Title: The First Lesson
Location: Kamino – Clone Candidate Quarters, Observation Hall C
Date: 24 BBY – Four Months Before 23 BBY
The pale glow of Kamino's skies filtered through the transparent ceiling of Observation Hall C, casting a soft, watery light across the clean durasteel floor. The rain outside drummed rhythmically—so constant, it faded into the background like breathing.
Cain stood alone at the edge of the observation railing, watching as hybrid clone candidates cycled through drills below. Among them, two stood out—John and Sarah. Not for their aggression or dominance, but for their precision. Measured. Intentional.
Cain exhaled slowly, organizing his thoughts.
"I'm ready."
The voice came from behind him—calm, cool, and distinctly mature for someone only two years old.
Cain turned to face him. John stood upright in the doorway, his uniform crisp, posture perfect. His golden eyes—identical to Cain's—studied him with unnerving composure. The buzzed white hair and slightly pointed ears gave him a regal, almost ethereal air.
Cain smiled faintly. "At ease, cadet"
John stepped forward, hands behind his back. "I appreciate the request to meet. They said you were my… progenitor."
Cain nodded slowly. "That's true. You're a hybrid clone. Genetically tailored from me and jadaii knight Seris."
John would speak steadily. "Am I… your son?"
The question hung in the air like a vibroblade suspended at the edge of release.
Cain's breath caught in his throat. He looked away for a second—just one—and let his hand rest lightly on the rail.
"I'm barely seventeen," Cain said, voice quieter now. "Seris and I… we're still young learning who we are. And now, there's you. Someone who didn't ask to be made but stands here anyway—strong, respectful, sharp. You have a mind and a future."
He turned back, locking eyes with John.
"So no. I haven't earned the right to be called a father. But if you want a teacher, a guide—someone to help you understand the Force, the Order, this galaxy—I'll be that. When you come on Tython, I'll be there."
John didn't blink. He simply gave a short, respectful nod. "Thank you… sir. I would like that very much."
Cain tried not to let his face show how hard that hit him."How are things here do you like it and are they treating you well?"
" They are sir. I enjoy the training here," John continued. "It's… fulfilling. Purposeful. I like clarity."
Cain grinned. "You sound a lot like Seris."
"Maybe you have my looks and her mentality.
Cain laughed softly. "Possibly the most dangerous combination I can think of."
There was silence for a moment before John added, "Could you instruct me? In the Force. Just the basics. Meditation, breathing, how to begin."
Cain nodded. "Of course. You don't need to wait for Tython for that."
Just then, Sarah entered the room, her short red hair tied back in a military-style bun. Blue eyes alert and curious, she looked between the two, then stepped forward confidently.
"I heard what he asked," she said. "I'd like the same."
Cain smiled. "You don't ask. You just step in. That's definitely your father."
Sarah would respond. " I don't know about my father beside the rumors sir but maybe my mother. Depends on the moment."
"Come on," Cain said, motioning to a nearby training mat in the corner of the room. "Both of you. Sit."
They moved quickly and quietly, settling into the meditative kneel with a soldier's precision.
Cain sat down across from them, folding his legs beneath him, hands resting gently on his knees.
"First lesson," Cain began. "The Force is not a tool. It's not a weapon. It's… everything. Energy. Flow. Balance. You can't dominate it. You listen to it. You become part of it."
Both John and Sarah remained quiet, listening intently.
"Close your eyes," Cain instructed.
They obeyed.
"Breathe in. Deep. Hold it. Breathe out slowly. Let the noise fade. Let the storm outside become part of the rhythm of your body."
A calm settled over the space, the room growing still save for the low hum of energy.
Cain continued. "The Force surrounds you. It moves through your breath, your heartbeat, your instincts. Let it in. Don't reach out to grab it. Let it come to you."
Minutes passed.
Neither John nor Sarah fidgeted. Their breathing synchronized, slow and measured. Cain could feel the light stir around them, faint flickers of Force presence awakening the two have a strong presence in the force.
Cain gently opened one eye, watching them both.
Sarah had a light sheen of sweat along her brow, but her face was peaceful.
John's posture was rigid, but his aura softened, the golden warmth of potential beginning to pulse around him.
Cain nodded quietly to himself.
"Now," he whispered, "I want each of you to ask the Force one question." The two surprised saying "what do you mean ask it a question can speak" Sarah would say.
Trust the force and yourself. Cain spoke softly.
John paused.
"What am I meant to protect?"
Sarah breathed.
"What is my purpose?"
There was no answer spoken aloud, but the energy around them pulsed once, gently, as if answering both of them in kind.
Cain slowly stood.
"Open your eyes."
They did. Calm. Focused.
"I'll send word to Master Shak Ti to help guide your meditations when I'm off world. But you're off to a strong start."
Both stood and bowed respectfully.
Sarah grinned. "I like you more as a teacher than a lecture holocron."
Cain smirked. "Don't let me catch you skipping lessons then."
John looked directly at Cain. "This helped. Thank you."
Cain placed a hand on each of their shoulders.
"You're both more than your genes. More than who made you. What matters is what you do from this moment forward."
They nodded in unison.
And for a fleeting moment—despite the preparations, the enemies yet to be faced, and the burdens of legacy—Cain felt something he hadn't in a long time.
Hope.