Private Trials of Skill and Leadership

[Valery Noble]

Trials of Skill and Leadership​

---

Location: Mygeeto
Valery: Appearance
Ship: Factory link
Tag: Brandyn Sal-Soren

Assignment details
Objective
An investigation has found a remote facility on Mygeeto where presumably a group of Sith has begun experimentation on local crystals from the planet. These crystals possess the ability to be used in lightsabers and thus have a great deal of innate power that can be abused. Lightsaber crystals have been weaponized in the past, with often disastrous results.

For this reason, a task force of Jedi and soldiers has been assembled to take down this facility and retrieve the crystals. Heavy resistance is to be expected from the Sith and their forces.

Location
The facility is built into the side of a remote mountainous area, where heavy snowstorms are a regular occurrence. The facility can be accessed by traversing over a long bridge with several small buildings at its sides. No other way inside has been found, so the bridge must be kept intact.

Chapter 0: Pinned Down
Having read the assignment details, Valery was put in charge alongside one other seasoned Jedi Master. Together, they were leading a strike force comprised of several Jedi Knights, even more Padawan,s and soldiers; all equipped in winter gear. They would be fighting in the middle of heavy snowstorms. The first stage of the battle proceeded exactly as planned - the attack was a surprise, so the Jedi were able to reach the building about halfway across the long bridge without much resistance.

But as they were getting closer to the facility, loud sirens went off, and a powerful shield generator was activated. While it didn't stop people from physically getting through, it blocked energy-based attacks from outside the bubble. The enemy soldiers abused this fact and positioned themselves along the edge to suppress the attacking Jedi.

They were pinned down.

Chapter 1: Patience is a virtue
Valery sighed as she stared across the bridge from behind her cover. It had been some time since the other Jedi Master left with a group of Jedi, including Brandyn Sal-Soren , to take out the shield generator. Every passing moment, the pressure on the remaining Jedi and soldiers increased, and some had already gotten injured or worse.

"Keep your heads down, and maintain pressure on that shield! We can't let them come out and push us back!" Valery called out.

Seeing a group of Imperial soldiers stepping out of the bubble, Valery jumped over her cover and began providing cover, so they could hopefully be taken out. The Imperials tried this every few minutes, but with increasing efficiency - it wouldn't be too long before she'd have to call a retreat along the bridge. This, however, meant they'd be easy targets for snipers or other heavy weaponry.

After yet another wave of Imperials was stopped, Valery tapped her commlink and called out to the other group. Due to the heavy fire and snowstorm, she had to raise her voice quite a bit to be heard.

<Transmission>
"This is Master Noble, what is the status on that shield generator?!"​

 

[Brandyn Sal-Soren]

"I will stay with Master Callix," came the voice of the quietest of the padawan, a short Nautolan that Brandyn knew as Diz Kreeto.

Brandyn and the other Padawan looked at Diz with a collection of varied frowns and quirked heads. "Are you sure about that?" Brandyn asked, more because he was impetuous than any sense of leadership within the group. Other Padawan glanced at Brandyn, then at their leader on the mission, Master Gregor Callix, who lay wounded and possibly dying on a nearby ledge.

"Yes. The mission must go on...and you have to come back this way. I can find some way to fashion a stretcher, see if I can start moving Master Callix back to the extraction point," said the Nautolan, whose resolve seemed to be solidifying as he spoke.

"Right then," came the voice of another Padawan, the headstrong and attractive Twi'lek who went by the name of Ralia, "we go on with the mission."

It was clear to Brandyn that she had spoken first in order to avoid Brandyn from falling into a place of leadership by default. Sal-Soren shrugged his shoulders with a bit of frustration. The leadership he had not wanted now seemed to be an attractive proposition, mostly because someone else had tried to take it for themselves.

"Master Callix was able to take out the sniper before he faded. It should be safe to go across the zipline now," Ralia said, while hooking her pulley to the line, "come on...let's go..."

With that, Ralia was off to the other side of the chasm. Brandyn didn't realize he was staring at her, as he continued to think through the awkward state of the squad. The remaining four padawan had hooked up their pulley's and set off to the other side, with the last one turning back to Brandyn with a smirk. "Sal-Soren...stop staring at Ralia. She doesn't like it...finds it demeaning. You will have more of a shot with her if you just treat her as she wants to be seen."

"Wait...I wasn't," Brandyn said, shaking his head, but the padawan was already off down the zipline, "damn it."

"This is Master Noble, what is the status on that shield generator?!"​

Brandyn paused, glancing towards the fallen Master Callix, whose commlink was sounding with a direct communication from Master Noble. A moment of hesitation saw Brandyn look across the chasm, then upwards toward the bridge above where the other half of the mission was playing out and then he glanced back at Master Callix commlink.

"Fragnabbits," he said, as he stooped...picked up the commlink, and set his pulley before joining the ziplining Padawan.

"This is Padawan Brandyn Sal-Soren. Master Callix has fallen. Padawan Diz Kreeto is attempting to get him to the extraction point. Myself, Padawan Ralia and four others are pushing on with the mission," he yelled over the rushing wind in the chasm.

When he hit the other side, Ralia already looked frustrated. "Try to keep up, Sal-Soren."

| Valery Noble |​

 

[Valery Noble]

Trials of Skill and Leadership​

---

Location: Mygeeto
Valery: Appearance
Ship: Factory link
Tag: Brandyn Sal-Soren

After calling out over the commlink, it remained silent a little too long for comfort. She wondered if the other Master was pinned down as well, or worse. Her question would quickly be answered, however, as the voice of a Padawan came through to her. Sadly, it confirmed her thoughts.

"This is Padawan Brandyn Sal-Soren. Master Callix has fallen. Padawan Diz Kreeto is attempting to get him to the extraction point. Myself, Padawan Ralia and four others are pushing on with the mission,"

Valery sighed and took a moment before she activated her comlink again as well, "Alright, be safe and call in for retreat if necessary. You know your objective, so lead the others to complete it. Stay in communications with me." the brunette said. If it was a group of Padawans out there, she figured they would be under a lot of stress. So her directions were simple and clear and showed that she had trust in them.

She then lowered the commlink again and jumped back into the fight. The Imperials were once again pushing across the narrow bridge, which is the one advantage she had. Using the two blades of her double-bladed weapon, she provided a lot of cover against blaster bolts that were sent down the bridge.

But this time, a tall figure in black armor appeared at the front as well, wielding a crimson lightsaber. Valery looked him over before staring him down - he was hers to take care of, and she let him know.

"Spotted one of the Sith, I'll be engaging him now." Valery decided to mention over open comms, allowing the Jedi around here to hear it, but also Brandyn and his group.

"Be quick with that shield generator."

 

[Brandyn Sal-Soren]

"Alright, be safe and call in for retreat if necessary. You know your objective, so lead the others to complete it. Stay in communications with me."​

Ralia seemed ready to grab the commlink from Brandyn's hand, when he decided to clip it on to his belt. "Well...you heard Master Noble. We have a job to do." Without a moment to give it thought, Brandyn pointed forward along the platform towards the door at its end.

The sound of Jedi regular issue boots against metal grating could be heard as the six padawan jogged towards the door. Brandyn slid up beside the door, and nodded towards the locked control pad at his side. One of the padawan stepped forward with a data spike, and jacked into the system to unlcock the door.

"We have reached the door. Spiked. Door about to open," he reported over the commlink to Master Noble.

Ralia stood at the back of the group, and seemed to role her eyes just a little. Brandyn's face went stone cold. He was doing his best. Why did she have to make things difficult.

The door slid open.

"Hey...you're not supposed to be here," called a droid.

Ralia jumped forward before Brandyn could even think through the situation, her cerulean blade lit up and then dropped down to bisect the droid. "Come on," she said as she stood, brushing her lekku back behind her shoulders.

"Yeah...I think she hates you even more now, Brandyn," said one of the other Padawan as the followed Ralia into the corridor that led to the shields power source.

"Hate...how Jedi of her," Brandyn muttered, before tapping the commlink, "spike worked. Generator ETA 3 minutes."

| Valery Noble |​

 

[Valery Noble]

Trials of Skill and Leadership​

---

Location: Mygeeto
Valery: Appearance
Ship: Factory link
Tag: Brandyn Sal-Soren

"We have reached the door. Spiked. Door about to open," he reported over the commlink to Master Noble.

Valery heard the report come in and took mental note of it, but her focus had shifted to the threat ahead - a Sith lord in black armor with his crimson blade drawn. He moved down the bridge with soldiers behind him, charging towards the Jedi Master who had troops supporting her as well.

As usual, Valery began her approach using the acrobatic Ataru - a favored Form of hers but she was pragmatic and able to switch tactics rapidly. With an explosive jump, she launched herself up into the air and allowed the Force to flow through her muscles. With augmented speed, a flurry of quick strikes came down towards the armored figure, who moved surprisingly fast for his size. Most of the strikes were parried, but two landed and struck his armor. It hardly seemed to phase him.

Landing behind him, she immediately felt the danger of his counter-attack - a wide and powerful swing came for the Master, aimed to cut her in half. It forced her to stretch and bend backward, allowing it to pass over her chest and face. She transitioned into a roll backward and looked up at him, her eyes narrowing.

As she hoped, the figure charged after her and raised his blade up, now swinging it down with incredible power. But unlike before, Valery didn't move this time. She raised her blade up above her head and with Force-augmented strength, she blocked his attack head-on. It forced her down to one knee as she absorbed the shock of the brutal attack.

The Sith now smelled blood, and pushed down onto her guard with all his might, hoping to force his way through the much smaller woman. But in his blind hatred and lust to kill, his yellow eyes took too long to notice something. The hilt within his grasp began to show cracks along the surface. Cracks that were not there before.

His eyes widened and suddenly, the weapon fell apart in his hands and all he could do was watch it happen.

Another explosive jump followed and time seemed to freeze briefly, as Valery was eye-to-eye with him. While his face was covered in surprise and shock, her expression was emotionless - it was over, and she knew this. She glared into his soul and following a purple flash, everything went dark for the man in black.

<Transmission>
"Padawan Sal-Soren, this would be an ideal time to bring down that shield."
​

Valery said as she stood by the now headless body of the Sith. Her purple blade was flourishing through rotations to keep blaster fire away from her supporting troops, but she began to feel her energy fading.

 

[Brandyn Sal-Soren]

The sense of urgency was tangible. Every dozen meters or so, a sentry droid would pop out from a side corridor and be cut down by one of the squad of Padawan. Ralia still took point in the advancement of the squad, Brandyn naturally falling into a position at the rear of the squad. They pushed through what seemed like mass produced, copy-pasted corridors one after another, before finally reaching the entrance to the energy core.

The blue aura of the energy core gave the corridor an etheral glow, leaving the doorway into the core room to have its edges almost blurred by the intense light. "Goggles on," Ralia said, pulling the protective eye wear that had been sitting atop each padawan's head down over her eyes. Each Padawan followed suit, Brandyn not protesting her orders. The glare of the core room came down to a maneagable level, with each padawan adjusting the manual dials to get the light shield to the right level for their own needs.

Ralia was about to start laying out the plan, when Master Noble came across the commlink on Brandyn's belt.

"Padawan Sal-Soren, this would be an ideal time to bring down that shield."​

The sense of urgency ramped up, the tension in the group along with it. Everyone eyed Brandyn, waiting for him to speak. Brandyn could feel Ralia's eyes bearing down on him. Her intense dislike for him still noticeable even without a direct view of her eyes.

"Master Noble. We have made it to the core room. Beginning our assault now. Detonation estimate in 3 minutes," said Brandyn.

The commlink was turned off, and Ralia spit out in a whisper, "Three minutes? Are you insane?"

"That was the mission parameters," Brandyn said with a shrug.

"When we had a master on our squad," Ralia said in retort.

"We can still do it..."

"I guess we have to now, don't we," Ralia spat out, "Dink. You, Bex'l and Vangrid get the charges set. Roc, you and I will distract the guards to give them time to lay the charges. We have...2 minutes...to lay charges and get out. So charges have to be layed in no more than 60 seconds from my mark..."

Brandyn waved his hand as if she had forgotten something.

"...stay here and protect our escape. Mark!"

Although one of the Padawan looked apologetically at Brandyn, none of them disobeyed Ralia. All stood and took off on their assignments. Brandyn stood and followed only so far as the entrance. As much as he wanted to protest, and give Ralia a piece of his mind, he knew there was no time to argue. If her plan worked, they would have accomplished their mission and that really was all that mattered...right?

With his back pressed against the bulkhead, and his body tucked away beside the door, Brandyn was protected from the blaster shots that erupted in the core room. He kept his attention on the escape route, but could not resist one look back into the core room to see how the squad was fairing. What he saw...made his heart stop beating.

Ralia was flying backwards through the air, her ignited saber in hand. She hit the ground with enough impact to seriously wind her, her partner Roc came flying past her, though unlike Ralia, Roc was not moving after he hit the ground. Brandyn looked around the corner, but the direct glare of the core's glowing beams of power blinded him. He reached for the dial on his goggles, adjusted it to drown out more light. Emerging from the glare came the silhouette of a lythe horn headed female, as the glare parted she was revelaed to be a pale skinned Zabrak. In hand was a duel-bladed red lightsaber.

Time.

40 seconds till hard out.

Brandyn burst from his spot by the bulkhead, letting go of a gust of Force pushed air towards the Sith who was knocked back, almost falling from the railless platform. It was probably more from surprise than the actual power of his Force push, but Brandyn took it anyway. It gave him time to slide up beside Ralia, and take her head up into his hands.

"We work together. We live. We fight each other. We die. I know you have reservations about me," he said, eyes showing a stoic determination, "we argue later. Now...we win. OK?"

"We win..."

"Yup...now for Force's sake, get up on your feet," he said, pulling on her shoulders and helping her up.

"Jedi pups. Oh how sad it is to see such a great people as the Jedi lacking in leadership so," the Sith woman said as she sauntered towards the two Padawan, "it is a shame I will have to..."

"Sorry. We don't have time for a villain's monologue," Brandyn said, as he jumped forward, propelled by the Force, and ignited his brilliantly green blade in time to impact with the right of the Sith's two blades. Ralia was on the left most blade a split second later.

Slashing away, this Sith backpedalled with a grin dripping from her sinister face. She was toying with them, delaying their death like a cat with a mouse.

Delay is all we need.

Seconds later, Brandyn and Ralia noted their wrist comms turn green, the signal for charges planted and time to retreat. The Sith slashed an attack at Ralia's legs, which was dodged by the purple Twi'lek with a jump backwards. Brandyn jumped and flipped backwards.

"Bex'l...get Roc...we don't leave anyone behind," he shouted to the hulking Padawan.

Brandyn fended off one more attack from the Sith that had followed him with her own enraged jump. His blade came up, protecting himself, and the three Jedi that were about to retreat released a Force push great enough to throw the Sith across the room, and dangerously near to the beams of pure energy in the centre of the room.

With all the Padawan in the corridor, Ralia activated and sealed the blast door, which slid shut in a sudden mechanical CLUNK. The Sith, who had been flying through the air back towards them, hit the door a mere moment after it closed. The Padawan paused for an eerie moment, catching their breath. Brandyn took Master Callix's commlink and was about to speak, when the tip of Sith's red blade protruded an inch from the door.

"Right...that's our cue. Let's go!" Yelled Ralia.

As the Padawan ran to their extraction point, Brandyn tapped Master Callix's commlink. "Master Noble...28 seconds till shield collapse."

| Valery Noble |​

 

[Valery Noble]

Trials of Skill and Leadership​

---

Location: Mygeeto
Valery: Appearance
Ship: Factory link
Tag: Brandyn Sal-Soren


Following the fall of the Sith commander, Valery found herself facing off against an increasing amount of blaster fire. She was using the Force to sustain herself, but even with its assistance, she knew she couldn't keep this up forever. For now, though, her strong desire to shield those around her overpowered the fatigue she felt in her muscles.

But as the situation grew direr, the words of relief finally came through.

"Master Noble...28 seconds till shield collapse."

Valery let out a soft sigh and smirked a little - it was time to end this. The Padawan's words almost made her exhaustion vanish, and with far more energy, she began to advance, to the surprise of the defenders.

"Shield is coming down, time to move!" Valery called out, and the other Jedi and soldiers followed after her in formation. They provided each other cover every step that was taken and suppressed the enemy, who had no idea their primary source of cover against The Jedi and their soldiers was about to come down.

It began with a massive explosion in the distance, the rumbling of which echoed through the mountainous terrain. It was loud enough that even the sounds of battle were briefly suppressed, and it drew the attention of the defenders, who quickly realized what was happening. The shield that had kept the Jedi away crumbled before their eyes, and many found themselves in exposed positions.

<Transmission>
"Padawan Sal-Soren, lead your Jedi away and back to us."
​

Valery wasn't able to say much more than that, as she reached the frontline of the defenders, and began to fight her way through them. Caught out of position and surprised, she knew this fight wasn't going to last much longer. She certainly wasn't going to wait for them to adjust and reposition.

The Jedi and their soldiers pushed through the defenses of the Sith forces and finally began making their way into the facility to clear it out. Fewer soldiers were inside, and the crystals were located rather quickly too. Due to the overwhelming attack, many of the defenders decided to surrender in the end, allowing the fighting to draw to a conclusion without unnecessary bloodshed.

With the fighting over, Valery found herself standing in contemplation within the halls of the large building. It was strange to think about how such an operation became so reliant on the success of a much smaller group completing an objective that seems so far away. They had lost their leader along the way, dealt with internal friction, but completed their objective regardless. It was a trial of personal strength, leadership, and courage from all Jedi involved.

Because of it, the mission turned out to be a success.

The facility was theirs but she still wanted to meet with the Jedi who had taken down the shield generator. She didn't know the details of what happened, but showing gratitude for their quick work was certainly in order.

 

[Brandyn Sal-Soren]

Chapter 2: The Summary of Many Parts​

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Bex'l looked nervous when he approached Master Noble for the one on one debriefings within the now taken facility. It was not uncommon to have a Master check in with the padawan just to make sure that everyone was well, and there were no underlying issues that need to be dealt with. From what he had heard of Noble's display on the bridge, and the reputation she had for being a mighty warrior had only grown. Bex'l felt admiration and intimidation in equal measures. His report was highlighted with the following statements.

"...Master Callix was taken by surprise and the sniper got a few shots off. It was a miracle that he deflected the few after the first hit his shoulder, but he could not continue..."

"...Padawan Ralia took lead, though there was clear tension between her and Sal-Soren. He had the commlink, and was not relinquishing it to her..."

---

A small human man walked into the room where Master Noble stood debriefing the Jedi one by one. Dink was only a nickname, but one that had stuck better than the several other names he had gone by in his years growing up between orpanages and foster-care. The diminutive young man looked up at the Master Jedi, and included some interesting details in his report.

"Yes. Master Callix proved very commendable, he is alive today only because of the quick thinking of Padawan Kreeto. Padawan's Sal-Soren and Ralia got us back on mission, with Ralia taking point. Sal-Soren took the extra step to insure that communication was maintaind with your detachment on the bridge. As we attempted to destroy the core room, there was a noticeable tension between Sal-Soren and Ralia, however I believe this to be largely as a result of Ralia's frustration at not having thought of the commlink herself. They are both capable leaders...Master Noble...I would serve with them again."

---

A Bothan walked in, Vangrid by name, the Padawan had a little more experience than the rest in the squad, but had never shown any direct intent to lead. Their role had become more a support based role in squads, and they have been doing a fine job, to the point that their trials may soon be upon them, and the were to take their place as a Knight and Archivist for the Jedi Order. Vangrid's report shed some interesting light on the situation.

"Sal-Soren is clearly a capable warrior. Roc is not so much. Padawan Ralia chose to take Roc as her right hand on the offensive of the Core Room putting the whole mission at jeopardy. If she had not been so consumed with her annoyance...however justified it may be...then perhaps we would not have Roc in the infirmary now. Padawan Ralia is a capable leader, and will one day lead well as a Jedi Knight, but today she almost got us all killed."

---

Diz Kreeto, the short Nautolan Padawan, entered for his debrief. Having only been privy to the mission up to the point of the zipline across the chasm, he was not able to speak to the missions success as the others had. However, his report shed some light on the situation that led up to it.

"Ralia and Brandyn have had issues with each other for a while. Well. Ralia has had issues with Brandyn for a while. On this mission they both seemed willing to take lead, but Ralia was the one that was more pushy about it, and ultimately took charge after Master Callix was out of commission. There was a comment made about Brandyn 'checking Ralia out', which if it was the case...was a rather inappropriate act on his behalf. It makes me wonder if he has tried something previously...but that is pure conjecture on my part...so to answer your question, yes, there was noticeable tension between Ralia and Sal-Soren prior to Master Callix's injury."

---

Ralia's lekku seemed to be resting a little lower, almost as if they had drooped with a feeling of annoyance at her self. Her report showed clear signs of regret and discontent with her actions.

"...yes it is true that Padawan Sal-Soren and I have had a difficult time working and training together. I take the full blame on board for this, as he has been only but nice to me. I may have be over-zealous in interpretting those as romantic advances, and reacted negatively as a result. This lead to my decision making not being where it should have been as I assumed command of the squad. In retrospect, I should have leaned on Sal-Soren more for his...adequate...leadership abilities. Any blame for the mission's goal being achieved should be laid squarely at my feet."

Her words seemed to approach the point of unnecessary self-flagellation. It was almost as if she was trying to make up for her own self-perceived failues by taking an excessive amount of ownership for any potential issues.

---

Brandyn was not left for last for any special reason beyond his name coming last in alphabetical order. He walked in, head held high, and with a steady gait. He came to rest with his arms crossed behind his back. There was always an element of impending doom that loomed over Brandyn's head with these meetings. But he was slowly learning to appreciate the valuable insights that the provided.

"Master Noble. You requested my presence?"

| Valery Noble |​

 

[Valery Noble]

Trials of Skill and Leadership​

---

Location: Back on base
Valery: Appearance
Ship: Factory link
Tag: Brandyn Sal-Soren

Chapter II: Reflection
After a completed mission, it was standard practice to review everything, from the planning phase to the execution. For both Jedi and soldiers, it was important to learn from the mistakes that were made, so future assignments show improvement. This naturally went beyond individual performance - each objective requires teamwork to be completed.

The mission to Mygeeto had seen many unexpected things happen, from the shield generator blocking the advance to the unfortunate injuries Master Callix sustained, which placed a group of Padawans in charge of a crucial objective. So once she returned from the facility, Valery knew that the mission reflection meetings were going to be interesting, and very important.

As the leading Jedi of the operation, she began her assessment of the mission with individual interviews of all Jedi present, allowing them a moment to freely share their thoughts.

The first 4 debriefs Valery went through were quite enlightening, and showed that her discussion with Padawans Ralia and Sal-Soren was likely going to be the most important. The others had followed their orders well and were rightfully concerned about the tension between the two Padawans who were leading the way.

Ralia
While Ralia spoke, Valery remained quiet. An important part of a debrief such as this was to give them the freedom to speak their mind. But once the young woman finished, Valery offered a smile and began to speak.

"In retrospect, I should have leaned on Sal-Soren more for his...adequate...leadership abilities. Any blame for the mission's goal being achieved should be laid squarely at my feet."

"It is a good thing that you're able to reflect on your own actions and decisions, Padawan Ralia, but do not be too harsh on yourself either. As Jedi, we honor honesty, and part of this is honesty with yourself. Recognize your mistakes for what they were, and grow from them." she said with a calm tone of voice.

"But also recognize those things you did well. In the end, it seems you both were able to set aside your differences to complete the objective. The others have noticed this, too, and are still honored to have either of you as their leader."

"My personal advice is to seek out conversation with Padawan Sal-Soren after I've spoken to him. Give him your perspective, and build a good working relationship with him."

Brandyn Sal-Soren
Lastly, Valery had scheduled to talk with Brandyn, who walked into her room with confidence in his body language. She turned to face him with a brief smile and stepped towards him.

"That's right. I've spoken to the others about their view on the mission, but I wanted to get yours as well. I heard there was some tension between Padawan Ralia and yourself, but also that you are both capable leaders. The objective was also completed in the end, even with Master Callix not being able to assist."

"Before I go into anything else, how do you feel about the mission and the role you had in it? Are you satisfied with your actions and decisions, or do you feel there is room for improvement with something specific?"

She initiated each conversation the same way - it gave them a chance to show their honesty and ability to reflect on their own actions before Valery shared any of her thoughts, or questioned any of their methods.

 

[Brandyn Sal-Soren]

Brandyn rolled his right shoulder instinctively. It was a trait that he had long had, his sisters knowing that it mean he was carefully thinking through his words. It didn't happen often, so it was very noticeable to them.

Master Noble was an intimidating presence, for more reasons than one. Brandyn took a breath before responding to her query, and had done his best to not react to anything that she had said. It furstrated him that the other Padawan had made a big deal about he and Ralia clashing, or rather Ralia's clash with him. He could very easily throw his fellow Padawan under the bus in this moment, and undermine her future opportunities. He had to admit, that the idea was not completely revolting to him, but it was also not the Jedi way.

"I think. Over all. I did OK," he said, pausing between each short sentence, "the mission was accomplished, minimal injuries and not outright losses. I would say that that speaks for itself. But I can't take credit, as Padawan Ralia took the majority lead in the objective after Master Callix was incapacitated."

"As for tension between Padawan Ralia and myself," he said with a subtle shift in his stance to favour his right leg, "I think that this may have been exagerated by my fellow Padawan. It was a tense environment. Disagreements are to be expected. And I think everyone may have read too much into the small ones that occured."

| Valery Noble |​

 

[Valery Noble]

Trials of Skill and Leadership​

---

Location: Back on base
Valery: Appearance
Ship: Factory link
Tag: Brandyn Sal-Soren

Chapter II: Reflection
Valery crossed her arms in front of her chest while she listened to Brandyn. Her body language was quite closed but she showed very little emotion - she just allowed him to speak without showing any kind of judgment. Once he finished, she nodded and her arms returned back down by her sides.

"Whether the disagreements were truly small or not, the people who relied on the leadership of Padawan Ralia and yourself expressed concerns. This in and of itself is something to look into," she said in response. "Both of you have shown to be natural leaders, and other Jedi are quick to follow your lead."

"But in dangerous environments especially, it's important for leaders to show a united front towards those under their command. Disagreements, poor communication, or a lack of coordination that is noticed by those who aren't leading can result in a loss of confidence in leadership. This is detrimental to the success of the mission without exceptions."

Valery would be extremely calm while she explained her perspective, trying not to make it sound like a lecture towards someone who is in trouble. This was, after all, a learning experience, and all she cared about was the growth of her fellow Jedi.

"Now, disagreements are bound to happen but they should always be addressed before they are allowed to grow worse. They may have been small this time, and of no negative consequence to the mission objective, but it's important that you discuss this with Padawan Ralia. Post-mission is always the best chance to do so."

"Padawan Ralia expressed to me that she felt responsible for it all, so she seems quite open to set things aside. My advice for you is to speak with her as well. Set aside your differences and next time you're out in the field together, the Jedi with you can rely on two strong leaders who can work together without a problem."

Valery then smiled and lastly, decided to bring it back around to a more positive ending note.

"With all this said, you've both done well. Thank you for taking over the communications device, and for continuing the mission despite the circumstances. Unless you have any questions or comments, you are free to go."

"May the Force guide you, Padawan Sal-Soren."

 

[Brandyn Sal-Soren]

There was an internal, argumentative young man that wanted to dominate this part of the conversation with pleas to not lay the blame at his feet. He event opened his mouth at one point, his brows furrowing and his head threatening to shake in frustration before he would potentially lay out all of Ralia’s failurges.

Uncharacterisitically, he held his tongue, pulled back on his words and took control of his mind.

"Now, disagreements are bound to happen but they should always be addressed before they are allowed to grow worse. They may have been small this time, and of no negative consequence to the mission objective, but it's important that you discuss this with Padawan Ralia. Post-mission is always the best chance to do so."

“Understood Master,” Brandyn said with a bow of his head, “I will meet with Palawan Ralia before the end of the day to reflect on the events of the mission.”

Without hint of question or concern, Brandyn took in the words of Maser Noble, and then bowed at her parting words.

”May the Force be with you, Master,” he said with a well-practiced bow of his head.

Was it maturity, or just a sense of intimidation that saw Brandyn not want to bring up any of his concerns? It was unsure. He certainly felt his muscles relax as the doors slid closed behind him.

By Shiraya…what is my deal? It’s not like I haven’t seen a beautiful…ah…powerful woman before.

| Valery Noble |​