Chapter 14 – A Decision
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General point of view
Barriss let out a deep breath. "Whew, I think that's enough for now." She said as she deactivated her lightsaber. She had been sparring with Alyva for a while after they had visited Nyla in the Halls of Healing. "For someone who wants to be a healer you're certainly a strong fighter Barriss." Alyva said with a smile. She deactivated her lightsaber as well and walked up to Barriss. Both were breathing heavily. "You're not too bad yourself." Barriss replied. "It's been a little while since I've had so much fun simply sparring." She admitted with a tired chuckle. "I know what you mean, we've been so busy fighting in his war that friendly duels seem like a thing of the distant past." Alyva said. Barriss nodded. "It's really quite a shame." She replied. "Yeah, but don't worry. I'm sure that after this war we can change things back to the way they used to be." Alyva said as the two moved to a nearby bench. "I certainly hope so, I'm done with this war." Barriss replied as she handed Alyva one of the bottles of water she had brought with her. Alyva nodded her thanks as she drank it.
The two of them continued to talk for a while after they finished with their training routine. "What time is it now, anyway? I've kinda lost track of time." Alyva asked all of a sudden. "Uhm, it's almost 3pm. Why?" Barriss replied. "Whoops, I have a meeting with my Master shortly after three…" Alyva said with a nervous chuckle. "That's quite soon…" Barriss replied. "Yeah, I gotta run. Talk to you later Barriss!" Alyva said as she began to run. "See you later!" Barriss called after her. Barriss chuckled to herself before making her way back to her quarters.
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After returning to her quarters Barriss found her Master sitting on the couch, reading a holobook from the archives. "Hello Barriss, how did everything go with Padawan Sonter?" Luminara asked. Barriss sat down in the chair next to the couch. "She's doing well Master. That little surprise party we had yesterday has done quite a bit for her mental health." She replied. "That is good to hear." Luminara said. she studied her padawan for a moment. Luminara could clearly tell that there was something else troubling Barriss. "What's wrong Barriss?" she asked. "Well, I've been thinking about what you asked me a few days ago, about that appearing in that talk show." Barriss replies. Luminara placed her holobook on the table. "Have you been able to make a decision?" she asked. Barriss nodded. "Yes, I have. But I must confess, this was a very odd request from the Council." She replied. "Yes I agree," Luminara said, "However, if you think about it, this might be a beneficial opportunity for the Order." Barriss nodded again. The idea of members of the Jedi Order appearing on a talk show isn't really normal Jedi behavior. "Well, it's not really the worst thing we've done during this war. Our ways have already changed so much unfortunately. But at least this isn't some act of violence." She thought to herself. "You're right about that Master." Barriss began, "Being a bit more open about our true ways and intentions may increase the people's opinion of our Order." She took a deep breath before continuing. "I don't really know why the Council would ask me to do this, appearing on that show, but I've thought and meditated about it for a while." She looked at her Master. "If you think that it's a good idea, then I will go on that show." She said with a deep sigh. Luminara smiled. "Thank you Barriss. I do think that it's the right thing to do." She leaned forward and placed her hand on her padawan's shoulder. "I'll inform the Council of your decision later. Don't worry Barriss, it will work out just fine." She told her padawan. Barriss smiled nervously. "Thank you Master. So…When exactly is this show?" she asked. "In a couple of days. We have plenty of time to prepare for it." Luminara replied. "At least that's good, I really don't know what I have to expect from this." Barriss said. Luminara smiled. "Well, just think of it as one of those other social occasions you've learned about as a Youngling." She replied, trying to ease Barriss' worry a bit. "Come on, I have the program of the show around here somewhere. Let's take a look at it." She said as she got up. Barriss nodded and got up. "R-right."
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"If you look at the program like this, the whole show doesn't really seem that bad…" Barriss admitted after having read the program. "However, I don't think that things will go this smoothly." She said. Luminara nodded. "Such things rarely go according to plan, the way I've heard it." She replied. "But I doubt there's much to worry about Barriss." Barriss sighed. "I hope so." She said softly. Luminara observed her padawan for a moment as she read through the show's program again. "She's quite nervous about this. That's quite understandable of course, seeing as how a lot of people don't understand what she's been through. I just hope they don't give her such a hard time." Luminara thought to herself. "Barriss, how about we go and meditate for a bit?" she asked her padawan. This suggestion seemed to ease Barriss' mind. "I think I'd like that." She replied. Luminara and her padawan both got up and left their quarters and headed towards one of the meditation chambers that overlook the city surrounding the Temple.
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That's it for now.
I know, this is a very small chapter. But, I don't have much time to write anymore. I'm going on vacation, so I won't have access to my stories anymore. I just wanted to leave a little chapter about my decision regarding the show.
As you can see, I am going to do the show. I think it will be able to give me a good opportunity to describe her fall to the Dark side a bit more. If anyone has some kind of questions or things that might be discussed, leave a suggestion.
The soonest I will be able to write again is somewhere mid/end of august. I'll see you again then.