Matthew offered Roten and Jackie a strange, knowing, coy smile.
"Your induction as my students," he said, his voice full of warmth.
"The momentous occasion of each of you being officially recognized as my students from here on out."
Matthew stood before the three Padawans, holding a box with several finely crafted silver-colored beads. Each bead was carved with intricate symbols representing the Jedi Trials, and at their center was a small void—an empty section designed to hold a gem or glass piece that would be added upon completing each trial.
He held one of the beads up to the light, turning it slightly so the carvings caught the soft glow of the room.
"These beads represent your journey as Jedi," he began, his voice calm yet filled with purpose.
"They are empty now, but over time, as you face and pass each of the Jedi Trials, a gem will be added to the void. This will mark your progress toward becoming full-fledged Jedi Knights."
-
Crossed Blades (Trial of Skill): He pointed to the carving of crossed blades.
"This symbol represents the Trial of Skill—your mastery of lightsaber techniques and the Force in combat. It will test your precision, your reflexes, and your control."
-
Phoenix Rising (Trial of Courage): He turned the bead slightly to reveal a carving of a phoenix rising.
"The Trial of Courage will challenge your bravery. It's about facing danger without hesitation, finding your strength in the face of overwhelming odds."
-
Broken Chain (Trial of the Flesh): The next symbol was a broken chain wrapped around an open hand.
"The Trial of the Flesh represents endurance—whether physical or emotional. This trial tests how you handle sacrifice and suffering, and how you can rise above it."
-
Eye of the Force (Trial of the Spirit): He indicated the symbol of the Eye of the Force.
"The Trial of the Spirit will force you to look inward. It's not about external challenges, but about facing your own fears, your darkness. Only by confronting these can you truly grow as a Jedi."
-
Open Book (Trial of Insight): Finally, he pointed to the open book.
"This symbol represents the Trial of Insight—your ability to perceive hidden truths, to see beyond the obvious, and solve complex problems. It is a test of wisdom and knowledge."
Matthew held up two more silver-colored beads, each with intricate carvings symbolizing the final trials that lay ahead. His gaze shifted between the three Padawans, knowing that their journey would be defined not just by their individual growth, but also by how they worked together and led others.
Matthew started with the first bead, turning it slightly so that the light highlighted the delicate carving of a
crown.
"This is the symbol for the Trial of Leadership," he began, his voice calm yet filled with gravity.
"Leadership is not about commanding others, but guiding them with wisdom and humility. The crown you see here represents the burden and honor of leading, especially when the stakes are high. This trial will test your ability to make decisions that affect not just yourself, but those around you. In this galaxy, true leadership is not about power—it's about responsibility."
He then turned his attention to the second bead, which bore the image of a
braided rope.
"This bead represents the Trial of Teamwork," he said, smiling slightly as he glanced between them.
"The braided rope is a symbol of strength in unity. Alone, each strand is weak, but woven together, they form something strong and unbreakable. This trial is about learning to trust one another, to rely on your peers in moments of difficulty, and to recognize that sometimes, the path forward requires more than just individual effort."
Matthew held both beads up for the three Padawans to see clearly, his tone becoming more personal.
"Leadership and teamwork go hand in hand. As Jedi, you will often be required to lead, but you will also need to work alongside others, recognizing their strengths and contributions. Both of these beads—like all of the others—have an empty spot, a void, waiting to be filled with a gem once you've passed these trials. These final tests will be as much about your connection to the people around you as they are about your own growth."
He took a breath and continued, his words carrying a sense of weight and significance.
"The galaxy is vast, and there will be moments when you will need to lead others through the darkest times. But never forget: even the strongest leaders cannot act alone. They need others—just as you will need one another in the trials to come."
He gave each of them a steady look.
"Wear them proudly, and fill them with gems when you have truly earned them."
Matthew looked at each Padawan, his gaze serious yet encouraging.
"Now, each of you will receive a red band—marking your independent study. This signifies that you are ready to begin making decisions about your own learning and focus."
He held up another bead, this one
gold in color.
"This gold bead represents your training in lightsaber combat, or weapons training. It is something I expect each of you to master, regardless of your personal focuses. You'll all need this skill to defend yourselves and others."
With that, Matthew handed each Padawan their red silken band and gold bead, signifying their shared commitment to saber combat training.
Matthew then addressed each student individually, beginning with
Roman.
Matthew offered Roman a
green bead alongside his red band and gold bead.
"Roman, you have a natural talent for diplomacy. Your ambition to become a diplomat is clear, and this green bead represents your focus on consular studies and your ability to mediate conflict. You'll be trained not just in lightsaber combat, but in the ways of the mind and heart, seeking balance and wisdom."
- For Roten, Matthew handed him a
black bead in addition to the red band and gold bead.
"Roten, your strength lies in your ability to navigate difficult and dangerous situations. The black bead marks your focus on covert operations—hunting, fighting, and surviving in places where others might not. This is where you'll hone your tactical skills, blending in with the shadows while mastering the art of combat."
- Finally, Matthew gave Jackie a
blue bead along with the red band and gold bead.
"Jackie, your love for mechanics sets you apart. This blue bead symbolizes your focus on mechanics and technology. You'll learn to repair, design, and maintain the tools that will aid us, whether it's on the battlefield or in the workshop."
Matthew stepped back, his gaze filled with quiet pride.
"Each of you has your own path to follow, and these beads represent the areas in which I believe you will excel. Your journey is just beginning, and I will guide you through it. But know this: the trials ahead will test you, and when you fill the empty spaces in your silver beads with the gems of success, you will have earned them."
Matthew was not finished. From the box, he withdrew something else—small, intricately crafted pins. Each pin featured a woven crescent moon crossed with a traditional sword, its blade made from a gleaming opal that shimmered in the light. The moon's delicate strands were woven from gold, set against a deep royal blue backing.
He held one up for the Padawans to see, the light catching the opal blade as it glowed softly.
"Where I come from, we raise squires to become knights," Matthew began, his voice steady and filled with significance.
"This is my personal symbol—a crescent moon and sword. It marks you as my students, under my guardianship and my responsibility."
He let the weight of his words settle before continuing, his gaze firm as it met each of theirs.
"As I represent you, so too do you represent me. Our actions will reflect upon one another, for both good and ill. You wear this symbol not just for yourselves, but for all who stand under my guidance."
He carefully handed each of them a pin, his tone shifting to one of solemn pride.
"Wear them with honor, and remember what you represent from this day forward. Every choice you make, every challenge you face, you do so as part of this family, this lineage. Let this symbol remind you of that responsibility and the bond we now share."
Matthew stepped back, his eyes softening as he looked over the three.
"You are no longer just students, nor am I just your teacher. We are bound by this commitment, and together, we will shape the legacy of what it means to walk the path of the Jedi. Wear this with pride, and know that wherever you go, you carry not just your own name—but mine as well."
After the solemnity of the ceremony, Matthew paused for a moment, then smiled mischievously. His tone lightened, a spark of humor in his eyes. "
Now, before we conclude, I have one more task for the three of you—a mission, if you will."
He withdrew a small datapad from his robes, presenting it with an air of importance, though his grin betrayed the real intent.
"Your first official missive from me as your master. And I expect you to handle it with the same gravity and focus as any other mission. "
Matthew handed them the datapad.
"I want the three of you to decide, together, what kind of dinner should be served tonight for our celebration. One meal, one choice—agreed upon by all."
He raised an eyebrow.
"And no, you can't simply vote. It must be unanimous. Discuss, debate, compromise. Whether it's Nerf steaks, rations, or a traditional Jedi stew—you have to come to an agreement. After all, a Jedi must know how to navigate far more difficult decisions than choosing what to eat."
Matthew folded his arms,
"Consider this your first lesson in teamwork. I'll await your answer, and remember—it's not about the food. It's about how you handle the challenge."
With that, he left the three Padawans standing with the task that, on the surface, seemed laughably simple—yet he knew that differing tastes, opinions, and stubbornness could turn dinner into their first real test of compromise and collaboration.
