New chapter up. As always, thanks to everyone reading this tale. Enjoy.

Quinn made her way through the Jedi temple to Master Jerel's meditation chamber. She had been working with a young padawan on a double saber technique when she was summoned. She'd been Jerel's padawan for the better part of two years now and he very rarely summoned her, which made her worry. Even though she sensed his presence in his chamber, she couldn't tell if her summons was good or bad. It was always hard to tell with Jerel, since he masked his emotions well.

Upon entering his chamber, Quinn found her master sitting at his table, looking over a datapad.

"Ah, Quinn, thank you for coming. I hope I haven't interrupted anything too important."

Quinn shrugged, taking a seat in the chair across the room. "I was working with Lorron on his saber technique. I think using two blades will work out well for him, as long as he works on it and doesn't expect it to come to him overnight."

"Well, you're a good teacher. He'll get it." Jerel put his datapad down and turned to face Quinn. "Tell me, have you heard about what's been happening lately?"

"Do you mean about the Emperor being killed?"

Jerel nodded.

"Yes, I've heard, though I remain skeptical." She said.

"How so?"

Quinn leaned back in her chair. "Well, what you need to understand is that the Emperor is not like any other Sith or Jedi in existence. It's said he's lived for centuries and is impossible to kill. He conveyed his will through his various minions, his voice, his hands, his wrath, but he himself never personally acted on his own. Many members of the dark council honestly believed he was dead, but none of them were willing to put their necks on the line to test the theory. His physical body may be dead, but I doubt we've heard the last of him."

Jerel chuckled. "Well, Republic brass and the Jedi council agree with you. A new arrangement is being sought between us and the military. They wish to add a Jedi to all special forces units throughout the Republic military. The idea is that a Jedi should be able to sense the Emperor if his disembodied form pops up. The council has agreed with the idea, though the order is small in number."

"And how does this affect me?" Quinn asked.

"Well, it seems Major Deshan of Havoc Squad has requested you join her team. You must have made an impression the last time you worked with them."

Quinn had a shocked look on her face.

"I can't imagine it was a good impression, since I ignored the Major's orders and almost killed an unarmed scientist."

"Yes, but you also lead the team to success on a particularly dangerous mission. Havoc has always been a squad focused on results and taking whatever risks necessary to get the job done."

Quinn rested her elbows on her knees and leaned forward. "I'm not even a Jedi."

Jerel smiled at his padawan. "Technically, you're still a padawan, that's true. However, you're not an ordinary padawan, just learning the ways of the Force. You're powerful and are now tempered by the light. If you wish the accept the invitation to join Havoc squad, I will not object. It must be your decision, but I think you could be a great asset to them."

"You think I'm ready?" Jerel could hear the uncertainty in Quinn's voice. True, she had made monumental strides in becoming a Jedi, but total confidence in herself was something she still strives for. Probably always would, at least slightly.

"As ready as anyone could be for an assignment such as this. By joining a military squad, you'll need to follow the orders of the commanding officer. You never know what kinds of situations you'll face or what kinds of orders you'll be required to follow. It'd be difficult for any Jedi to be totally ready." Jerel stood and approached Quinn. "As for the possibility you might slip into your old ways, I can't say if you'll be put into a situation which might cause it to happen. Considering the types of missions Havoc is usually assigned to, I think probably will happen. Fortunately, you'll have Captain Jorgan there to help pull you back from the edge. I imagine as you gain trust with the other members of the team, they'll also be able to assist you, if needed. It's a risk only you can decide to take. The Major obviously feels you're up to the task. She wouldn't have requested you by name otherwise."

Quinn once again leaned back in her chair. She had enjoyed her time with Havoc squad, though the mission ended awkwardly. She'd never considered taking a permanent position with the team. Of course, she'd never considered training as a Jedi, either. When she defected, all she was looking to find was peace, but it seemed like the Force was pushing her to do more with her life.

The belief that the Force could rule over what you did with your life was common among Jedi and Sith alike. It was one of the few things they both agreed on. Quinn hadn't put much stock in the concept before, but recent events were starting to make her revise her opinion of the matter.

To Be Continued...