The Curious One - 4
Over several days of studying under General Shaak Ti, Cadet 8427 had improved in his regular trooper training, and had even taught his new found techniques to some of his willing batchmates, much to their Trainer’s dismay. However, Bric had to admit, it did improve their overall scores considerably.
General Shaak Ti and the Cadet had been training with staff training and hand to hand combat that the normal training curriculum did not provide.
“General?” the cadet pants as he pushes another attack back and attempts to trip his opponent.
“Yes?” The Togruta easily evaded the tactic and countered.
“What is the Force?” The cadet blocked her strike and jumped back.
The General smiles slightly recognizing his subtle way to ask of a break. She holds up her staff and bows. To his relief, the cadet does the same. Shaak Ti sets her staff on its stand, as the Cadet does the same. She then sits on the ground and waits for her student to hydrate himself, she then motions to the Cadet. The Trooper Cadet wipes his face with a towel and sits in front of her squirming with excitement.
“The Force, is an energy field created by all living things.”
“I am creating the Force?”
“Yes, all living things. It binds us all together, and when we die, we loose our conscious self and become one with the Cosmic Force.”
“Then we all join the Force when we die? Even clones?”
“You're a living being aren't you?”
The cadet shivers, “I'm don't think I like the idea of losing one’s self.” The Cadet notices his teacher entering into a meditative state. He takes a few cleansing breaths and does the same.
Meditation was always a challenge for the Cadet. His mind always wondering, questioning. He opens an eye, looking at his teacher.
“General?”
“Yes?”
“Am I force sensitive?” He asks quietly.
“What makes you think that?” The General opens her eyes looking at her student. She stands, stretching into a slow motion unarmed combat exercise. The cadet does the same.
The young cadet shrugs, “Just wonder ‘in.” He follows her fluid motions and stops when she does.
“All living things have some connection to the Force, but no young one, you are not Force sensitive.”
The cadet bites his lip, and stops his exercise to face her, “Then…why are you training me?”
The General stops and slides her hands within the arms of her robe, “You still want to learn don't you?”
“Yes! Of course, it's just…”
“Cadet, you have a curiosity about the Jedi and the Force that no other clone has exhibited. You understand what these teachings mean and you can relay knowledge to others. Not even Commander Wyn, talented as he is, never shown such an interest. I sense a great change coming, and I believe you may be of help. In fact, I have a name for you to consider, if you would like.”
“Yes, please!”
“What do you think about Fathom?”
“Fathom? Fathom…yes, I like it.” He gives her a tight hug, but stands at attention quickly, blushing at his lapse of protocol, he clears his throat, “Thank you for giving me my name.”
The general smiles, placing a hand on his shoulder, “I am going to Coruscant to the Jedi Temple. I have arranged for you to come with me. Pack some things.”
Fathom grins, “Yes, Ma’am!”