Writer's notes: I'm liking the short chapter format. I want to focus on the mysticism of the Jedi and the Force. We'll look at the lightsaber as a symbol and its significance in the Order. I also want to look at Jon's transition to become a Jedi.

Knights of the Old Republic

Dantooine

Jon narrowed his eyes at the rebuff from his mentor, Bastila Shan. He took a deep breath, telling himself that he must be the one at fault. He let out a deep sigh, donned the robe, and left to meet Bastila. At the portal to the chamber, Jon looked back, seeing all that he had been pass away. The lump in his throat mingled with bittersweet feelings that washed over him.

"It is a time to rejoice," he whispered to himself. "Not for trepidation. Why should I be concerned that everything that I was no longer exists?"

It was a lie and he knew it…and so was his rebirth as a Jedi.

Jon walked with strong paces toward his mentor, who would not make eye contact with him.

Bastila snorted. "Come, the Masters are waiting. Are you finally ready?"

Jon's face flushed red. He was a prideful man, who had seen many campaigns against many enemies and he chafed at the treatment he received at Bastila's hand.

The woman inhaled deeply as if impatient. "Hmmm, nothing to say? You were so full of words on Taris. Perhaps you have finally learned humility."

She turned disrespectfully to walk away, but Jon grasped the sleeve of her robe. "Bastila, that's enough."

Her hazel eyes looked into his own, but she seemed to focus on something faraway. It was as if she were looking at someone else.

She started to speak, her lips parting for a moment before she merely tapped him on the chest with the palm of her hand and spoke in a subdued voice. "Come Jon. Your ceremony will commence soon."

The Chamber of the Council

Bastila Shan led Jon into the grand chamber, colored in muted blues and greens, symbolizing a new Spring of Jedi learning. The deep piled carpet absorbed sound, giving the room a quiet, serene quality.

Jedi Shan inhaled deeply, letting her frayed nerves relax. The presence of the Force was everywhere…in everything. Its tender, loving arms caressed the brown haired woman and she felt ashamed at her earlier pettiness.

Together, the two young Jedi approached the august body of Masters: Dorak, Zhar, Vrook Lamar, and, most aged and wise Vandar Tokare. Bastila and Jon bowed low, feeling the Force envelope them all.

As demanded by generations of Jedi tradition, Jon produced a thick, silver cylinder and presented it to Master Vandar.

The diminutive Jedi took the cylinder with respect and manipulated it in his hands.

"It has good balance, young apprentice," the Master voiced as he examined the focusing lens and emitter. Vandar looked like a child holding the massive rod before him. The grizzled Master nodded with satisfaction and then pushed his thumb across the activation switch and the golden blade shot forth with a snarl.

The shaft of energy flickered and hummed, an object of beauty that belied its lethality.

Master Vandar unpowered the weapon and handed it back to Jon, pommel first. The new Jedi bowed and accepted the silver cylinder with both hands, palms up and Master Zhar struck a small, silver bell. The chime rang throughout the chamber, filling Jon with the calming, dulcet tone.

"This is the symbol of your dedication…your loyalty…and your sacrifice," spoke Vandar in the most serious of voices. "This is the symbol of your authority and your commitment to bring peace to the Republic. This is the soul of the Jedi."

Jon bowed again while lifting the weapon up to each of the Masters as a sign of respect.

How did a grizzled, jaded intelligence officer become an obedient Jedi? The Force works in mysterious ways.

Standing face to face with the kneeling man, Master Vandar placed his hand on Jon's shoulder. "Rise, young Padawan. Drink of the Force and become one with your brethren. Cast your doubts and burdens aside…lift the veil of darkness and see the path ahead lit by the fires of those who have gone before."

A sense of rapture took Jon Seward and, for the first time, he could truly see.

As the Force swirled about Jon like a whirlwind, Master Vrook…and Bastila lowered their heads. Darkness would fall upon them again…and no one could stop it this time.