Chapter 9

Kaedan's leg bounced nervously under his desk as Master Obi-Wan Kenobi's voice filled the lecture hall. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the room, and the air felt thick with anticipation – or maybe that was just Kaedan's nerves.

"The Jedi Code," Obi-Wan intoned, his beard catching the light as he paced, "is the foundation of our Order. 'There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge...'"

Kaedan bit his lip, his mind racing. He'd been mulling over these words for weeks, the disconnect between the Code and his own experiences gnawing at him. Before he could stop himself, his hand shot into the air.

Obi-Wan paused mid-sentence, an eyebrow quirking upward. "Yes, Kaedan?"

Kaedan's heart hammered in his chest. He could feel the eyes of his fellow younglings boring into him. Taking a deep breath, he plunged forward.

"Master Kenobi," he began, his voice cracking slightly, "I... I'm struggling with some aspects of the Code. Particularly the idea that there is no emotion. Doesn't empathy require us to understand and even feel emotions?"

A hushed murmur rippled through the room. Kaedan felt his cheeks flush, but he held Obi-Wan's gaze. The Jedi Master stroked his beard thoughtfully.

"An interesting observation, Kaedan," Obi-Wan said, his tone measured. "Perhaps we might explore this further. Class, what are your thoughts on Kaedan's question?"

What followed was unlike any lesson Kaedan had experienced since arriving in this world. Younglings who normally sat in silent attention now spoke up, voicing their own doubts and interpretations. Zara, the young Twi'lek, passionately argued for the importance of compassion. Brix, usually Kaedan's rival, found himself agreeing with points Kaedan made about the nature of knowledge and ignorance.

As the discussion wound down, Kaedan felt a mix of exhilaration and apprehension. He'd opened a door, but to what?

"That was... most illuminating," Obi-Wan said as the class ended. "Kaedan, a word, please."

Kaedan's stomach dropped as he approached Obi-Wan's desk. To his surprise, the Jedi Master was smiling.

"Your questions today showed great insight, my old Master would be proud.." Obi-Wan said softly. "But be mindful. Not all will be as receptive to such... probing inquiries."

Kaedan nodded, grateful for the compliment while understanding the implicit warning. As he turned to leave, Obi-Wan added, "Oh, and Kaedan? Perhaps you might consider leading a study group. Your peers seem quite inspired by your perspective."

That was suggested a few days ago... now seems like a good time. And so, the idea took root immediately. As Kaedan left the lecture hall, he was swarmed by excited younglings.

"How did you know about that stuff, Kaedan?" Zara exclaimed, her lekku twitching with curiosity.

"Yeah, who knew the Jedi Code could actually be interesting?" Brix added, a newfound respect in his eyes. He had snoozed off multiple times at the constant request to recite it.

Kaedan grinned, an idea forming. "Hey, what if we kept this going? Remember the study group we talked about? Let's try it out."

The response was enthusiastic. Plans were quickly made to meet in the Room of a Thousand Fountains after the evening meal.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow through the room's massive windows, Kaedan found himself seated on the soft grass, surrounded by a dozen eager faces. The gentle sound of water provided a soothing backdrop.

"Okay," Kaedan began, his voice betraying a mix of excitement and nervousness, "let's start with what the Code means to each of us personally. Who wants to go first?"

Zara's hand shot up. "I've always struggled with the 'no attachment' part," she admitted. "I mean, don't we form attachments to our masters, to each other?"

This sparked a heated debate. Brix argued for the importance of detachment, while others shared Zara's concerns. Kaedan listened intently, offering gentle guidance when the discussion veered off course.

"What if," Kaedan suggested during a lull, "instead of 'no attachment,' we thought of it as 'no possessive attachment'? Like, caring deeply but being able to let go if necessary?"

The group mulled this over, and Kaedan could almost see the gears turning in their young minds. As the discussion continued, touching on each aspect of the Code, Kaedan felt a growing sense of purpose. This wasn't just academic – these conversations could shape the future of the Jedi Order. Why not plant the seeds for a better generation?

As the sky darkened and stars began to twinkle through the transparisteel ceiling, Kaedan wrapped up the session. But he wasn't done yet.

"Hey," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye, "who's up for a little adventure?"

Curious glances were exchanged as Kaedan led the group through the Temple's winding corridors. When they arrived at the towering doors of the Jedi Archives, a collective gasp went up.

"We're not supposed to be here this late," Brix whispered, a mix of concern and excitement in his voice.

Kaedan winked. "Trust me."

As they entered, the vast space seemed to swallow them up. Towering shelves filled with glowing holocrons stretched as far as the eye could see. At the central desk sat Madame Jocasta Nu, her sharp eyes narrowing as she took in the group of younglings.

"Well, this is unexpected," Jocasta said, her voice echoing in the cavernous space. "What brings you here at this hour?"

Kaedan stepped forward, bowing respectfully. From what he remembered, she was nice but serious about her work. Like all people. His heart was pounding, but he kept his voice steady. "Madame Nu, we've just had our first study group on the Jedi Code. We were hoping you might have some advice on how we can deepen our understanding."

Jocasta's eyebrows shot up, a flicker of approval crossing her face. "Is that so? And what specific areas interest you most?"

Kaedan glanced back at his peers, drawing strength from their encouraging nods. "Well, we're really curious about how the Code has been interpreted throughout history. And maybe some advanced meditation techniques?"

A small smile played at the corners of Jocasta's mouth. "Ambitious, aren't we? Very well, follow me."

What followed was a whirlwind tour through the Archives. Jocasta pulled out ancient texts and rare holocrons, offering tantalizing glimpses into the depths of Jedi philosophy. The younglings' eyes were wide with wonder, drinking in knowledge that was usually reserved for padawans or even knights. She was happy to see such interest in the philosophical side of the Jedi code, from those so young.

As they prepared to leave, Jocasta pulled Kaedan aside. Her expression was serious, but not unkind. "Your initiative is commendable, young one," she said softly. "But remember, true wisdom comes not just from knowledge, but from experience and application. Continue to question, but also be open to guidance. Kaedan"

Kaedan nodded, this was the first time he fully agreed with a Jedi's statement since arriving. "For sure, thank you, Madame Nu. We'll be careful."

As they made their way back to the dormitories, the group buzzed with excitement. Plans were made for future sessions, and more than one youngling clutched a datapad filled with notes and references.

Kaedan hung back slightly, watching his peers with a mix of pride and trepidation. He'd set something in motion tonight, something that could have far-reaching consequences. As he crawled into bed, his mind raced with possibilities.

The path ahead was uncertain, but for the first time since arriving in this world, Kaedan felt like he was truly making a difference. With a small smile, he drifted off to sleep, dreaming of a future where the Jedi were wiser, more adaptable, and better prepared for the utterly chaotic future ahead.