a common goal of peace and cooperation. The Jedi work with them because our values often align, but the Jedi's role goes beyond politics. We're here to serve the Force, above all else."

Valery's expression softened further as she studied Kyra, her voice carrying an edge of encouragement. "I know it can feel overwhelming, trying to understand all of it, especially when you're still finding your place. But that's exactly why I wanted to take you on this mission. Out there, you'll start to see how everything connects — the Jedi, the Alliance, the Force, and your own journey."

She tilted her head slightly, her smile turning playful. "And don't hold back your questions. Asking is how we learn, and I'm here to help you figure things out, one step at a time."

Leaning back in her seat, Valery added with a small chuckle, "Now, any more questions before we head out? Or are you ready to see what being a Jedi in the field is all about?"

Kyra Banuelos ​

 

[Kyra Banuelos]

Kyra was more than excited to start their journey of becoming a Jedi, even proud of how she had turned things around in such a short time. The daily meditations help dramatically with their thought process and how to subdue certain feelings so they remain calm, but there was still a part of the young teenager that struggled with the thought of their parents and how she was treated their entire life. If not for Jax and the Jedi, Kyra would be a prisoner to some droid and their crazy owner.

The mission that Valery Noble had planned would require Kyra to be fully prepared for anything, but the young girl had yet to craft a lightsaber, relying only on the wooden polearm she found in the training area. Everything she needed to bring with her was currently back in their quarters, but she did not want to scurry off immediately because Master Noble was still explaining everything to the initiate. Kyra knew that this journey would be challenging for the mind and body, so she soaked in all the information the best they could because she did not want to fall behind on any studies, even if it was a mere conversation with another Jedi Master.

The Galactic Alliance and the Jedi were all starting to make sense to Kyra, understanding their purpose and why they continued to protect the galaxy the best they could. The hologram of the planet was like nothing she had seen before, causing her to smile wide at the wild technology in front of her face. Being cooped up in a big apartment held Kyra back from life and what it had to offer, so she wasn’t as knowledgeable about certain things. Yes, the young girl has seen plenty of holograms before, but none were as detailed and clean as the one presented from the holo-table.

Once Master Noble finished answering all the questions Kyra threw at her, the Jedi Master wanted to make sure the teenager was ready to head out and had no more questions to ask for now. “Not having a lightsaber is kind of worrying, but I will do just fine with any type of polearm. As for any more questions, I think you have answered everything I was wondering about for the time being. I am as ready as one initiate can be.” She said with a smile and a bit of excitement in their voice. She was still nervous because Ky had no idea what to expect on this mission, so she was going to do what she did best. Go with the flow of the situations that are put in front of the young girl.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery chuckled softly, her fiery amber eyes warm with encouragement as she leaned back in her seat. "You've got the right attitude, Kyra," she said with a reassuring smile. "A lightsaber shouldn't be necessary for this mission, but if something happens, I'll borrow you one of mine." Even Initiates who hadn't built a lightsaber were still getting trainined on how to use them. With training lightsabers, of course.

But it meant Valery could trust her with a real one too, in case of emergency.

Valery rose to her feet, smoothing her jumpsuit as she motioned for Kyra to follow her. "And remember, you won't be on your own out there. I'll be right beside you every step of the way, and together, we'll handle whatever comes our way."

Her smile softened as she added, "Now, let's head out. The galaxy isn't going to wait for us, and I'm sure there's plenty out there ready to test what you've been learning. Remember — trust the Force, trust yourself, and always stay curious. That's how we grow."

As she led Kyra toward the exit of the briefing room, Valery glanced back over her shoulder with a smile. This was going to be a meaningful day, she knew.

"I'll fly us to our location too, but if you'd like, I can show you some controls and let you do some of the easier flying tasks. Unless you already know how to pilot a ship?"

Kyra Banuelos ​

 

[Kyra Banuelos]

The moment Master Noble told Kyra that she could borrow one of their lightsabers, her eyes instantly lit up with joy. She almost questioned it for a second, but the excitement took over with a few nods of happiness. “Of course! I think that would be super cool because I never really used a real saber to even practice with.” She admitted to the Master Jedi. Kyra was full of joy and happiness now, but it could easily turn at any moment, especially if something would remind the teen of their parents.

When Valery stood up and smoothed their outfit, Kyra followed suit and did the same. The nerves kicked in immediately and it was beginning to slow her down because Kyra was now in their own mind, wondering if they were truly ready for such an experience. The sound of Val’s voice caused the young girl to snap out of the little daze she was in and smile wide. “You’re right. And if we do somehow get separated, I can always count on the Force to guide me in the right direction. The daily meditations helped me realize that.”

Kyra stood next to Master Noble and walked right beside the woman the entire way out of the briefing room. There were still questions floating around in her mind, but she felt this was not the right time to be asking irrelevant questions that have nothing to do with their mission, so she would wait until after to bombard Val with more. Either way, it was best that Kyra stayed as close to Master Noble as possible. There were too many risks and dangers that lie ahead, so she knew what was the smartest thing to do in those types of situations.

When Valery finally mentioned flying the ship, Kyra instantly put her gaze on the Master and continued to listen until Val was finished. “You would really let me do that?! I never thought in a million years that I would be allowed to fly! Heck yeah, I would love for you to teach me!” The excitement was obvious and Kyra was finally beginning to feel herself around the Jedi Master, giving the teenager the opportunity to not only open up, but to feel at home around her.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery chuckled softly at Kyra's excitement, the bright energy radiating from the young Padawan bringing a warm smile to her lips. "Of course, I'd let you try," she said as they continued walking toward the hangar. "Flying is an important skill for Jedi, and it's a lot of fun once you get the hang of it. But," she added with a playful grin.

She glanced down at Kyra, her expression softening into something more maternal. "You're going to do great. This is a learning experience, so don't feel like you have to be perfect. Mistakes are how we grow, and I'll be there to help you through it."

As they approached Valery's sleek starship, its polished hull gleaming under the hangar's lights, Valery gestured toward the loading ramp. "Come on, let's get settled in." The ship's systems hummed softly as the ramp lowered, revealing the compact yet comfortable interior.

Valery led Kyra to the cockpit, motioning for her to take the co-pilot's seat. As they both settled in, Valery activated the ship's systems, and the controls lit up with a soft glow. "Alright," she said, her voice calm but filled with enthusiasm, "I'll handle the takeoff, and once we're in open space, I'll show you the basics. You can take over from there and try some simple maneuvers."

She turned her gaze to Kyra, her fiery amber eyes filled with encouragement. "It's just like trusting the Force — feel the controls, let your instincts guide you, and remember that I'm here to help. Ready for your first flight, Padawan?"

Her tone carried both reassurance and a playful challenge, creating a safe space for Kyra to explore her potential while still keeping the excitement alive.

Kyra Banuelos ​

 

[Kyra Banuelos]

Kyra was thrilled to be on the verge of learning how to pilot a ship because it was something the young girl dreamed of since she could remember. The fact that Master Valery Noble was going to be the one teaching her, had Kyra more excited than when she first joined the Order. “Wow, I can’t believe you are gonna let me fly! This will be so cool, and I promise not to do anything rash!” She explained with excitement trailing each word.

Not only was Kyra eager to learn anything the Jedi were willing to teach, but it seemed that Valery was more than willing to pick up the newer students and give them a taste of what being a true Jedi is like. This made the teenager jump for joy on the inside because not everyone had the inviting feeling that Master Noble gave off. With a soft nod of their head, Kyra smiled and continued on walking next to Valery, excited for what was to come. In the distance, there was a single ship that reflected the lights from the hangar bay above, making the vehicle stand out even more. “T-this is amazing!!” She literally jumped from how excited she was for this adventure.

As Kya Banuelos watched the ramp slowly descend with the sounds of the ship humming along to the motion of it moving, their jaw nearly dropped to the floor, as if the young girl has never seen such a thing before. “Um, okay, that is really cool!” She said before darting ahead to stand on the ramp and look back at Master Noble with a warm smile. “I never thought this would be so much fun!” Kyra waited for Valery to catch up and finally walked alongside the woman until they were inside the ship fully.

Once they made it inside the cockpit of the spacecraft, Val motioned for the young girl to take a seat, so that was exactly what she did, before spinning around in the chair a couple of times out of pure enjoyment. “Phew! Made myself a little dizzy.” She chuckled lightly and finally noted all the buttons in their sight. It was a bit confusing but as Valery Noble said, trust in the force and everything will be fine. “As ready as one can be! Hopefully, we get what you are searching for on this mission.” She admitted happily.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery chuckled warmly at Kyra's uncontainable excitement, watching the Padawan spin in the chair with all the enthusiasm of a child experiencing something new and thrilling. "Just don't spin so much you can't tell left from right," she teased gently, her fiery eyes sparkling with amusement.

Settling into the pilot's seat, Valery reached forward and began flipping a series of switches on the control panel. The hum of the ship grew louder, the soft vibrations beneath their feet signaling the systems were coming to life. Outside, the hangar doors began to open.

"Alright, Kyra," Valery said, her tone playfully instructive. "First things first — watch closely as I take off. The most important part of flying is getting a feel for how the ship moves. Once we're out of the hangar, it's all yours."

The ship gently lifted off the ground, the repulsorlifts engaging with a soft hiss. Valery's hands moved fluidly over the controls, her motions precise and deliberate as she guided the ship up and through the hangar doors. Soon, the stars outside seemed to stretch and dance as they ascended, and soon enough, the vastness of open space enveloped them.

Once clear, Valery leaned back slightly, her hands leaving the controls to hover just above them. "Okay, your turn," she said, spinning her seat slightly to face Kyra. "Take the controls and try a simple turn to the left. Nice and easy — no wild maneuvers just yet," she added with a smirk.

Valery's voice softened, and her smile turned more encouraging. "Trust your instincts, feel how the ship responds to you. It's not about wrestling the controls; it's about working with them."

She leaned back, watching Kyra with patient anticipation. "Oh, and don't worry — if anything goes wrong, I can take over in an instant. Just focus on having fun and getting a feel for it. You've got this."

Kyra Banuelos ​

 

[Kyra Banuelos]

Kyra couldn’t help but chuckle at Valery’s comment about spinning too much, and she wasn’t wrong. Luckily, Kyra stopped spinning in time to catch their balance, holding onto the console in front of her without touching any buttons or controls of the ship. She was already having a blast and they had yet to even lift off from the hangar, which was a sign that this entire adventure would be fun, to say the least.

Once Master Noble gave simple instructions to watch exactly how she would lift off the ship with the controls, Kyra nodded happily and did just that. She was eager to learn, so her eyes stayed glued to the hands of Valery as she began to help the ship lift off the ground. The hangar doors were wide open, and the vastness of space was all the young teenager could see from the cockpit window. “Wow..” Kyra was in awe, taking in the view of each bright dot in the distance for the moment.

The hum of the engines roaring louder snapped Kyra out of it, along with the swift motion of them moving forward through space. It was clear that they were out of the hangar and surrounded by nothing but the ship itself. Val’s voice caused Kyra to glance over and nod at the instructions given to her. She gripped the controls lightly and let out a deep breath, allowing the Force to calm her nerves and center their mind and body. “Of course, I got this.” She nearly whispered because of how focused she was on the moment.

Kyra slowly turned the controls just enough so that the ship would swerve with the motion of their hands. It seemed simple enough while nearly drifting in space, but during a live battle, it may be much harder than it looks. “Okay, not so bad.” She said with a little excitement trailing their voice. Without any other instructions, Kyra slowly straightened out the ship and began to drift toward the right, turning the entire ship slightly to the right, then she would slowly turn it back to the right like she was weaving in and out of traffic on a speeder. “How long have you been doing this, Master Noble?” She asked, trying to spark up another conversation while they were in mid-flight.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery leaned back in her seat, her arms crossed loosely as she watched Kyra take control of the ship. A proud smile tugged at her lips as the Padawan's movements grew more confident, her hands steering the ship in gentle, deliberate motions. The young Jedi was clearly taking this seriously, and Valery could feel the Padawan's excitement bubbling just beneath the surface.

"Not bad at all," Valery said warmly, her fiery eyes sparkling as she glanced out the cockpit window at the endless expanse of stars. "You've got a good feel for it already. Keep practicing those smooth movements, and before you know it, flying will feel as natural as walking."

As Kyra wove the ship lightly to the right and left, Valery chuckled softly at the question. Her gaze turned distant for a moment, as if reaching back through the years. "I've been a Jedi for most of my life, so I started flying quite young," she said, her tone carrying a mix of nostalgia and amusement. "Back then, I was a little less... careful than you are now. I may or may not have made a few 'creative' landings when I was first learning."

Her smirk widened, and she turned her attention back to Kyra, her expression encouraging. "But I stuck with it, and flying became one of my favorite things to do. It's freeing in a way, isn't it? Just you, the ship, and the stars."

Valery straightened slightly in her seat, her voice softening as she added, "You're doing great, Kyra. But flying is also about more than just controls and movements. It's about trust — trusting yourself, trusting the Force, and trusting the ship. You're starting to get that already."

She gestured toward the controls. "Why don't you try a slow roll? Just tilt the ship gently, one side to the other. It'll give you a feel for how it balances in motion." Her smile turned playful, her tone light.

Valery leaned back again, her arms resting casually on the sides of her chair. She was completely at ease, not just because she trusted herself but because she trusted Kyra. The Padawan was proving to be a quick learner, and Valery couldn't help but feel a flicker of pride as she watched her shine in this new challenge.

Kyra Banuelos ​