Hello everyone. I am amazed by the reviews I am getting, thank you all very much. I have been taking notice of some of the suggestions and some of them I will use. Anyway, here's chapter 11. Barriss Offee, now back in the light, stands before the Jedi Council, Ahsoka has an eye opening counselling session and Obi-Wan consoles Luminara to interesting effect.

The Order Redeems: Chapter 11 – Interesting Events

Jedi Master Luminara Unduli stood before the Jedi High Council. She had just dropped Ahsoka off at the Halls of Healing, now she stood with her newly redeemed Padawan Barriss Offee. Luminara hoped she could convince the council to give Barriss a second chance, if not with the Jedi, then at least to live. The thought of Barriss being put to death had upset her to the core since the judgement had first been passed. Thanks to Ahsoka, Luminara now had this chance to hopefully overturn that brutal ruling. She wondered if she would ever be able to repay Ahsoka; she owes her Padawan's life and soul to her.

Barriss Offee stood next to her master. She still believed herself that she deserved to die, but she made a promise to herself as she stood there that she will never let the darkness in again and even if she still does die, she will die in the light. 'How can I ever make it up to you Ahsoka?' she asked herself. Barriss's emotions were swirling, full of grief and shame; even if Ahsoka and her master had forgiven her, it didn't mean the council would. It didn't mean that she could forgive herself.

There was an inescapable silence through the council chamber; a silence which no one felt comfortable with. All the council members were staring at Barriss with looks that could kill her on their own if she wasn't strong enough to resist; which she wasn't sure she was. Finally, it was Master Unduli who broke the silence "Masters, I am pleased to say that Ahsoka was successful and a miracle has occurred. Ahsoka has brought Barriss back to the light."

It was quite clear that Master Windu was sceptical "We will have to judge that for ourselves Master Unduli. Padawan Offee, what do you have to say for yourself?"

Barriss took a deep breath and prayed to the Force; she knew this wouldn't be easy "Masters, I was week. I was so affected by a mission that I forgot my better judgement. I let the dark side control me masters and committed crimes that I will never forgive myself for. I thank Ahsoka Tano from the bottom of my heart for making me see the error in path that I chose and I hold her forgiveness very dear." Barriss couldn't stop herself from tearing up "Ahsoka made me realise that I took the easy option instead of talking about my problems. My real crime was not trusting my master or this order. Masters, I can say that I will always endeavour to redeem myself and make amends. I will not let that darkness control me again. I understand the military court's decision to sentence me to death and if that is to be my fate, I promise, I will die in the light."

"See your own mistakes you do" Master Yoda had been reading Barriss since she first walked in. He could tell her darkness had gone, but could she keep it out of her? "A good sign that is. Hard to see the darkside is; even harder to see in oneself. Full of grief you are young one; learn to forgive yourself you must if redemption you seek."

"I do seek redemption master" Barriss lowered her head "I will do everything within my power to make up for the monstrous acts I have done."

"Why did you try to frame Little 'Soka?" Master Plo Koon was still reeling from Ahsoka's decision to leave. He decided to take advantage of the alteration to the Jedi Code and try to heal himself; this was as good as place as any to start.

Barriss started to cry "I don't know Master Plo, I truly don't. As I said, I let the dark side control me; it just kept telling me to frame someone. Master Plo, that is the action I will regret the most. I will never forgive myself for that and I don't want to either. Ahsoka deserves better than the situation I put her in." Barriss couldn't help the hint of anger with herself, but quickly released it into the Force; she will not fall again.

Master Unduli embraced Barriss; she felt terribly sorry for Barriss. She knew that Barriss's spirit had been tested beyond breaking point. Whatever happened on that mission it had destroyed her. Master Unduli decided to find out even if she had to ask Ahsoka. "It's alright Barriss. No one is expecting you to be perfect; you have been through an ordeal as well. The dark side destroys people and it has destroyed you. You are back now Barriss, you will survive; I will help you." She then turned to the council "Masters, Ahsoka told me that Barriss had been badly affected by a mission. I don't know what happened yet and I don't think we should push Barriss. Please take that into account."

Obi-Wan Kenobi was intrigued "We do need to know about that; it will help us with our decision." Obi-Wan wasn't being unkind; he was actually giving Barriss the opportunity to explain her hurt.

Sniffing away tears Barriss said "It's alright; I will tell you. It occurred on the invasion of Kiola. The clones and I were ambushed by blaster fire from some houses. After the clones had cleared out the homes, I went to investigate. I was appalled when I realised they were ordinary families. Masters, the clones had killed the children as well. Masters, I was so overcome with grief, I blamed the war, blamed the Jedi, blamed myself. That is when the dark side entered me" Barriss broke down in tears.

Luminara broke out in tears also; she threw her arms around Barriss "Barriss, that is terrible, no wonder you fell. Why didn't you tell me? Barriss, I will help you through this I promise; I will help you stay in the light." Turning her head to the council she stated "Masters I think we need to find those clones; they are guilty of war crimes."

Barris's statement had shocked the council and a wave of understanding swept through them "Find those clones we must. Bring them to justice we will. Unacceptable their behaviour was." Master Yoda stated "Understand your fall we now do Padawan Offee. Need help yourself you do. Let go of your grief you must."

"What about the death sentence?" Master Mundi asked. He was appalled by what he had just heard; his anger against Barriss dissipated the instant he heard that.

Master Windu shocked everyone when we stated "I will speak to Chancellor Skywalker. I'm sure she will overturn that if I tell her the details and that Barriss has come back to the light." He looked at Barriss "Padawan Offee, I'm sure you understand we can't just reinstate you into the Order. However, if the chancellor agrees, you will be assigned some public work activities as your sentence. If you complete those without falling back to the dark side, we will discuss your re-entry into the Order."

Obi-Wan was delighted by what Mace said; he has definitely changed. Obi-Wan wondered what Shaak Ti had said to him to accomplish that. However, as much as he didn't want to say it, he knew it was required "I'm afraid Padawan Offee, we are legally required to house you in our cells until Master Windu discusses this with the chancellor. I'm sure she will decide in your favour, especially if Anakin has a word with her; she is his wife after all."

"I understand Master Kenobi. I thank you all for this chance; I'm still not sure I deserve it. If this is allowed, I promise I will not let you all down. I promise it to Ahsoka." Barriss gave a slight bow.

"Escort her to the cells you will Master Unduli" Master Yoda stated "await Chancellor Skywalker's decision we do."

"Yes Master" Master Unduli turned to the door "Come Barriss, I will make you as comfortable as possible."

"Yes Master" Barriss followed Luminara out of the door and headed to the cells. Barriss was delighted; the outcome was as good as was possible. Barriss knew that the Chancellor had to give her ok so her death sentence wasn't overturned yet, but she was hopeful; she would just have to wait and see.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Ahsoka Tano was back in the Halls of Healing. She was delighted that she was able to bring Barriss back from the dark side, but knew the council and the chancellor truly held Barriss's fate. Ahsoka was actually more optimistic than she had been before; the council were now starting to make better and more compassionate decisions all of a sudden. It was beginning to make her think; about what, she wasn't entirely certain, but she was beginning to wonder if her future truly was on Shili.

Ahsoka was waiting on her bed; a Jedi Healer trained in counselling was due to come and see her. Having never seen a counsellor before, Ahsoka wondered exactly what she had let herself in for; still she was grateful for the help. Ahsoka knew her mental condition was still slightly suspect at best even though the events of the last couple of days had gone a long way towards repairing her heart.

Just then a tall human woman walked into Ahsoka's room. She had long black hair that reached her chest, green eyes and very light, almost white skin. She was wearing a light grey Jedi Robe over a yellow top and a light red skirt. Ahsoka estimated the woman was in her early thirties. "Good afternoon Ahsoka" the woman stated, she then smiled "I'm Master Ticarti Mai. I have been assigned to assist you overcome your ordeal."

Ahsoka blinked initially; she could sense the woman's strong connection to the Force, there was no doubt, this woman was a Jedi Master and a healer. Smiling, Ahsoka replied "Good afternoon Master Mai."

"Please, just call me Ticarti. I don't like the Jedi formalities when dealing with patients." Ticarti had been told of the circumstances Ahsoka was in; she knew that Ahsoka wasn't a Jedi anymore, so Ahsoka being formal in her address interested Ticarti. Her first question surprised Ahsoka in its simplicity "So Ahsoka, how do you feel?"

Ahsoka stopped for a second; she actually didn't know how she felt "Happier than I was I guess."

Ticarti sensed Ahsoka's confusion "That's great, but why do you feel happier?" slightly awkward questions were Ticarti's style.

Ahsoka had to think "Um, things are going better I suppose. The evil Palpatine is dead the guy that raped me is in custody and I brought Barriss Offee back to the light earlier so I've got my best friend back."

Ticarti didn't want to dive right into Ahsoka's rape just yet, she knew it was too soon; she would have to gain Ahsoka's trust before she touched that, but redeeming Barriss was interesting; why did she do that? "Yes, Luminara told me about that. You have made her very happy. That was a wonderful thing you did Ahsoka. Tell me, where did you get the strength to do that?"

"I don't know, I guess I just wanted my best friend back so I did what I had to do to make it happen." Ahsoka broke out into a grin "I guess the Force helped me also."

Ticarti suspected Ahsoda had drawn on the Force "The Force will always help us my dear." Ticarti then had an idea; she knew it might annoy Ahsoka slightly, but that was partly the point "The Force is always a Jedi's best friend Ahsoka."

Ahsoka snapped back almost before Ticarti finished the sentence "But I'm not a Jedi" she looked down "At least, not anymore." The slight hint of anger and remorse was clear in her voice.

'Hmmm, she said that very quick; almost too quickly. I wonder?' Ticarti said to herself. Adopting an understanding tone she said "That doesn't actually matter Ahsoka, you are still strong in the Force and it will always help you. Tell me, have you meditated recently?"

Ahsoka was again surprised by that question. Ticarti's style wasn't what Ahsoka expected at all; mind you, she didn't know what to expect "Not really. Mind you, I don't really trust myself much with the Force right now."

'Interesting statement, especially since she used it to aid with Barriss.' Ticarti thought; Ahsoka was beginning to fascinate her; she sensed that Ahsoka was asking a question to herself that she wasn't aware of. In addition, she found that she liked her; Ahsoka was pleasant. "You must mediate Ahsoka, it will help you more than you realise. You may find it will answer a question you have; that question you are almost too scared to admit to yourself that you're asking. However, I must ask. Why don't you trust yourself?" She was really interested to hear Ahsoka's answer to that.

Ahsoka winced; she really didn't want to go there. Ahsoka considered refusing to answer, but she knew she had to get better so she decided to answer. Sighing loudly she responded "Ticarti, I spent almost a week on the run. On the run from my former friends. During this time I found myself having to act first and ask questions later. Once I was found innocent, I wasn't sure if I could control that; at least not at first especially after the rape and visions."

"So….you stopped using the Force as you thought you would lose control. That's actually a very wise path to take Ahsoka. It takes a strong spirit to realise a lack of control. So how do you feel about it now?"

Ahsoka had to think; this woman does ask awkward questions "I guess redeeming Barriss has helped me regain control a bit. I must admit to a hint of fear in the prison."

Ticarti was really interested now; she was beginning to see the old Ahsoka in the girl in front of her "But you pushed through it. Ahsoka, that's enough for now. I will see you again. I'm going to leave you with a request; I want you to meditate on what we have discussed here and I want you to use the Force slightly. Don't do anything you aren't comfortable with, but I think it will do you good. Well goodbye until our next appointment Ahsoka."

"Goodbye Master Mai." Ahsoka responded. As Master Ticarti Mai headed out of the door, Ahsoka decided to do as she was instructed. She sat on the floor, closed her eyes, crossed her legs and opened herself to the Force; wondering what Ticarti meant about a question she was too scared to ask.

-0-0-0-0-0-

It had been a few hours since Master Unduli had brought Barriss in front of the council. She knew that Master Windu had headed off to speak with Chancellor Skywalker. Luminara hoped that Padmé would grant Barriss a second chance, but she would have to wait and see.

Although she was delighted that Barriss had redeemed and was back on the light, she also couldn't help but think about Ahsoka. It was very possible that Barriss would get her chance, but Ahsoka was still going back to a lonely future on Shili. To Master Unduli, that didn't really seem fair. She was delighted that she may get her Padawan back of course, but what about Ahsoka? She also couldn't help but feel sorry for Anakin Skywalker; she knew he had a new Padawan, Katooni, but she knew that Anakin loved Ahsoka almost as much as his wife.

Master Unduli had spent all the time since taking Barriss to the temple cells in the room of a thousand fountains. She knew she had to sort her own feelings out. Luminara noticed that many Jedi had been doing the same since the chance of code. In her opinion, allowing feelings and relationships was the best decision the council has ever made. She was mad at herself that she hadn't thought this way sooner. Maybe if she had, Barriss wouldn't have fallen to begin with.

"Master Unduli."

Slightly stunned, Luminara looked up to see a concerned Obi-Wan Kenobi looking at her. Smiling she responded "Afternoon Master Kenobi."

Obi-Wan was concerned; he could sense Luminara's conflict and self-doubt; it reminded him of how he found Anakin in this same room a few days ago. He sat down next to her, placing his hand on hers he asked "Luminara, what's wrong?"

She had to smirk at Obi-Wan taking her hand, but quickly shook her head "Just thinking about the injustice in all this Obi-Wan."

"I know" he responded "A part of me died also when Ahsoka left. When Anakin and I learned what had happened to her, I almost felt like leaving myself. At least she is here getting treatment and the council has learnt its lesson."

Nodding Luminara added "Yes, we can be thankful for that, but I still have to ask myself how I missed Barriss's problems. Why didn't she tell me about those clones killing kids? I'm happy she may get her second chance but Obi-Wan, what about Ahsoka? She deserves better than living alone on Shili."

Obi-Wan closed his hand around Luminara's "Yes she does, but that really is out of the council's control now. We have no control of her now."

Resting her head on Obi-Wan's chest Luminara stated "I hope she finds something or someone I really do. Everyone needs that and I'm ashamed it's taken me this long to realise it."

Obi-Wan noticed his heart speed up as Luminara put her head on his chest "I'm ashamed it's taken me this long as well. Anakin knew better than all of us after all. Maybe that's what the prophecy meant."

"Well the Order has learnt his lesson Obi-Wan. Now we just need to hope that Padmé agrees with us about Barriss and somehow, Ahsoka gets a better future."

Obi-Wan nodded, before he noticed Anakin Skywalker and Katooni approaching them. Even from here he could see the massive smirk on Anakin's face and the fact that Katooni was giggling. As he got nearer Anakin started to laugh "About time master."

Katooni couldn't stop giggling "Master Unduli, Master Kenobi. That is a beautiful sight." She put a hand over her mouth to try and contain her laughter.

Obi-Wan glared daggers at the pair "Anakin, teaching your Padawan bad habits again I see."

Anakin burst out in laughter; this was too good for words "It's not our fault you two are falling for each other in front of us."

Luminara and Obi-Wan went red, but hey both decided to stay where they were; the damage had been done "Is there something you want Skywalker?" Luminara asked; she wasn't really sure where to put herself.

Desperately trying to control his laughter, Anakin replied "The council has heard back from my wife. Mace told me to tell you that Barriss will be given her chance. I had a word with Padmé myself just to let you know. Padmé told me that no one else is to die over this."

Luminara released a huge wave of relief "Thank you Skywalker. Thank the Force."

Deciding there was no point in trying to recover the situation Obi-Wan pulled Luminara into a full embrace "That really is good news Luminara. Thank you Anakin; now leave us before I tell your wife how you're taking the mick."

Anakin looked serious for a second "Actually Master, there is something else. The healers have told me that they will allow Ahsoka out soon. Since she will need to return for check-ups and counselling, Padmé and I have decided to ask her to stay with us. Do you think it's a good idea?"

"I think it's an excellent Anakin" replied Obi-Wan "both for her and you."

Anakin shot a smirk "Thank you Master. Now Katooni and I need to train so we will be on our way. By the way, Master, don't hold back this time. Genuinely, you both deserve this, if it happens." He gestured to the two of them; he then turned to Katooni "Come Katooni, I believe I need to start teaching you the basics of Form V."

Still giggling Katooni replied "Yes Master."

As Anakin and Katooni walked away, Obi-Wan couldn't help but wonder what Anakin was on about, but he noticed that Luminara Unduli actually seemed quite happy in his arms and he realised that he was happy about that. Is that what Anakin meant?

Well that's chapter 11. This is more of a set up chapter than anything. What do you all think of the Obi-Wan / Luminara situation? Next chapter, Ahsoka is allowed to leave the Halls of healing, but where will she go? Shili, with Padmé and Anakin or does she make an even more surprising decision? Also, Obi-Wan, Anakin and Katooni are assigned a mission that could end the war.