"Multi-dimensional optimization problems can be tricky. The ability to decide which variables are easiest to trade off against is valuable."

"Thanks! I might've picked different if I hadn't known we could get where we were going in time on the slow ship, though."

"A Jedi is often called upon to make such choices."

She nods. "Is that why there's so much - general education? So you know what all the different variables mean, and aren't just going by what feels best?"

"Yes. The Force is a valuable ally, but it is not a crutch, and a Jedi should understand how to think as well as feel. And being able to explain a reasoning for your decision can help convince those not gifted with foresight of your correctness."

"The Force also has different priorities than me. It's a friend, not an omniscient copy of my brain."

"A good observation, yes."

Heee.

"Though I don't wanna go too far the other way and stop listening." She swings her legs, fidgeting.

"As in all things, the proper balance is required. Speaking of which, would you like to try some Jedi stretching exercises? We don't have much room on board for anything more active, but we should be able to find space for that."

"Oh, yeah! That sounds fun." She bounces a bit more. (She's gonna go on a run next time she has open space to do it in.)

Then they can find an open area and spread out a bit. Elesse demonstrates a few basic positions and the transitions between them, and explains what muscle groups each is targeted at. The idea is to flow through the set smoothly. Some of the poses are surprisingly difficult to hold for how simple they look, making this challenging.

Not the kind of exercise she usually does, but fun all the same. She likes the stuff that's challenging the most, especially for balance.

They can do more balance exercises. Elesse can be persuaded into showing an advanced one that involves standing on your hands, then fingertips, then removing fingers one by one, floating upside down by the end of it.

Fortunately, Anakin seems to find falling over pretty funny. She has good balance, but challenges herself enough she still topples a lot.

"Can you fly?" she asks after the floating demonstration.

"Not without mechanical aid, alas."

"Can any Jedi fly?"

"Long jumps are about the best it gets."

"Aw. I like doing jumps, but flying sounds fun. Maybe I'll be the first to manage it."

"Good luck."

She laughs and goes back to doing handstands. (Her balance improves noticeably over the practice.)

Excellent.

How long will this keep her occupied?

For a bit over two hours, and she seems content to entertain herself afterwards.

Then the rest of their trip can be peaceful. And she can work out the rest what she's going to say to the Council.

They dock at a municipal spaceport, and take a shuttle to the Temple. Coruscant is, arguably, best viewed from the air. All the hustle and bustle, the shine and the steel, interwoven in a glittering tapestry that speaks the best values of civilization, without getting close enough to see the grimy underside and the sparks when the cogs don't quite mesh.

The Jedi Temple itself is an enormous edifice, a pyramid cut off partway up the slope with four tall towers capping the top. It dominates the comparatively lower district surrounding it.

She's quite impressed, trying to get a good look at everything.

"What's the Council like?"

"They have... a strong presence."