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Chapter II - Jedi Council

The next morning Jana was already awake. Nobody could know that she slept only two or three hours. It was her doubt and nervousness, which didn't let her sleep. She washed her face with cold water to refresh a bit. She didn't wanted to look so tired after all. Nobody will be allowed to know about her struggles, unless she would like to.
"Good morning to you, Jana. It's me, Kiel.."
"Good morning to you too..., she replied, waiting.

"Listen, Jana...I just got the message from Master Atonai, that the Council will adjourn after noon.Yes, and will be waiting to see you..." responded Kiel to her intuitions.
He formed a smile on his end of the com link, as Jana seemed almost to be standing next to him as they spoke.
She was certainly focused when it came to connections. This was a good Force trait...
The Council will speak to me... But will they accept me?
"...Yes, I'm certain they will accept you. You have nothing to worry about. What do you say we grab breakfast or something, in an hour? We can talk a bit, as we'll have a few hours to kill...Jana?..."

She hesitated for a moment then responded with a yes.
"OK, great...I'll jump into a shower, and will pick you up in your room, in an hour...Agreed?"

Kiel's call surprised her. Jana let her own thoughts to occupy her mind again. Jana didn't have thoughts for food either. Her thoughts were about completelly different thing. But she forced herself to eat something, at least she wouldn't faint because of the fact she haven't slept much.

Kiel lightly tapped on her door. Not too quiet, but enough to let her know that someone was there.
The door soon opened and Jana was standing there with a nervous smile on her face.

"You ready?" Inquired Kiel.
She said she was, and thought it a bit too short of a notice, to have prepared herself for the Council.
Kiel asked what she meant, and she explained that she thought the Council would see her at this moment.

"Oh, no... I meant I would pick you up in the hour. But, the Council will not adjourn for another three. I though perhaps we could get something to eat, and talk a bit, before that time." explained Kiel.
Jana's smile became more genuine and a bit more relieved. At least she would have some time more, to collect her thoughts. She indicated that she could not really think of food right at this moment, but would try to eat something, or at least go with him anyway...
She gladly stepped out and walked along side Kiel, as they headed toward the Cafeteria.

They shortly arrived and it was apparently teeming with many students.
Kiel picked up her thoughts, that perhaps she would not be able to relax here as she wanted with so many new and strange people.
"Let's get something quick to eat, then.We'll get it to go, and talk a bit outside" Suggested Kiel.
Jana nodded in agreement, and they entered.
Getting some baked sweet breads and bottled juices, they soon headed outdoors.

The Central courtyard was pretty much empty, and they found a nice stone carved bench under some shady trees. The sun was still climbing and it appeared it was to become a very warm day today. A light breeze was blowing, and it was by all means, very quiet and quaint, sitting under one of the old oaks.
As they left out, Jana felt a bit more awake because of fresh air. And yes, because there was nobody, except Kiel. She watched the sun, how is rising. Really pretty beautiful beginning of new day, she thought, as she watched the sun.
They talked a bit about nothing too important at first. Sort of slowly breaking the ice. Kiel explained a bit about the Jedi knights and masters here, and what was expected of the padawans. There was much to study and learn he said, but there was also free time that a student could spend to themselves or with friends. The weekends were days off from learning. That is, unless a student was on an assignment with their master.
Slowly but surely, Jana was getting to see that Kiel was really being himself and she felt comfortable talking to him.

"...So, what did you do on Tatooine?" Asked Kiel.
"Excuse me? I haven't lived on Tatooine...", she replied with little smile on her face.

She didn't wait for Kiel's reaction and continued: "I spent last years on Coruscant, you know. Have I already told you it's horrible place to live? There are so many strangers. They were on every step you made. No chance to get rid of them for a while!"

Jana's voice became somewhat loud and it disturbed quiet surroundings. Jana felt annoyed a bit, but she calmed herself down in few seconds.

"Well... I'm sorry, Kiel, but when I think of these last years, which I spent with my foster parents... It's just making me angry."
As Kiel was looking at Jana and listening to her words, Jana felt that she should continue.
"My foster father runs cantina on Coruscant. He earns a lot of credits, you know. He wanted me to work here as well... Because... because I can manipulate with people's minds. Well... sort of."
Jana's voice was now more silent. These times on Coruscant reminded her of many things she was able to remember.
"You know, my foster father is really into business... Only thing what he thinks about is that how to fill his pockets with credits. No matter how he gets them."

With these words Jana seemed annoyed again.

"Do you know that my foster father wanted me to manipulate with others?! Imagine that - when somebody looked that he has many credits to spare my foster father told me to go to him and tell him that he really wants to talk to him and give him some credits for making this place better."
Jana took several deep breaths, before she continued.
"Can you imagine that I...I just came to this person and told him "You really want to see owner of this cantina and give him some more credits to make this place better..." But.. I really HATE this attitude!" Last words were like a shout, as Jana became angry. Angry, because she had to do things like that. She didn't like manipulating others at all!

Jana looked at Kiel. She wasn't able to read his emotions, if there were any.

"I... I'm sorry again, Kiel. I just... I just couldn't stand this... You know, when my foster father was drunk, or had bad mood.. I was his target. Or when I didn't want to do what he wanted me to do...", Jana said, now a bit more silently.

"Last time... when I saw him... We had an argue. He was angry that I... I have refused to do what he asked of me. Then he got nearly mad at me. He beat me up, like I was small child... To be honest, he did this very often... He just could do everything, because he had a lot of credits. At least.. he thought so."
Jana felt suddenly so sad. She couldn't understand how somebody can be so... selfish. How somebody could do everything just to earn a little more credits.
"After that... I... I took some credits... from my foster father... Of course he didn't know about it! He would kill me than to give me credits...! And I packed few things I had and left this cursed place, which is called Coruscant!"

Jana looked at Kiel again, as she returned to the present.

"I'm really glad I left this place... Too many people was here... and too many of them used me like their toy. But I AM NOT TOY!"

" No… No, Jana. You are not a toy." Responded Kiel.

Jana quickly stood up. Anger was flowing through her. She really couldn't stand some people's behavior. When they were using somebody only for his personal gain...
"Ki... Kiel, we should talk about something different...", she quickly added. "I'm not able ... I'm not able to... talk about this... calmly."

"I'm sorry for making you think about someplace that you want to be away from…I... I haven't been thinking straight lately. I'm sorry…"
He looked into her eyes.
"I'm sorry…" He once again repeated it.

Kiel felt a bit lost for words for a moment. He had not known this type of treatment or experienced it for himself. He could only feel her pain… Feel it through the Force. It was her pain, her experiences that he was feeling now.Yes… it was certainly a terrible thing being manipulated and forced to manipulate others. Especially when it came from what you considered family.
Kiel could certainly relate to this, as his own family… At least the females of his family had manipulated the bloodline.
He was the only male in his family linage to know this secret and now that he had severed connections with his Aunt, he was assumed himself prey. He was now a liability to her Order and Kiel knew he was at war with her and her order.
Yes… Kiel knew quite well how manipulations can greatly affect someone.
He was a product of such.

"…Jana, I do understand what you feel. My blood line, myself… For centuries upon centuries, have been manipulated. And it was all done by my own family…" he spoke to her.

He tried to make her understand. But it was more complicated a story then they had time for. Besides… He was here to help Jana. To be an understanding friend and not to lay his own troubles on her.
The war he had to fight was with his own family. It did not concern Jana and it would be best if he did not involve her.
He shook his head to get his own thoughts out of it. Turning to look at her again, he asked her if she could sit down once more with him.
"Please Jana, can you sit down and we can certainly talk about more pleasant things…
…I cannot let you go see the Council with anger in your thoughts. You need to find your center… Be your true self..." He kindly spoke.
He could see Jana was calming herself now. Perhaps, she would have time to clear her mind before she was to see the Council.
"Please… sit. Sit with me.We can talk about other things" His words were spoken quite soft.
Jana was listening to Kiel's words. He perhaps is able to understand how I... feel., came into her thoughts.
Jana tried to calm down. When she was calm enough, she sat down again next to Kiel.
"It will... it will be all right. I just... I just let.. these thoughts to... control me." Jana looked at Kiel.

"Forget about my "family".. I don't consider them as my family!", said Jana with voice filled with anger again.
"Perhaps you can tell me about your experiences as a Jedi? I really want to find inner peace and balance. Do you think they will help me with my struggles... " Jana shivered, as she was speaking.

"Do you... do you know how it's... to have doubts about yourself and your skills? I ... I can hardly believe in myself... just look at me..."
Jana regretted for a while that she revealed her weakness... one of many she had.

"Well, enough of me...", she said once more again and looked at Kiel's eyes. Some tears appeared in her eyes, as her memories were returning to her again and again. She quickly hid them away from Kiel, to not show weakness again. No, not again, she thought. Kiel could sense that many thoughts troubled her. She had left a life she did not want, but she had carried her grief with her. These troubled thoughts were not left behind and they were still causing her turmoil...
Jana had looked away from him after she got up. Looking out over the at the farthest distance that she could of the campus.
But Kiel's words called her back, and she turned to face him once more. The young man was still seated, and gave a little explanation of a similar conflict that he himself was in.
Yet, Kiel looked calm and collective. This helped Jana get control of her emotions once more and sat back down.
"I know sometimes thoughts and emotions can get away from you, Jana.
But you are safe here. This is a place where you can find yourself and be a master of your own destiny...And no." He paused.
" I am not a Jedi."
There was another moment of silence , as Jana was trying to figure out what he meant by that.
What did he mean with that he's not a Jedi?, she thought She was a bit confused. But perhaps this is something he doesn't want to talk about? I know how he is feeling...
"Jana... I am here for academic reasons... Not at all to become a Jedi Knight of this Order." He spoke into her eyes.
"There is not enough time to explain, as the Council is adjourning right about now...But my life at this moment is irrelevant.What is important is yours. Jana, you must collect yourself and control your anger.The Council will definitely know that you have had a troubled past, as they can sense your thoughts. But, as long as you have control of your emotions that can lead to anger... They will see you as a potential student. They must know that you can certainly control anger.Do not let your emotions get away from you in there...." Kiel went to explain.

"It is alright to feel what you feel now. Here you will be taught how to clear your mind and leave what troubled you in the past behind.You are here to start a new life. A new journey that you will have control of. You will chose your own path, your own destiny." He continued.
Jana was understanding what Kiel was saying and listened for a while.
She knew he was trying to help her prepare for the Council. His words sounded comforting and she was indeed putting her anger aside.
"Jana... You are among many beings that have the same gift as yourself here.You are among your own kind. No one here will try to control you. But here, you will learn to control yourself... Your Force.Where you take these abilities and how you use them will certainly be up to you.You will succeed, Jana. But you must stay focused on the present for now.
The past you will slowly heal. Perhaps the wound it has caused will never fully close, but it will not control you. You will be stronger than that!" He assured her.

"You haven't touched your sweet bread..." His eyes now gave away a small smile.
Jana looked at her sweet bread. She didn't have thoughts on foot, not at all. But she forced herself to eat at least something.

"Kiel... you said they will... they will know my thoughts?" This was somewhat scary for her, as she tried to hide all emotions, weaknesses and doubts within herself.

"Well... I would be glad, if they give me chance to unlearn some things and learn new ones... But... but I really doubt I can ... I'm able to change. It's so hard to .. believe. Believe in myself... Kiel. Can you realize... how I can feel... how others can trust me... when I don't even trust myself?"

Jana shivered under Kiel's gaze.

"I know that I should be able to control my emotions.. and to be able to quiet my mind... but yet.. I just can't! I can't do that! Imagine that... every minute thoughts are occupying your mind... they flow through you... and you aren't able to stop them!"

Jana looked very unhappy, because of this fact. Her mind was like an wild river, which is uncontrolled and somewhat dangerous.
"Kiel... I really want to find myself... and... to find inner peace,... to face myself and my struggles... and finally... to serve others as balanced Jedi..."
Jana nodded her head.
"I will... I will try to remain calm, I... I promise... But... I will need a bit help", she said.
"Do... do you believe then can teach me... how to be more balanced with myself? How it's possible?"

" Jana... Everything is possible. But, you must first believe in yourself." Replied Kiel.
"The Jedi here, will show you a way... A path to self discovery and you will learn how to guide yourself. No one can do this but yourself. They can only be your guide here. What you discover and learn about yourself and what you do with this knowledge is up to you.
The Masters here show you the right paths. But you must be the one to walk it..." He spoke gently, but with conviction.

It was absolutelly clear that Jana was so doubtful. Yet, she regretted, she had said too much already. Can he be trust? Well... I hope so... He seems... kind. Kind person, but yet... I sense something strange on him. What is it?, appeared in her mind. But she didn't say anything and ate more of her sweet bread.

Jana had just taken a few morsels of the bread and was now just picking little pieces off and just lightly discarding them on the ground. Soon, some small winged creatures were drawn to this scattered food, and started to land and hop around nervously, looking between the two of them and the sweet bread on the ground.

Kiel and Jana slowly turned their attention to them, as they were chirping, unsure if it was safe for them to attempt drawing closer and take the crumbs.
Jana seen their reluctance, and gently threw more pieces farther.The little creatures went for them, as they were at a greater distance and felt more comfortable. As Kiel and Jana observed, the little creatures slowly gained confidence and hopped closer to them to take the earlier crumbs.They were trusting the two seated students not to harm them...

Jana smiled and turned to Kiel.

"I take it... Slow steps, are the key to overcoming one's fears..." spoke Kiel
"But these steps you must be willing to take yourself, Jana. It is only then, that you can start to overcome many fears... Many things you'll accomplish that you thought not possible."

She took one deep breath. Kiel is perhaps right... isn't he? Can I really... make it?

"I know I.. I must go this path on my own... others can only show me the way... but I must walk it on my own... I know. Nobody... nobody can walk my path.", said Jana, as she was watching these small creatures. She looked back to Kiel's eyes.
"Yes, you are right... I am also very reluctant. I... I have my reasons for it.. you know. But... but perhaps... perhaps, one day.. I will be able to become more confident. More confident in myself... and also more confident to others. I hope... I really hope it will be soon... not only because of me. It's because of... others."
Jana looked up, at blue sky. It was now more warm weather, as some time has passed, as Jana and Kiel were talking. Jana didn't realize how much time has passed from the morning, when they met for a talk. She didn't care. She absolutelly forgot about time.
Jana looked at the sun. She liked to look into it. Although she prefered nights, when it's calm out and nobody is disturbing her thoughts. No emotions. No people. No aliens. Nobody.
"Kiel... will you tell me... about the Jedi Council? How they are like... and what they will ask me..?", she said, and looked back at the Kiel.
He fell silent for a moment. But this moment soon ticked away and was behind him like the short hours they had spent out here already...
Kiel stood up. He gently put his hand on her shoulder.

"Jana... Jana, it's time." He softly spoke.
"Yes... yes, it's time... I know...", she said. Her voice was again only a little more than a whispering. "I... I will meet the Council... yes..", she added. She was talking more to herself, to encourage herself, than to Kiel.
He could not answer her question, as he had never gone before the Council himself. What they asked or how they asked, he had no clue.
Kiel had been taken personally as a Padawan by Master Atonai. Kiel wasn't even approved by the Council. But Atonai had been a good and true friend of his father and had taken Kiel under his guidance for now. Atonai had intentions of presenting Kiel to the Council, but the time and circumstances had to be right. For the Council would not know what to make of Kiel at his present state...

Her eyes told him many things...She looked up at him for a moment then lowered her eyes and nodded.
Jana looked at Kiel's eyes - more into the deep.
Yes,.. it's time for me to meet the Jedi Council. What will await here for me?, she asked herself. Her heart begun to beat more quickly, as she became nervous and a bit afraid. Afraid of that, what may await for her at the Council.. Slowly she rose, as Kiel removed his hand from her shoulder.
The small winged creatures took to flight. The sun had warmed the morning nicely, and the place they were was tranquil and serene. She a last look around, and to the little creatures that were startled when they both rose up.
"I'm sorry Jana... I don't know what the Council will ask of you, really. I've never been before them all. Have yet to go before them at all..." he announced.
"..I may not be all you think I am...But, one thing is for certain... I am a friend." His words spoke truth, and Jana could feel they came from his heart.
He nodded to her and gestured with his eyes for them to walk back to the main building.
Then, she followed Kiel, who led her on her way to meet elders of the Jedi Order - the Jedi Council, who would decide what will happen to her in the future.
Kiel could see that she was certainly nervous and was starting to have doubts about herself. But he kept talking and tried to let her know that the only fears were that of her own that she would have to overcome. There was nothing to fear of the Council. They only saw truth and would see that Jana had her heart in the right place. She had gone trough a life of turmoil and regrets, but her path was a bright one and destiny called out to her to be more than she had ever dreamed.
Kiel knew he was reaching Jana, but she was so full of doubts. These doubts, she would have to leave behind, before she could enter the Council Chambers...

They walked up the Academy steps once more and entered the building. They walked past the lobby and down the corridor that was leading them to the Council Chambers...
The walk back to the main building approached them at a very alarming rate. Even though they walked slow and Kiel was assuring Jana that everything would certainly go well, she was still somewhat very comprehensive.
But she trooped along at a steady pace and knew that this was the reason she was here.
She wanted to be taught in the ways of the Jedi. She knew that deep inside, she wanted this life. It was her destiny and she would succeed.
Perhaps for the first time in her life, she suddenly had a clear objection... A clear path to walk on.

"Jana... Just believe in yourself. You are stronger than what you may at this moment believe. Look deep inside yourself and feel the Force drawing you to this path..." Spoke Kiel, as they reached the doors.
Pausing for a moment, Kiel turned to her and put his hands on her shoulders. He looked deep inside her eyes and found Jana.

Jana was a bit behind herself, but recognized Kiel and came forward as he called on her.

"Jana... Stay on the surface. Stay focused. No doubts... Tell them of the path you want to take." His voice called her out.
Jana nodded.

Kiel then gave her a reassuring nod and let go of her shoulders.

The doors opened without requiring a knock.

One of the Masters bowed a greeting to the both of them and gestured them to enter.
Kiel responded and guided Jana to the center of the Council Chambers.

Young man spoke in a soft tone and gestured toward Jana...

"This is Jana. She comes from Coruscant and is a Force adept individual...She is here to seek knowledge of the Force, and serve the Jedi Order..."

One of present Masters was sipping his nasil bud tea when Kiel entered with a new student of the Force. From the ripples she produced, she seemed a tad nervous, and it was understandable.
To be questioned by a room full of Jedi Masters would make anyone nervous.

He placed his cup down upon the armchair and rose to greet the newcomer. "Hello young one. My name is Master Ranzen Elara and of course these are the rest of the Jedi council members." He gestured to each of them starting with Atonai and Jarom all the way up to Haike.
His gaze turned to Kiel. "Thank you for bringing her to us, Kiel. You are dismissed to attend back to your duties." Ranzen then returned back to his seat and gestured to Jana to stand at the center of the council chambers.
"As you know, we all have questions to ask our new students," he commented soothingly. "I guess the first would be to know your name and where did you come from? And as well, why did you wish to become a Jedi?"

Jana was standing in the center of the Council chambers. She was nervous and shivering. She looked up at all members of the Council. She tried to put all thoughts away from her mind. No! Not now!, she thought.
She tried to read their thoughts, but this time she wasn't able to do so. There's something strange about all Jedi I've meet... I'm not able to guess their thoughts...
She looked at the Jedi Master, who called himself Ranzen Elara. She remained silent for few moments, as she was trying to find words.
"My name.. my name is Jana. I've come from planet Coruscant... you know."

Jana's voice was again only slightly more than whispering.

"I came here to... to find myself. To learn the way of the Force to be able better serve to others. To find inner peace and balance. I... I don't know if... if that's... enough reason... But I...really want to find myself and my place... on this world."

She looked again at Master Elara. Again, she put away all thoughts, which were trying to came into her mind.
The Jedi Master, who invited them, when Jana entered Council Chambers with Kiel, watched and listened to Jana as she answered Master Elara's basic question. Like many that came before the Council, Jana was nervous; her future, at this moment, was uncertain to her.
That could turn anyone's stomach.

The Jedi Master decided it was his turn to add a question. "Greetings, young one. I'm Master Haike Ryuune. Tell me, why does being a Jedi appeal to you? Are you aware of the trial you will go through?"

Jana looked at Master Ryuune, who gave her next question. She remained silent for a while, as she was completing her thoughts in her mind.

Am I really worthy to become a Jedi? Will I be able to stand all trials I may face here? Will I be.. able to... face even my worst enemy - myself?, came to her mind. Her thoughts were occupying her again. Too many doubts I do really have...But... no! not this time!, she said to herself. It's not time for this!

I'm ... I'm sorry for delay, she quickly said with strong nervousness in her voice.
"How does being a Jedi appeal to me? Well... I've heard that you Jedi are protectors of peace. I'd like to uphold peace. Peace on our world and as well as I would like to find peace within myself. I... I know I have some... struggles with myself... but..." Jana stopped talking.
I've made mistake! I shouldn't tell them... They won't consider me as worthy!, she thought.
No, you are wrong! Do you want to tell lies for your own personal gain? For becoming a Jedi at cost of lying? No! Not really! Jana thoughts were very doubtful, as she was fighting with herself.
"I'm... I'm sorry again...I know that the way I would like to walk may be hard and difficult, but... if you consider me worthy, I... I will try to do my best. To be honest - I even still don't know what awaits me on this path, but isn't in your code "There's no ignorance, there's knowledge"? I... I think that's one thing which is in Jedi Code...", Jana added, as she tried to think, what she has heard about Jedi Order and its ethics.

"Aren't Jedi still learning? So do I, although I'm not a Jedi...",

Ranzen steepled his fingers together and leaned back in his seat, observing this new student as he relayed calming ripples of the Force to her, in order to soothe her nerves. Jana's answers were choppy but understandable, especially when confronted by several members and not one.

He replied to her answers after Haike had finished with his inquires. "Indeed, Jana, we are protectors of the peace and we try to uphold that peace as much as possible, especially in these troubled times," he elaborated further.
"As well, we all have struggles within ourselves. The key to this is to have control of our struggles and stay focused to what is at hand. If you believe you can do this and stayed focused in your training, I can see potential in you. The question is if you think you can accomplish this..."

Ranzen pondered her other question and answered it. "As for your other question, all of us are students in the Force, including me. I learn something new from it everyday, as you must as well."

The Jedi Master leaned forward. "Do you think you can accomplish these tasks? Do you think you can control your inner struggles and stay focused in your training? Perhaps you should ponder on these things before we proceed..."

"Do you think you can accomplish these tasks? Do you think you can control your inner struggles and stay focused in your training?", were words, which were repeating in Jana's mind. She shivered.
"If you believe you can do this and stayed focused in your training, I can see potential in you." From these words she heard only this horrible "if"...

Am I able.. to believe in myself? I... I really doubt about myself... I would like to say "yes"... But.. I'm not sure. And I... I don't want to lie. But still, I would like to try it!, she said to herself.
She looked up at Master Elara's eyes.

"I... I know that.. I'm very unbalanced living being.. but I can promise one thing. I can try to do my best..."

What's your best?, appeared in her mind, as reflection of her own doubts.
I.. I don't know, but I can still try!, she replied to herself.

"I know that everybody face his worst enemy. It is ourselves, who are our worst enemies. If... if I win battle with... myself, there's no bigger enemy for... me." Jana shivered again, as other Councilors from Jedi Council were watching her.

"I'm... I'm sure... that if somebody helps me... I can find way, how to face these struggles.", she said very silently and looked down, to the ground, as she was not able to look at faces of the Councilors.
"Will you ...help me? Will you help me... with finding myself...? with finding peace and balance within myself..? Will you teach me the ways of the Force?"

Jana had many feelings, which she felt. She wished that she could be more confident. As she looked back at the Councilors, nervousness came through her and she looked like as an scared child in completelly strange world.

Another Jedi Master, known as Master Elohssa leaned forward but did not speak.
Strong was this young woman's desire to find her true self. To be one with the Force.

Elohssa sensed much turmoil and self doubt from Jana, but her will was strong in the direction and path she was willing to take.He slightly nodded. To no one in particular, but as an understanding to her feelings and desires to learn.
Yes, this young lady certainly had her priorities straight and the questions Master Elara was putting forth were drawing her inner self, out to the Council.
He slowly moved his eyes on Elara and the connection they had were as one. Elohssa need not ask what was already being asked. He put his hand on his chin and rested his elbow on the arm of his seat.

Occasionally he connected with Atonai and Ryunne and all the Council members there also. No words were spoken, as they were all one with the Force around this young woman. And so it was, that sometimes one Master would speak on behalf of all there.

Elohssa was certain that Jana could feel all their presence there. There was no threat eminating from them and slowly she was gaining more confident as she realized that she could trust them with her feelings.
This questioning went along for quite some time. The young woman was faltering, yet she continued to answer the questions being put forth to her.
In all that he could feel of her... They were honest answers. She spoke from her heart... Her soul... The Force.

****

The Jedi Master Elara still sensed more nervousness emanating from the young woman in the center of the room. It was apparant in her facial expression; one didn't need the Force to sense that.

But the words caught Master Elara's attention when she spoke them. Indeed, she did have a desire to learn the ways of the Force, and he knew with the proper guidance and counsel, she would be a valuable asset to the order.
The Jedi Master rose from his seat and approached the young woman, circling around her, then placing his hands lightly upon her shoulders.
"Jana, you ask for teaching, and we are here to grant it. The words you have spoken speak truth and I do understand your hesitance, especially with your inner struggles," he spoke, raising his eyes to meet those of the council.
"That is why I am considering taking you as my padawan learner."

He gently removed his hands and faced Jana. "But before I make my decision to take you as my padawan, I must ask you one more question. This is very important."
Ranzen stared at her directly, studying her expression.
"If I take you as my apprentice, will you be willing to travel the galaxy as a member of this order, and dedicate yourself to helping others in need, even if it comes to giving your life for the sake of saving others?"
This question reminded Jana how bad and evil people and other species can be. She wanted to change her own life, to help others. To help others with their own struggles, problems... Yet, she still didn't have chance to do so. With this question it seemed that she would get chance to change herself, her life and also to influence other's lives in positive way.

But still... I need to believe in myself. I... must! But it's so... difficult! I must learn!, appeared in Jana's mind. Her doubts were so great.
I really want to help others, who are defenceless... who is manipulated... I really hate when somebody is manupulating with these, who aren't able to defend themselves!
Jana's thoughts were flying in her mind, and she became easily complete lost in them. She didn't know how long it took her, when she was able to return at the present and to give reply to Master Elara.

"I can't express it with words well enough... but I would like to say, that... that I'm willing to... serve to the Jedi Order, as well as I'm not hesitant with giving my own life for the sake of helping others...", she said.
Her voice was soft and silent. She knew suffering well and she really wanted to make other's lives better, if they will allow her to help them, of course.

No more manipulating!, she thought and looked back at Master Elara.

Ranzen listened to her soft and silent words, probing the truth of them with the Force and finding that she meant every word of her statement. That sheer truth of the matter gave the Jedi Master a reason to give his reply with a warm smile.

"Your answer has defined the traits of a Jedi," he answered, clasping his hands together. "For that, the Force will guide your journey as I train you as my Padawan learner. I see much potential in you, Jana, do not underestimate what you can accomplish in this decision you have made."
Jana looked at Master Elara. For few moments she wasn't able to find any proper words.
Does that mean... they are giving me... chance? I... can hardly believe it's truth!, she thought, as she was really surprised and excited at the same moment. I will have chance to change my life... myself.. and also..., she didn't end her thought.
She was trying to stay at the moment. At least for now.
Master Elara circled behind her and placed his hands again on her shoulders to reassure the young woman, as he addressed the council. "You have heard her words and I see truth in them, as I am sure you have as well," he declared. "And for that, I wish to announce to the council that I will take Jana as my next padawan learner to the Force."

Ranzen cleared his throat.
"If the council has anything to say about this matter, please speak your peace. Otherwise, a show of nods will acknowledge my intentions."

Elohssa's eyes trailed over to Master Atonai, when Elara asked to be supported in his decision to take on Jana as his Padawan.
Atonai gave but a moment of thought, then a warm smile surfaced on his face. The old master approved.
Elohssa then turned to Ranzen, and gave his own gesture of approval also.

Yes... The Council was united, in the belief that this young woman had great potential, and would be an asset to the Jedi Order.
Jana had much to learn and a long journey ahead of her. But, her spirit was strong and she would certainly go the distance.

Elohssa was certain that one day, Jana would be sitting on a similar Council, and would one day, welcome new Padawan learners of the Force herself.

Ranzen leaned to the woman's ear. "And if you have any other words to speak to the council, now is the time to say so..."
"Yes... I... I would like to say... Thank you... thank you for giving chance to somebody... like me. I will... I will try to don't let you down, I swear....", she said towards Jedi Council, with silent and shivering voice, as it was so difficult for her to think of any words now.
Jana looked back to Master Elara.
"Thank you...", she said, as she was so grateful."Will you tell me... what will happen to me...now?"

****

The pair exited the Jedi Council's chambers as the young woman addressed the Jedi Master with her question of concern. Ranzen turned and smiled warmly, expressing words to hopefully quiet her anxiety.
"What will happen to you, my young padawan? You make it sound like it is something dreadful," he jeered playfully. He placed a hand upon her shoulder and gave reassurance again.
"Now that you are a student to the academy, you will be required to begin classes in the Jedi arts, under the teachings of Masters Atonai, Jarom, Haike, Phantaris, and myself."
He explained to his new student as they stood in the clean corridor. "Each class is open for your choosing, including mine. At the moment, I have four students lined up for class, but I am sure they won't mind another. As well, the other Masters are open as well."

Jana didn't pay attention to her Master too much. Her surprise from being accepted into Jedi Order was too big, to be able to think about something different.
I won't let you down, I promise, where her only thoughts.

And so, it seemed that Jana's rebirth just begun.