Holopads floated midair, dozens of them, glowing faint blue—each representing applicants to the Paladin Initiative.
Seris studied the floating data as Cain rotated through program elements on the center table.
"Alright," Cain began,. "We've finalized the foundation of the Eternal Dawn, shaped the Order's structure, stabilized our alliances. It's time to raise something new."
Anakin stepped forward, arms folded. "Paladins."
Cain nodded. "Our shield. Our explorers. Our answer to a galaxy that no longer trusts institutions. These won't be knights or generals alone. They'll be symbols."
He touched the console. A new holoprojection emerged—an armored figure, cloaked but unmasked, lightsaber at one hip, medical pouch at the other. The caption beneath read: Jadaii Paladin – Generation I.
"They will be different from any Jedi before them," Cain said. "Their training will go beyond what we received. They will learn:"
Every form of lightsaber combat,, dual-wielding, and even non-traditional styles. Battlefield tactics and command, from single-unit leadership to full-scale planetary coordination. Pilot training, including capital ships, starfighter squadrons, and dropship deployment. Healing arts, both Force-based and medical sciences. Diplomacy and mediation, especially in war-torn and non-aligned territories. And—full survival training to in hostile Force-nexus worlds.
Seris blinked. "You mean… everything."
"Yes," Cain said. "We will create protectors who understand every angle of conflict, peace, healing, and warfare. They won't just react. They'll lead."
Anakin whistled low. "That's more than what Masters train for."
"It has to be," Cain said. "These will be the vanguard. Sent to places the Council fears to go. Worlds still in chains. Planets without a voice. Forgotten Force nexuses lost to corruption. And to prepare them for that, they must be more than Knights."
Seris looked up. "You're talking about combining every type of Jedi. Guardian, Consular, Sentinel…"
"All of them," Cain nodded. "Each Paladin must become the embodiment of the balanced path."
Seris narrowed her eyes. "Is that even possible? Some Jedi specialize their whole lives."
Cain brought up a new projection: the Force disciplines once banned or restricted by the High Council.
"Not under the old rules. But we're not bound by those anymore. The Eternal Dawn will restore lost techniques the Order buried."
He highlighted several:
Electric Judgment
Beast Connection
Telepathic harmonization
Battle MeditationForce-infused martial forms
Psychometry and memory reading
Healing trances and regenerative states
The Je'daii trials of internal balance
"These techniques," Cain explained, "will be taught with safeguards. Respect. Understanding. We won't fall into darkness—but we will no longer fear our own depth."
Anakin stepped back, thoughtful. "And what about us?"
Cain looked between the two of them.
"We'll go through it too."
Seris raised an eyebrow. "You're serious."
"Deadly," Cain said. "If we're asking them to give everything—mind, body, and soul—we have to do the same."
Anakin grinned. "Good. I was starting to feel too old-school anyway."
Seris smirked. "I knew you were crazy, but now I have confirmation."
Cain laughed softly, then tapped a new sector on the map. A verdant, swamp-covered world appeared.
"Which brings us to the final trial. The crucible."
The planet rotated slowly: Dagobah.
Anakin tilted his head. "That place… it's strong in the Force."
Cain nodded. "In ways we barely understand. It's one of the oldest natural nexuses in the galaxy. Pure wild energy. The Je'daii called it The Breath of the Living Force."
Seris frowned. "It's dangerous, isn't it?"
"Extremely," Cain said. "But that's the point. No synthetic trials. No illusions. No constructed temples. Dagobah will reflect their flaws, their fears, their ego—and burn them out. If they survive it… they're ready."
Anakin leaned on the table. "And what comes after?"
Cain turned to a new file.
"This."
A genetic diagram loaded across the display—Kaminoan medical work, complete with protein splicing, neural acceleration markers, and chromosomal regeneration chains.
Seris's eyes widened. "Is that…?"
"Gene therapy," Cain confirmed. "Voluntary. Developed by the Kaminoans with our specifications. With their work and ysalamiri-controlled environments, we've created a safe method to increase:"
Lifespan, Reflex time, Muscle recovery, Mental clarity, Force-channel resilience
"It won't make them invincible," Cain continued. "But it will allow them to endure and evolve at a pace the galaxy needs right now."
Anakin leaned forward. "This is… a lot. What's the catch?"
Cain looked solemn. "They must choose it. Freely. There is no conscription. No ranks forced on anyone. No Paladin is born—they're forged."
Seris folded her arms. "And if someone fails?"
"They go home. Proud. Whole. And still our kin."
A pause.
Then Anakin grinned.
"Well, when do we start?"
Seris smirked. "I'll draft the curriculum. We'll split the first hundred across six phases."
Cain nodded. "Then let this be the beginning."
Codex Entry 050
To lead, one must first kneel at the fire.
To teach, one must first be willing to learn again.
We are not the same Jedi we once were.
We are more.