4
Now she was taken to a larger room and ran through an obstacle course with Master Krell observing from a platform. Thank goodness for magic and Oliver's training or else she would die. Her finger hurt from the small gaps she had to use to climb up on. Not to mention all the times she had to use the levitation spell on herself. However, she wondered how it would work with the force.
She returned to her quarters, limbs just waiting to fall off. The small tour of the ship her ‘Master’ had given her only included her room, his room both the mediation and training room, the bridge and hanger and finally the medbay. All her meals would be delivered by Clones so there was no need to go to any of the mess halls; if he weren’t available, she was to go to the Admiral or any other person who was not a clone, he had made himself strict in that sense, but no way was she listening to him.
Let it be said that Wisteria has bad luck, her teacher hated her new family and was succeeding at keeping her away from them. In the two weeks they were stationed on Teth she was immersed in an intense routine of training and having galactic knowledge shoved down her throat. On the plus she now had a slight accent in Basic from always talking in parseltongue, it was the only cool thing to happen, that and actually using the force and learning to read. She had forgotten the spell only helps in a verbal setting, learning to read was. The datapads Krell had given her could recite the scripts and essays but reading and writing was a struggle at first. With nothing to really do studying occupied most of her time.
Under General Krell's stern tutelage, the only way she was able to get a little clone's attention was by telling him about her healing and how they would be good subjects to test her limits. It was due to this she saw both Rusty and Breaker before they were released and Fang who broke his arm ‘in an accident’, she was pretty sure he did that himself from the way the bone had fractured. Her days were filled with meditation, combat training, and assisting in the medbay. She was really learning a lot, Hermione would either be very proud or jealous.
Lightsabre training was a new thing for her, due to her Master's double staff she was able to practice with him, but she never won, she was so small compared to him and it was embarrassing. In one session she twisted her ankle so bad she carried her like a baby in his arms. Hawk wasn’t happy neither was Crus, though she got to spend a few days with her clones while recovering so it was worth it.
Despite the gruelling schedule, Wisteria was growing stronger, and more attuned to the Force, and magic. It was strange; with the force she had learnt, it was more of an external force like she was touching the stars. She could feel the connectedness of the universe, touch it, hold it if she tired. The force is everywhere in everything. Once she realised there was no stone only the force, she found she could demonstrate the basic force abilities Krell was talking about, lifting things telepathically without any movement however from Krell's shocked look when she showed him it probably wasn’t a normal thing. Though her favourite was to buffer herself with the force as she would do with magic, a protective coat over herself, she had never felt more secure in her life. That zooming around, she had learnt it was called force speed but it mostly reminded her of the Flash.
Not to mention all the meditating is doing wonders for her magical growth. Focusing on her core and mind truly strengthened her mind defence. It was like that study into mind magic Hermonie was really interested in last year, something beginning with an O, but who was she to pay too much attention to her overachieving friend 24/7?
There had been a few little skirmishes in space. She even got to man the guns with her Master; it felt just like the video games that Dudley plays. Until the deaths started, like little candles being blown out. They lost half a squad because Master Krell did not want to take any direct hit. He made them all act as his shield the whole time. He was killing them, and Wisteria wasn’t sure why. She may be new to war but was used to playing wizard chess, and yes you had to sacrifice a few pieces to win but you still needed pieces to play.
Time with Krell seemed to pass quickly initially all the knowledge cramming and little tests left her tired every day creating an irksome schedule that left her no time to revert into her chest to pick up some more spells. She had seen an interesting book ‘150 Household Charms’. Hopefully, it would have something about hair care because ponytails can only take you so far in a warzone.
With all the focus on her force abilities, she hasn’t used magic much – apart from healing. General Krell also knew nothing of her magic she thought. However, she wasn’t sure how she would explain it to him as their first interaction resulted in her becoming his apprentice and being subscribed to a War, she knew nothing about. Her lesson with him doesn’t cover why they’re fighting and the cause. Crus may have told her a brief overview, but it was clear he didn’t have the background information.
One day, during a particularly challenging meditation session, Krell received a message from the Jedi Temple. He listened intently, his expression darkening as he absorbed the details. It was probably about his high mortality rates again, during her short stay it was clear the Jedi council were not the happiest about the 70% kill rate he’s got going on, She surely wasn’t.
“I must return to the Jedi Temple,” Krell announced abruptly, his voice leaving no room for argument. “You will remain here, Wisteria. Continue training. I expect you to make progress in my absence.”
Wisteria nodded, masking her relief with a respectful bow. “Yes, Master Krell.” It was so easy to play the role of a dutiful student when his leaving would be the best thing to happen in her stay aboard the cursed ship.
With Krell gone, the atmosphere on the “Indomitable” shifted. The crew seemed more relaxed, and Wisteria took the opportunity to search for her friends, her makeshift family.
Speaking in parseltongue for two months had made Wisteria very tired, though it sounded like Basic she could still hear the underlying hiss of the words. Though they were supposed to be on the way to Kamino to pick up the rest of the Battalion as they were only at 40%. So going to Coruscant was a bit out of the way and would eztent their inactive time by a few days also they couldn’t land as their shore leave had already passed as Master Krell had refused to take it citing war waits for no one.
General Pong Krell strode through the hallowed halls of the Jedi Temple, his four arms swinging with purpose. The weight of his recent experiences aboard the “Indomitable” and his new apprentice, Wisteria Potter, weighed heavily on his mind. He entered the council chamber, the circular room filled with the calm yet penetrating gazes of the Jedi Council members.
“Master Krell,” Mace Windu greeted him, his voice steady and commanding. “We have two distinct topics to talk about, though the first you are already familiar with, the second is of a more pressing matter. A disturbance in the Force, an immense presence that echoed across the galaxy. Through the force, we believe you would have the answers and as this is an internal Jedi matter, we felt it would be best handled in person.”
Krell inclined his head. “Yes, Master Windu. I was guiding my padawan, through her first meditation. She has a remarkable connection to the Force, though she is untrained and still learning to control it.”
“Padawan?” Master Yoda's ears perked up, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “Unexpected, this is. Explain, you must.”
Krell's tone was steady but with a hint of defiance. “She arrived aboard the Indomitable under unusual circumstances. Her connection to the Force is undeniable, and she speaks the sacred tongue of my people, which few outside our kind know. By the traditions of my culture, I am bound to train her, her training falls under my purview.”
The council exchanged glances, their expressions ranging from surprise to scepticism.
“A strong connection to the Force, she may have,” Yoda began, tapping his cane against the floor, “but her origins, unclear they are. Dangerous, it is, to assume too quickly.”
“She is unorthodox, but her potential is extraordinary,” Krell replied. “I have seen it in her meditations and her intuitive grasp of the Force. With proper guidance, she could be an asset to the Order.” The new order.
Mace Windu leaned forward, his gaze piercing. “The question is not only whether she has potential, but whether she is ready for the path ahead. The Jedi path is not an easy one, and her training must adhere to our principles—not just the traditions of your people.”
Krell inclined his head slightly. “I understand, Master Windu. But she is already aboard my ship, participating in missions. Her training cannot wait.” The Jedi were hung up on the wrong thing, instead of focusing on outdated traditions they should be willing to use and exploit all the resources they have, and his padawan would be the start. For her power was greater than Skywalker’s of that Krell was sure.
Ki-Adi-Mundi spoke up, his voice measured. “Master Krell, while your reasoning is noted, there is concern over your methods. Your recent missions have seen unprecedented losses among the clone troopers under your command. This is troubling. The clones may be bred for war, but they are still living beings, not expendable resources.” Not yet, with the way the war is going Krell would bet an act would come soon to buy even more clones.
A murmur of agreement rippled through the council. Krell’s expression tightened, but he remained silent. His shields needed to stay tight.
“Lower your mortality rates, you must,” Yoda said, his tone firm despite his calm demeanour. “Respect for all life, a Jedi must have.”
Mace Windu continued, “We recognize the strategic challenges you face, but the Council cannot condone the unnecessary loss of life. The clones are people, not tools.”
Krell bowed his head. “I will take your concerns under advisement, Masters.”
Plo Koon leaned forward, his voice softer but no less firm. “On the matter of the girl, the Force indeed flows strongly within her I will vouch for this as I had felt her in the force, a very bright child she is. If her training is to continue, she must be formally accepted into the Jedi Order. This will grant her the resources and protections necessary for her development. However, it also means she must adhere to our code.” His hologram form flickers with his movements.
The council deliberated quietly for a moment before Mace Windu turned back to Krell. “We will grant your apprentice provisional acceptance into the Order, under your tutelage. However, her progress will be closely monitored. Any deviations from the Jedi path will be addressed.”
Krell nodded. “Thank you, Masters. She will not disappoint.”
Before Krell could leave, Shaak Ti spoke, her tone thoughtful. “Master Krell, this apprentice of we would like to meet her in person. The next time you are on Coruscant, bring her to the Temple.” She would be heading back to Kamino soon and most likely would not meet the girl anytime soon.
Mace Windu added, “We need to assess her understanding of the Jedi way, her abilities, and her growth potential. This is not only for her benefit but also for the Order’s.”
Krell hesitated for a moment but then bowed. “As you wish, Masters. I will arrange for her to accompany me during my next leave.”
Finally, Mace Windu nodded. “You will need to collect her learning courses and add her to the system to monitor her progress. Your next shore leave you will present her before us, and we shall elevate her as discussed.”
The hologram of a Republic Admiral flickered to life in the centre of the chamber, interrupting the conversation. “Jedi Masters, I must report an urgent situation developing on Ryloth. The Separatists are escalating their efforts, and Republic forces are stretched thin.”
Mace Windu’s expression hardened. “Thank you, Admiral. We will address the situation immediately.”
He turned back to Krell. “This meeting is adjourned, Master Krell. Return to your apprentice and ensure her training continues. And remember—respect for life, Master Krell.”
Yoda added, “Careful, you must be. War clouds judgment, it does. Watch over her, you will.”
Krell bowed deeply. “I will, Masters.”
As Krell exited the council chamber, he strode through the halls of the Jedi Temple, his expression unreadable. Though he had achieved his goal of solidifying Wisteria’s place in the Jedi Order, the council’s words lingered in his mind.
Obi-Wan Kenobi lingered behind; his curiosity piqued by the unusual situation.
“Interesting development, wouldn't you say, Master Krell?” Obi-Wan remarked, his tone light but his eyes sharp. “It is not every day we hear of you taking a padawan.”
Krell's expression softened slightly, a rare occurrence for the stern general. “Potter is unique. Her potential is vast, and she needs guidance. It is my duty to provide that.”
Obi-Wan nodded thoughtfully. “Indeed. I look forward to seeing how she progresses under your tutelage.”
With that, Obi-Wan departed, leaving Krell to his thoughts. The general made his way back to his quarters, contemplating the path ahead it was his responsibility to shape her abilities into something powerful and controlled.
Something beyond a Jedi.