Judy Gunyar fingered the little medallion that hung from a chain around her neck. The small token that depicted the symbol of the Jedi Order on one side, and a lightsaber and the Jedi Temple on the other. It was a reminder of her passed friend, Sifo-Dyas, and that she had finally become a Jedi Knight.
The recently realized Human Knight had long brown hair that went more than halfway down her back. Deep, chocolate eyes had a thoughtful gleam and a caring warmth to them. At the time, her lips formed a neutral, calm line.
She sat in her bedchamber in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, meditating. Yet every minute or so, her hand would go up to her neck and just touch the Jedi Credit. Her mouth twisted into a sad smile.
When she was ten years old, she, her father, and protocol droid went to Tatooine on Christmas Eve. There, she was captured and enslaved by Gardulla the Hutt. Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas, her family, and a new friend, Ahlya Soh, helped free her. Before they left Tatooine, Master Dyas gave the youngling his Credit and told her only to wear it when she became a Jedi Knight.
The way he said, ‘when you become a Jedi Knight,’ made her feel that he somehow knew that one day she would become what she had always dreamed of becoming. Now that he was dead, and she was at last a Jedi, she couldn’t stop thinking about him. Judy only stopped when there was a knock on her door.
“Come in,” she allowed. Master Luminara Unduli opened the door and stepped into the room. Luminara Unduli was a Mirialan Jedi Master. Her lightsaber skills were focused, precise, and moved with the flow of a calm, waving ocean. The Knight had fought alongside her and her apprentice, Mirialan Padawan, Barriss Offee, on many different missions. They had become very close.
“Hello Judy,” she greeted. Her friend nodded, “Hello Master Unduli. What brings you here?”
“This came for you.” She held out a package that was addressed to her. She took it and thanked the Jedi Master. Before she departed, Luminara added, “And Judy, Master Windu would like to talk to you in the hangar.”
“Now?”
“As soon as possible.”
“All right. Thanks again,” she praised.
“You’re welcome. May the Force be with you,” she bade.
“May the Force be with you too.” They bowed respectively, then Master Unduli left her friend to her business. She sat back down on the floor and opened her package. She already knew it was from her father, Neimoidian Trade Federation Viceroy Nute Gunray. Gunray had adopted the girl when she was just eight years old. He had loved her, protected her, and encouraged her to become the Jedi she wanted to be. He was a good man, even if most of the galaxy didn’t think so.
When she contacted him to tell him of her Knighting, he revealed that he had a present for her coming her way soon. A ‘congratulations on becoming an official Jedi’ present he called it. He did like to make up for the fact that they couldn’t see each other as often as they’d like with a present every now and then. He’d always make up some convenient reason for it. But she knew the real reason.
She looked at the contents of the box and smiled. “This is definitely from Dad,” she thought. “It really was a nice thought.” Remembering that her former Master wanted to see her, she quickly got herself ready and left for the Temple’s hangar.
***
Master Mace Windu stood just outside the Jedi Temple’s hangar, waiting patiently for his old apprentice. Windu was Human like his Padawan, but he was a Korun, where as Judy didn’t know what she was. He was a rather stern Jedi and a member of the Jedi High Council. Mace was Master of the Order in fact. He smiled when he saw her coming down the hall.
“Hello Master,” Judy addressed. He returned, “Hello Jedi Knight. Wow. A beautiful outfit, my former Padawan. What would the occasion be?” He gestured to the sleeveless blue dress she was currently wearing.
“Dad gave it to me,” she explained.
“Ah, that explains it. How is he, by the way?” her Master asked.
“He’s fine. Except for the whole war thing going on.”
“Everyone has a problem with the war. But, that’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you about. Since you are now a Jedi Knight, the Republic is in need of some more generals to lead the clones into battle. I hate to ask this of you so soon, but, would you consider becoming a general for some of the troops?”
“Wow. First a Jedi Knight, now a Jedi general? If I get that kind of promotion in a few days, what kind would I get in a few weeks?” Master Windu laughed, “Seriously. Would you at least consider it?” Judy answered, “It would be fine with me, Master. Anything for the Republic.”
“Wonderful. I was hoping you’d respond quickly, because I already told the troops about you, and they’re waiting to meet you. They’re waiting by the cruiser, DEVOTION. Would you mind taking the FLIGHT to the landing strip?”
“Of course. Shall we, Master?”
“(chuckle) We shall.” They went inside the hangar, boarded the Knight’s starship, and headed off to one of Coruscant’s landing strips.
When in the air, Judy asked, “Did you know that I would accept the general position? Is that why you told the troops about me?” Windu shrugged, “I assumed you would accept it sooner or later. Honestly, when I heard about some of these troopers, I immediately pictured you as their general. I don’t truthfully know why, but, I figure this will be a perfect match.”
“Well, I guess we’ll find out in a few minutes. … What did you say about me?”
“The usual stuff. How you came to the Temple at fourteen. How you showed some incredible feats with the Force when you’ve had no proper training. A couple other things.”
She looked away before adding, “Did you tell them about Dad?” Windu glanced over at Judy, the serious glare returning to his face. “No, I didn’t. I figured that if you wanted them to know, you would tell them yourself.” She praised, “Thank you.” He returned, “You’re welcome.”
No one other than Master Windu, a couple family friends, and one enemy, knew that the Viceroy was the Knight’s father. The both of them decided that it would be easier on everyone if their relationship was kept quiet.
“Who knows what awful things could happen if the wrong person found out?” she worried. She landed the MIDNIGHT FLIGHT inside the Republic cruiser’s hangar and put down the boarding ramp. Before they exited, she questioned, “How many troops am I meeting?”
“Right now, three. And I myself can’t wait to see what their reaction is to your dress,” he grinned.
“Have you never seen me in a dress Master? Cause you’re really taking an interest in this one.” He laughed, “I’m just saying, I think it would be hilarious to see their reaction.” She shook her head and followed him out to the hangar. Mace walked her over to three troopers, who stood waiting for their arrival.
The first thing I notice is how much information you pack into your work. At first I thought "Well, I guess you need that for people who've never seen Star Wars." However, more than likely, people who read a fan-fiction about something have some knowledge of the topic. Putting all of the background information in slows down your writing and makes it a little info-dumpy. I would rather get little hints and clues as to the character's relationships and pasts to keep me interested than suddenly getting everything I need to know about them tossed on my lap. Keep an air of mystery in it. 
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