(Part III)
 
> Be Anon (Three years later)
 
> The galaxy at large has seen many battles in your time at the temple.  The efforts to reclaim Ilum were thwarted by the Sith Empire.  Even though they were betrayed by Darth Malgus it only gave rise to a new sith lord; Darth Nihilus.
> Since then the Empire has been content with conquering system after system along the outer rim.  With the occasional skirmish along the mid-rim worlds; such as, Kashyyyk, Dantooine, Taris, Sullust, Malastare, Onderon, and Iridonia
> This course of action has puzzled many Republic strategists.  With the sacking of Coruscant only a decade before most believed the Sith would press their advantage and begin a campaign of capturing core worlds, but that had not happened.
> Republic spies were desperate to find answers among their various networks, but could not uncover anything.  Whatever their plans were it was only being discussed amongst the highest circles in the Empire.
> Many people theorized that the Sith were not as powerful as we were first led to believe.  Thinking they were recouping their losses and buying time to rebuild their Empire.  While more shrewd minds believed that the Empire’s efforts were not to attack the Republic, but rather to keep them out of the outer rim.
> Many were skeptical of this idea.  For thousands of years the Sith have had the sole purpose of defeating the Jedi and conquering the galaxy.  Why would they suddenly change tactics now?
> If that wasn’t bad enough word of increasing Mandalorian sightings were being reported across the galaxy.  This normally wouldn’t cause alarm.  Mandalorians are known throughout the galaxy for their ferocity and hunger for battle.  However, the frequency and precision of the attacks was what worried some.
> Rumors of a new Mandalore were beginning to surface.  Although, no official announcement had been made to rebuff these claims people cannot help but wonder if a new leader would present itself.
 
> It has been a treacherous journey for you and your friends.  Constantly perfecting your lightsaber skills.  Growing more attuned to the Force with the help of various masters, and occasionally practicing them with your friends.
> Now the day has come for all of you.  The chance to prove yourselves worthy of becoming Jedi.
> It was a bright and sunny day like any other, but this day would be the first of many for you to be tested for the chance to become a padawan.
> You meet up with your friends in the Grand Hall an hour before the test to mingle amongst yourselves.  Trixie had since joined your group of close friends.  At first Applejack and Fluttershy were hesitant of the idea, but had since worked out their differences.
Twilight: “I can’t believe the day’s finally come.  Do you think were ready?”
Applejack: “I wouldn’t worry about it Twilight.  We can overcome any obstacle as long as we stick together.”
> “I second that.”
Trixie: “Exactly, and even if the others should fail you can always count on Trixie for support Twilight.”
> “Still ever the modest one Trixie.”
Trixie: “Why thank you Anon.”
> Everyone giggles.  It was nice to have all your friends getting along.  Well, almost all of them.  Speaking of which you hadn’t seen Soarin all morning.  It wasn’t like him to be late for something this important.
> “Sorry girls I have to leave you.  I just remembered I have something important I have to do.”
Twilight: “Okay, well hurry back.”
> You tried reaching out with the Force to find him, but you were finding it to be more difficult than it should be.  Either your training was failing you, or Soarin was intentionally masking his presence.  Perhaps, it was a combination of both.
> You looked everywhere you could think of to find him with no success.  It was closing in on an hour since you left the Grand Hall, and the proceedings were going to be starting any minute.