It's been one week into my mentorship with Master Plo Koon. I used the majority of the week to settle in with the troops. Aside from Comet, Boost and Sinker, the two other members of the Wolfpack have been always around to keep me company. I also managed to finally earn the trust and respect of Commander Wolffe. Wolffe is not much of a talker, but he is always volunteering to show me around the ship and also train me using blasters. 

I comm the 501st every night since I first moved with the 104th and tell them my progress. Needless to say I am homesick, but just speaking to the boys puts me at ease. One thing I've realized, is that Master Plo and his troops have a bond that I cannot explain, a good, warm and close knitted bond, one which I was welcomed into. 

By the end of the first week, the 104th had seen a decrease in missions, so Master Plo thought it would be a suitable time to start my mentorship. The Wolfpack, Master Plo and myself went to Dantooine to officially begin my training, and that is where I find myself, plummeting face first into the soft Dantooine grass. 

"Reetha, you need to focus more in the force. Use it as an extension of yourself to sense things around you." Master Plo urged me again. We went to the basics of training, youngling lightsaber practice. I stood blindfolded in the middle of the Wolfpack. They were to shoot at me, and I was supposed to block the lasers away from myself. 

"Yes, master." I said while turning sharply to my right to block an incoming shot. The shots became more and more rapid, so I had to react faster. Occasionally, I'd miss one or two shots, or get close calls, most of the blaster shots were deflected to the ground. 

"That would be all for now." Master Plo called from the side. My posture relaxed "So, how'd I do Master?" I removed the blindfold before walking to my master. 

"Just as expected from Dante's student. You carry Form 3 very well." I nodded my thanks to the Kel Dor. We rested for lunch before continuing with training. The boys tagged along as well, eager to see what my next training would be like. 

"You are very agile in the Force, Reetha. However, you tend to let it control you." I nodded to Master Plo, listening intently. "As much as a Jedi is aware of the Force, we must be able to manipulate it, and not be manipulated by the Force. That, is why a Jedi must be able to control their emotions." 

My mind wandered on Master Plo's words for a moment. If my thoughts didn't betray me, then my facial expression did. "You have a question, little one?" He asked kindly. 

"Master, the Jedi code says, that there is no emotion. If we are not allowed to feel any emotion, how are to control it." Plo Koon hummed at my question. 

"If I may Gen'ral, how does one show no emotion?" Boost asked from among the boys. 

After a moment, Plo spoke. "These are good questions. The Jedi code, is ancient. The reason the code speaks of not showing emotion, means to be mindful of our emotions. Being to emotionally driven in anything would mean our downfall. We overlook the most simplest solutions to a problem. We also tend to let our greatest fears take over and could our judgements."

"So, if we rely to much on emotion, the Force may overwhelm us." I came to a conclusion, gripping my chin with my hand. 

Plo nodded and then started the next session of my training. The only difference this time, is that along side the boys, Plo would be engaging me in combat. 

I put my blindfold on and ignited my lightsaber. I took my Form 3 stance as the boys circled around me. "Remember Reetha, I will be attacking you as well. The goal of this exercise is to use the Force to sense your surroundings." I nodded my head towards Master Plo's voice. 

The silence settled in once again as is had before. My sight drowned in darkness forced me to rely on my hearing, and the Force. I took defensive position as I heard the safety of a blaster being removed. Inclining my body to the left I blocked the first incoming shot. Immediately another blast came from behind me and from the side. I spun my lightsaber in a circular motion, simultaneously directing both blaster shots to the ground. 

It fire began slow and was gradually building up. All the blaster fire coming from different direction disoriented my hearing, I started to fall into the Force, using it to amplify my senses. I shifted on my right foot and Force leaped over some shots, using the Force to push the shots to the ground. I landed but did not react quick as I took one shot to the shoulder, the armor I wore to protect me taking most of the heat. 

This went on a few more minutes until I heard a hiss of a lightsaber being ignited. The blaster fire didn't cease, Master Plo was not taking it easy on me. I deepened my senses in the Force, heightening my reflex. The sound of the lightsaber and the blasters combined in a blurry frenzy. I tuned out the sounds, only manipulating the Force to feel my surroundings. 

In a heartbeat, I successfully pushed away and advance from my master before redirecting two blaster shots to the ground with the Force. I took in a deep breath as I sensed movement from the side. I swung my lightsaber, slashing upwards diagonally and downwards, blocking another two advances from Plo Koon, before crouching low to the ground to avoid the shots of the blasters. 

Blaster fire concentrated on me as Plo Koon retreated. Sensing the incoming shots, I managed to redirect them to the ground below me, leaving scorch marks on the grass. My breathing became heavy as the boys fired down on me. After blocking the last two shots, the firing ceased. Sensing no incoming shots, I shifted again on my feet, preparing for any sudden fire during the break. 

"Well done Reetha." Plo called for his men to sit at the side and whispered something to them before speaking to me again. "Now, I want you to engage me in a duel." 

"Still with the-" "The blindfold? Yes." Plo reassured me. I calmed my labored breaths and took my defensive stance. I assumed Master Plo was bare foot, since I could not hear his boots crunching on the grass. I allowed the silence to engulf me, as I drowned myself in the Force, using it as my eyes. 

The ignition of the lightsaber brought me charging forward as it gave away Master Plo's position and I engaged him first. We both swung our lightsabers and brought it crashing down on each other. Master Plo was a fine duelist, his methods were fluid and smooth while mine were choppy and aggressive. I swung by blade forward, making Master Plo jump away from me but the sudden quietness told me that he had stopped. A calm before the storm.

I searched for Plo's presence in the Force but somehow I could not locate him. It was not a surprise however. When really in charge in the Force, one is able to mask their signatures from other Force users. It was something Master Dante taught me. I took careful steps and slowly turned around and made my way to the right. 

"Reetha, to your left!" One of the men shouted and I turned, immediately sensing Master Plo charging from behind. I swung my lightsaber backwards, blocking the blow. "It's a trap." I hissed under my breath. So this is what Master Plo was whispering to the boys. The men tried to distract me the same way, but I ignored them. 

Wolffe's gruff voice warned me to watch my right. Thinking this was another diversion, I did a 180 and turned left, and I blundered. I heard Master Plo's saber coming towards we from the right. He's attack was to fast and I reacted to slowly. I was taken by shock and stumbled backwards, tripping over my feet sending me falling straight on my back. 

I grunted at the impact but was not given a chance to rest as I sensed Plo bringing his lightsaber down upon me. I brought my saber between myself and the Kel Dor then lightly Force pushed him of me. I gathered myself and charged forwards, where I pushed him, bringing my lightsaber down hard. Master Plo dodged my blow and rounded my back striking again. The men's continuous hollering was putting me off balance.

I forced myself to hear and sense Plo but my attacks became sloppy and miscalculated. "You're loosing focus, young one." 

"I understand Master." I said with a heavy breath, running to the direction of this voice. The yells from the men and the drowned the sound of the Master Plo's saber. I started getting irritated when I missed another blow and was pushed from the side. My frustration grew and I let out yell and charged at Plo, sensing him in front of me. Once again my blows were off. 

I growled and clenched my teeth. Every strike I made now was aggressive and unplanned. Master Plo managed to evade me easily. My anger rose and I attacked again. "You must not let your anger and frustration take over. Control them." Plo told me while locking his lightsaber on mine. 

I pushed off and attacked again. "No, no!" I shouted at a familiar feeling creeping into my veins. We continued to attack and the men continued to try to confuse me. A stinging sensation flowed in my veins. A sensation I only felt recently. 'I must not let this happen. I will not-' My thoughts were cut of by a Force push. 

"Do not loose focus. Maintain your grip in the Force." Plo urged. "I-I can't!" I heaved. My effort were wearing me down but my anger kept me running. Another few more blows from Master Plo and I was finally forced to drop on one knee. I was tired and worn out. My right hand grouped in a fist supporting myself of the ground.  

Master Plo deactivated his lightsaber and approached me. He removed my blindfold and helped me up. 

"I-I'm sorry Master." I said, looking shamefully at my feet. Master Plo hummed "It was not your fault Reetha. I didn't make you train to shame you, but to train you to be aware of your emotions." 

I slowly brought my eyes to meet his covered ones. "I understand your frustration, young one." 

"Master, I failed. I tried but I failed." Plo shook his head. "Do or do not, there is no try." I rolled my eyes at the familiar favorite phrase. Plo laughed. "You are a powerful Jedi. It will take time for you to learn it and it is never to late. Let's rest for the night." He patted my shoulder and guided me to the men. I smiled gratefully to my master and bowed to him.

"You did well kid. Lots of fancy moves." 

"Mm. Thanks Boost." I winced, stretching my hands upwards. "Sorry for the shot earlier." I heard Wolffe speak as he feel in step with me. "No worries. It hit my armor." Wolffe raised his eyebrows. "Doesn't it hurt? Looks like a nasty hit." 

"No-" I halted my sentence when Wolffe gave a glare, demanding no lies. "..A little.." I mumbled. "I'll get Comet to check it out later." Wolffe nodded before walking over to Master Plo. 

---

The dark blanket of the night had settled in about an hour or so. The members of the Wolfpack and I sat around the fire, eating out dinner in the comfortable silence, quiet conversations exchanged between brother and brother. Wolffe and Master Plo were on the ship, reporting the day to the Council.

"Lost in thought." Sinker nudged my shoulder, sinking down into the blanket he'd previously laid on the ground. I sighed "Something like that." Sinker nodded, keeping quiet after that. "Something to do with your training?" I looked down to the man beside me and pursed my lips and nodded in defeat. Sinker laughed and tugged me down by my long sleeved robe. 

"Don't it bother you, kid. It's definitely not like the training we get on Kamino. Don't give up alright. It's the first day of your training. You got the whole week ahead of you." I let my self sink into the ground to get comfortable "Thank you, Sinker. I will." We laid in silence and Sinker fell asleep some minutes later.

In the quiet of the night, I heard Master Plo and Wolffe return. "Your back." I said, propping myself on my elbows. "And your not asleep." Wolffe looked sternly at me. I shrugged at the commander as he settled himself by the fire. Master Plo walked pass me and settled across Wolffe to meditate. 

When I was sure the boys were asleep, I walked over to Master Plo and joined him in meditation. Jedi don't do anything by halves. "For a quiet person, your thoughts are definitely loud." Plo Koon spoke with amusement in his voice making me hiss in embarrassment. "Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt." Master Plo told me not to worry a chuckled as he did. 

"May I ask you a question, Master?" Plo turned to me and nodded. I looked ahead to the grassy plains of Dantooine. " Todays training.. it was supposed to teach me to not easily fall on my feelings, wasn't it?" The Kel Dor hummed "Part of it was, yes." 

"Part of it?" Plo brought his palms and pressed his hand together, like he always does when conversing in something deep and meaningful. "This training is to help you to control your emotions. When you were overwhelmed by all the fire power, how did you feel?" 

"I..felt frustrated. Angry, a little." There was no point lying to him. I could easily be read like an open book when I'm stressed out. "Does it remind you of anything?" He asked kindly. 

I thought for a second. "Y-yes." I felt these emotions spark before. When I confronted Ventress. The truth confused me and angered me. I lost focus and control in the Force, allowing my anger and frustration to drive me deeper into the Darkside of the Force. 

"You pieced it together, padawan." I could here Plo's smile in his voice but I was not happy. "I don't mean to sound rude Master, but how can you make it sound like it's a good thing. If anything, I am to emotionally driven, and that make me easily manipulated into the Darkside. That's what happened to Ventress." 

"Yes. However, that was not your fault." Something in Plo's voice faltered. "Little Khan, the Council was wrong to keep you in the dark about your abilities. Not every decision the Council makes, it right." My heart felt his sadness for a moment. "It, was not your fault Master. I don't blame you, nor do I the other Jedi. I'm, sure they had their...reasons." 

"You certainly are a positive one, padawan." Plo smiled and stood up, extending his hand to me, and I accepted. "I can see why Dante loved you as his own child. He would be proud of you, Reetha."  I felt pride bloom in my chest. Being told that my former master would be proud of me meant so much. "Thank you, Master." 

I sensed his smile and it made me thankful to have an opportunity to be under Plo's tutelage. "You understand why your training is important, and now you know that you cannot be easily swayed by anger and frustration. Emotions are important, little one, but we should not be easily driven by the negative ones. That, is the goal of this training." 

I nodded. "I understand, Master. And I will not give up on it." I balled my right hand and held it with my left in front me, and bowed to Master Plo. He returned my greeting and then we headed to rest. 

---

The next few days were the same routine. We would wake up at the crack of down and start my training. Each day, the training intensified. The boys would surround me with blaster fire and Master Plo would engage me in lightsaber combat, while my eyes were blindfolded. 

Eventually, the boys were allowed to engage me in hand to hand combat as well, in which they were ten times better than me. I got bruised and sore, but it didn't stop me. I was still frustrated at times, and lost my focus, but with the support that I got from the Wolfpack and Master Plo, I managed to excel. 

At night, we bonded over stories of the clones, cadet lives and my stories from my adventures with Master Dante. Master Plo would occasionally tell embarrassing stories about Wolffe and the boys to me. I'm pretty sure he looked to them as his sons. Speaking of Wolffe, he would teach me how to handle a blaster. "I don't trust your lightsaber, but this blaster is more handy than you realize." I've asked about his scar one day and he obliged. 

It came to our final day on Dantooine, marking the last day or my first stage of training under Master Plo. The boys surrounded me as usual, I was blindfolded, only having the Force and my lightsaber as my defense. I heard the hiss of Master Plo's lightsaber igniting making the adrenaline rush into my veins. The light rain that day gently fell upon my skin. 

It was still and quiet. I reached out into the Force, using it like how a Togrutas montrals senses sound waves. The boys stand in a circle around me, like a wolves circling in on a prey. One of them shift on his feet and move right hand up, fingers on the trigger and he shoots. The shot ricochets of my saber to a tree, leaving an angry mark on the woody bark. 

Two more blaster shots come from my right and left, their sound wave sending ripples in the Force and it bounced of me. I swirl my saber in a circular motion as I bent my body backwards. The blaster shots meet the lightsaber and is sent upwards into the sky, slowly disappearing as the energy wore off. 

One of the clones run towards me from behind and aiming to pull my feet from underneath me. I quickly spin away and push him on his back to the opposite direction but he turns and tries to land punches. Blaster fire was still coming down on me. I held my lightsaber with one hand to deflect shots that came close to me, while spin and dodge away from the others. 

All the while blocking the punched coming in from my left. I used the Force to push him away from an incoming blaster shot. Although the shot was not deadly, I didn't want the men to get hurt while helping me train. Finally, Master Plo lunges from the side grabbing my attention. "You are masterful of your emotions Reetha." 

He pushes me off and and attacks me again, but I spin on my heels and miss his the attack effortlessly. "Thank you, Master." He comes at me again and another clone tried to engage me. The blaster fire dies down making it easier to concentrate on the two men. 

Deactivating my lightsaber, I use both of my hands to block two punches from the clone, then I grab his arms and use my weight to push him over me and he falls to the ground. Immediately, I ignite my lightsaber to block Master Plo's attack. I focus on him, sensing the clone retreat. I advance on Master Plo, putting more energy into my swings. 

No longer do I feel the stress from my first day of training. No longer I feel the frustration of my defeat. Although the thought of Ventress' encounter hangs behind my mind, I manage to harness the anger into focus. My control of the Force and my emotions grow. 

I advance on Master Plo, blocking and advancing on him. Once I sense my confidence, I swing my lightsaber upwards with force, enough to push Master Plo's saber from his grip and pull my saber back into a defensive and prepared state. 

My breathing relaxes when I hear cheers coming from the men. Master Plo takes away the blindfold with a smile on his face and I greet him with my tired one. "Well done, Reetha. It seems you managed to master your emotions." 

I was still taking in deep breaths from the earlier training but I managed to smile, proudly this time. "Well, I have a wonderful master." I straighten my back and bow to the Kel Dor. "Thank you, my master." 

"Yeah, Reetha!" I hear the boys shout as they start to tackle me in a hug. Boost slapped my back. "Good work avoiding my punches." I laughed. "That was you?" He shrugged. Wolffe stepped forward, standing beside Plo, handing him his lightsaber. "You definitely out did yourself, Reetha. I'm proud of you." 

I turned to look at him and nodded my thanks. "Is that a smile, Wolffe? You look really cheerful. Should smile more." His eyes widened before his stern demeanor returned. "Not a word to anyone." 

Together, we walked back to our camping site, resting up and eating before we left Dantooine's surface. I called in nights before leaving to my quarters. I freshened up and laid on my bed, staring at the ceiling. This was a win today, but I cannot allow to loose myself in my emotions again and let it get the best of me. I am in control of my emotions, there for I control how the Force flows to me. 

Deep down, I knew my encounter with Ventress was not my last. I'll meet her again, some day. But when I do, I will be more in control of myself, my emotions. I can control the Force.