The Jedi Sentinel
Over the course of the next month, Corik began his training as a Jedi Sentinel. Master Edem led him on a few diplomatic escapades, and he learned how to deal with all sorts of different people from the perspective of a Jedi.
Corik learned the ways of the Force “remarkably quick” as Master Edem put it, for he was already lifting objects and moving them around in the air after his second week of training. It was all about focus, and being a very singularly focused individual, Corik had no problem with that. It wasn’t long before he was able to use the force to manipulate almost anything in his environment.
Lightsaber training went well also. Corik received a yellow lightsaber, as was the custom for a Jedi Sentinel. Since Master Edem had specialized in combat style III, named Soresu, this was the style he taught to Corik.
“Form III is all about defense and control. Keep yourself protected with your blade, and when you find an opening, then move forth to attack. I always believed that in being too risky or out of control, you set yourself up to be much more vulnerable, thus much weaker.”
He went on to explain how Soresu’s utilization of motion close to the body can make a well trained Jedi nearly invincible. It works to expose as few target zones as possible. Though it decreases the threat range of the blade, the Jedi need only to defend and wait until his opponent makes a mistake, giving him or her chance to strike the critical blow.
Corik listened carefully to his instruction, and soon began learning the style himself. The movements were a bit awkward at first, but he came to understand how to use the force to control the weightless blade of energy in clean and swift motion. He soon could comfortably deflect most blaster fire. He also tried his hand at defending against Master Edem’s lightsaber blows, though he found that a bit more difficult.
Corik had still never mentioned his problems back on Topan. He barely thought of his friend Jethra. He didn’t want it to get in the way. Instead, he focused on clearing his mind of the past, for he was training to become a Jedi, and his past didn’t matter anymore. He no longer yearned to avenge Jethra, for he was above that now.
After some time, while Corik was brushing up on the history of the Republic and the Jedi Order, Master Edem came into the archive and mentioned to Corik that the council wished to speak with Corik and himself. So he followed his teacher down the halls into the familiar chambers he had visited a few times before.