Hi everyone. Thank you for your continued support. I see most of you have worked out Ahsoka's, as yet, unknown condition. I'm glad that most of you seem happy with it also since, I have to admit, I did have some second thoughts about it but now, I'm happy. I'm also glad that you all seem to like Eleesha. Anyway, here we go with the next chapter. This is the third and final chapter of the "Padawan Mini Arc." Ahsoka continues her preparation for her mission on Kiola, but then the Force commands her to listen to something, what does it mean for her confusion? Anakin, Padmé and Katooni head to Naboo and Ahsoka makes a decision that will change the destiny of Eleesha Altari. This will be a long chapter because of what it needs to cover. Just a note, the first part of this chapter will seem a bit strange and pointless initially, but there is a very important reason.

The Order Redeems: Chapter 38 – A Destiny Altered

Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano was grinning innately as she continued to renew the consumables in her ship, The New Horizon. She was still glowing with happiness and wonder after meeting her former master's new-born twins the day before. She had to admit that they were just too cute. She was still confused, however, with the feeling in the Force she had experienced in the hospital. She had tried to meditate on the matter but, for once, the Force had not provided her with any answers and neither had her future-self visited her again. Ahsoka was slightly sad about that; she could have really used some knowledge of the future at that point.

Of course, her confusion did not end there. She was still uncertain about the feeling in the Force she had felt around Eleesha Altari as well. She had, of course, tried to find out more about that in her meditation as well but yet again, the Force had been silent. There was one thing that she had realised, however. Just like the feeling she had around Anakin, the feeling around Eleesha did possess a certain warmth and comfort. Therefore, there was no doubt that whatever it was, the feeling was positive.

The Force had been insistent about one thing, however. Ahsoka was puzzled about why she was prepping her ship. She had initially intended to continue her studies on Kiola in the library but when she awoke that morning, Ahsoka had felt a huge compulsion and command from the Force to go to the docking bay and prep her ship. She could not understand that in the slightest but nevertheless, the draw that she felt to her ship was tangible and impossible to ignore. Why would prepping her ship be the will of the Force? Nevertheless, there was no doubt that it was as she was uncontrollably drawn to the docking bay that morning. It was almost as if the Force itself had steered her there.

Since then, she had spent the last couple of hours checking all the consumables in her ship. She had already checked the fuel, water and medical supplies in the med bay and she was now checking the food in the galley. As she suspected, it was low and some of her favourite foods were out completely. She sighed with slight frustration; time to do some refilling.

Ahsoka made her way out of the galley and headed for the boarding ramp. As she approached the ramp, to her surprise, she noticed Eleesha Altari standing just outside her ship staring at it. Even from where she was, Ahsoka could see that Eleesha had a wishful looking expression on her face and Ahsoka could sense an air of resignation about Eleesha. Ahsoka was going to walk down the ramp and talk to Eleesha but again, Ahsoka received a command from the Force. It told her to stay where she was, enhance her hearing and listen. Ahsoka frowned; why would she want to do that? She couldn't understand why the Force seemed so intent on directly commanding her today but nevertheless, Ahsoka did as was asked. She ducked down at the side of her ship's central corridor, where it would be difficult of Eleesha to see her, masked her Force signature, called on the Force to enhance her hearing and listened. To her surprise, she instantly caught the words that Eleesha was quietly whispering to the air.

"Look at this ship," Eleesha whispered. "I wonder who owns it. The people I could help if I was a Padawan and had access to a ship like this."

Ahsoka's eyes widened; Eleesha did want to be a Padawan after all? Quieting her mind, Ahsoka again concentrated on the Force and continued to listen to Eleesha's private wish to the Force. "I know I'll help people as a teacher…" Eleesha continued, "…but it would have been nice to have been picked." Eleesha sighed. "Still, I always knew that it would come to this. When I'm called in front of the Reassignment Council tomorrow, I'll hold myself high. I would have liked a chance, however. Never mind, I'll help in my own way I suppose."

Ahsoka could've sworn that she caught a tear in Eleesha's right eye as the girl ended her quiet prayer and turned away. Confident that she wouldn't be spotted, Ahsoka stood up and watched as the Pantoran left the docking bay. Ahsoka blinked her eyes in shock as she processed the private words that she had just eavesdropped. Ahsoka didn't think anything weird of Eleesha talking to the Force like that; although she didn't herself, several Jedi did, including her former Master on occasions. No, it was the words themselves that had her in shock.

After a few seconds, Ahsoka began to understand her confusion and the reasons why she was confused. Up until now, Eleesha had given every indication that she was ok and happy with going into the Educational Corps. Now, however, Ahsoka knew the truth; Eleesha was just as keen as every other Jedi youngling to become a Padawan. Eleesha's words in the library the day before did not truly convey her happiness of the situation, just the fact that she had resigned herself to the situation.

Although that confusion was cleared up, it left Ahsoka with a different topic that she was confused about. Why did the Force insist that she hear that? By the sound of it, Eleesha was going to be assigned to the Educational Corps the following day. What could she do about it? It was not as if she could interfere with the Council's decision regarding Eleesha. As Ahsoka saw it, the only way that she could change Eleesha's destiny was…Ahsoka's eyes widened. Oh Force. Her mind instantly clicked as she realised why Eleesha's destiny had always bothered her. In addition, the strange feeling she felt around Eleesha started to make sense. It had confused her why it had been similar but not identical to the feeling that she felt around Anakin. Now, she knew that it was the same feeling; the same kind of training bond. With Anakin, she was the Padawan but with Eleesha, she would be the…

Ahsoka shook her head; she couldn't bring herself to complete that thought. Her mind started to race with questions: Could she train Eleesha? Was she ready to be a master? And was she capable of being a master? Again she shook her head; there was only one thing that she could think of doing. "I need to speak to Master Yoda," she said to herself. Deciding that the food level on her ship could wait for a few hours, Ahsoka walked down the boarding ramp and out of the docking bay. She headed straight for Master Yoda's quarters.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Ahsoka stood in confusion and discomfort just outside Master Yoda's quarters. Should she really bother the grandmaster with this? Knowing Master Yoda, it was very likely all she would get from him were a bunch of riddles anyway and that was the last thing that she needed. Ahsoka now knew that the Force wanted her to take Eleesha as a Padawan; it was the only explanation about why the scene in the docking bay seemed to have been set up. It wouldn't have surprised Ahsoka if Eleesha had felt a similar draw in the Force to go to the docking bay than she did. Ahsoka still didn't know, however, if picking her was the right thing to do. Although it had been over four months since she had fully got over her experiences, she still remembered them. Ahsoka couldn't guarantee that they wouldn't affect her again at some point.

She spent several minutes standing outside the door deciding what to do. She knew she wouldn't be able to hide from the decision once she confided with Master Yoda; he certainly wouldn't let her do that. If she walked away now, she wouldn't have to make any decision and life would continue on as normal. She was just about to turn away when she suddenly thought about Eleesha. Ahsoka was Eleesha's last chance to avoid the Educational Corps and she could deny it no longer, Ahsoka did care about that. Gathering all the courage that she had built up as a knight, she knocked on Master Yoda's door.

"Enter you may Young Tano," Master Yoda's voice rung out. Ahsoka wouldn't have been surprised if he knew why she was here already.

Ahsoka walked in with some trepidation and bowed in front of the grandmaster. "Master Yoda," she stated with respect.

Master Yoda took a couple of seconds to study Ahsoka visually and with the Force. Instantly, his mouth curled up into a smile; he was right. "Confused you are young one. Presented you with a decision, the Force has."

Ahsoka nodded and replied, "Yes Master; I….I don't know what to do."

"Hmmmm, about young Altari, your confusion is, yes? Wants you to take her as your Padawan, the Force does. Sense it strongly I do."

Ahsoka closed her eyes; she knew that she couldn't hide it from Master Yoda but she was still unsure whether it was right or not. "I believe so, Master, but I don't know if I'm ready for a Padawan. I don't know if I'm good enough."

Master Yoda chuckled. He expected that Ahsoka would take some convincing. "A natural teacher, you are. Remember that, you should." He sighed. "Ready to take an apprentice you are, or match you with a Padawan, the Force would not."

Ahsoka slowly nodded as she tried to process Yoda's words. She had to admit, he wasn't talking in as many riddles as she expected he would. "I suppose so…I don't know. I'm so confused right now. Can Eleesha even be taught? She's not the best with a lightsaber."

Again Master Yoda chuckled. "Only seeing what's in front of you, you are young one. Not seeing what could be. Learn from you, she would, but also learn from her, you would."

Ahsoka frowned. She had thought too soon about riddles. She couldn't understand that last statement at all. "What do you mean, master?"

Yoda prodded Ahsoka with his gimmer stick. "Practical you are, young Tano. Concerned with action and physical approaches you are. Taught you that way, your former master did. However, know little of theory, you do and know about politics, you do not. Important these will be, if a peacekeeper you wish to be. Knowledgeable in these areas young Altari is. Teach her to wield a lightsaber and be a Jedi you can, but teach you about politics and academics, she can."

Ahsoka's eyes widened; she hadn't thought about it in that way. "I didn't know masters are supposed to learn from their apprentices."

"A surprise to you that is, hmmmmm? But learn from their apprentices, masters do. Learnt something new from every one of mine, I did. Learnt from you, Skywalker did. Helped him change the order it did."

"I had no idea," Ahsoka replied, shaking her head in confusion. "What if I make mistakes? I don't want to teach her wrong."

Yoda clipped her gently with his gimmer stick. "Listening you, have not been. Have faith you should." He smiled and chuckled. "Remember the words of your future-self, you should; told you, that succeed you do, she did."

Ahsoka's face lit up. That explained why she hadn't been visited by her future-self again. She had already been given her answer; she just didn't remember it. There was, however, one question left, and it was quite an important one. "Eleesha is being assigned to the Educational Corps tomorrow, isn't she? I'm too late aren't I?"

"Huh," Master Yoda replied. In his most playful voice, he continued, "Matters not, time does. Never too late, it is. Called in front of the Reassignment Council tomorrow, young Altari will be, but called in front of the High Council, she could be. Your decision, that is."

Ahsoka's face gained an evil smirk and with a slight laugh she stated, "Call her in front of the High Council, Master, but don't tell her the change of plan. I want to see the look on her face."

Master Yoda chuckled loudly. "An evil streak in you, there is Knight Tano. Fortunate we are that use it for fun, you do. Call young Altari in front of the council tomorrow morning, at nine o'clock, I will. Be there you should."

"I will, Master," Ahsoka responded. 'Guess I've got some more preparations to do for tomorrow; my quarters for one,' she thought to herself. A warm feeling filled her from the Force as confirmation that she had made the correct decision. She bowed and said, "Thank you for your time, Master Yoda."

"My pleasure, it is and teach her well, you will. Certain of that, I am."

Ahsoka gave a brief smile and a final bow, before she left master Yoda's quarters. She knew that the rest of the day was going to be busy. Not only did she have to finish refilling her ship's supplies, but now she had to prepare her quarters for a Padawan. That was something that she couldn't believe was happening. She just had one fear left; it was now her task to sort out Eleesha's skill with a lightsaber. She had no clue how to do that yet and with the mission on Kiola coming up, she knew she had to. With Anakin heading to Naboo, she didn't know who to turn to for help; maybe Master Kenobi, she reasoned. At least, from tomorrow, she would have Eleesha to help her with her research on Kiola. Yes, busy indeed.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Anakin Skywalker was relieved. The birth of his twins, Luke and Leia, had gone without a hitch and finally, after almost a day of rest, both they and their mother, Padmé, had been discharged from the maternity ward. Anakin glanced over to his wife sitting in the passenger seat of the speeder. Although she was fine, he could see that she was still tired and in his opinion, Naboo couldn't come soon enough. Not only would it be a chance for Padmé's family to meet the twins, but it would be a chance for Padmé to rest. Anakin, himself, had no intention to really rest. On the contrary, he was determined to look after the twins completely to give his precious wife the time and peace that she needed.

The added benefit was Katooni. This was a perfect opportunity for his Padawan rebuild her confidence and give her some time to think of things other than recovering from her injuries or how her lightsaber technique would need to be altered. He had briefly discussed the topic with his fellow council members by hologram earlier in the day and although she would be expected to keep her training up on Naboo, they agreed that she could mostly rest as well.

He already had one idea about something they should do on Naboo. Now his marriage was known and accepted, he'd always wanted to revisit the place where Padmé and he cemented their wedding vows for old time's sake. In addition, it was the perfect opportunity to teach Katooni and Ahsoka, if the council allow her to come after her mission, about marriage. This was important now it was fully permissible within the Jedi Order. In this regard, he felt exactly like their father, which wasn't too far from the truth; from a certain point of view. He decided that he would have to speak to Padmé about that at some point.

Padmé and Anakin had decided just before she left her room in the maternity ward to go straight back to the temple from the hospital. Once there, they could pick Katooni up, say goodbye to Ahsoka and Obi-Wan and take one of the temple's shuttles. This would save a great deal of time compared to going back to their apartment first. Before this, however, Anakin again found himself worrying slightly about his wife's welfare. He again glanced across and smiled when he saw Padmé feeding a bottle to Luke. "How are you Padmé?"

Padmé chuckled; her husband was such a worrier that it always amused her. "I'm fine Ani; just like the last three times you've asked."

"Hey! I'm just concerned about my wife's welfare."

Padmé smiled. She leaned across and, making sure that she wasn't interfering with his flying, gave him a quick kiss. "I know and its sweet, Ani."

Anakin smiled. "I do my best," he replied with a smirk. He glanced down at his son. "How are they feeding today?"

"Not too bad," Padmé replied. "I got Leia to take a whole bottle just before we took off and Luke is well on the way to finishing this one."

Anakin grinned. "He likes his food; just like me."

Padmé rolled her eyes. "Like father, like son."

Anakin turned his attention back to the flying. "We're approaching the temple. I hope Obi-Wan got our message. I don't want to running around finding him before we go."

Padmé chuckled. "No, I want some precious time with my husband and our twins."

Anakin flashed a smile. He wanted nothing more than time with his new twins and Padmé. If Obi-Wan wasn't there when they arrived then it was tough really. Nothing would stand in the way of him and Padmé time for the next two weeks. He pulled the speeder into the temple's docking bay and too his surprise, all of the council were waiting for them. Wondering what was going on, Anakin set the speeder down in front of them and he and Padmé got out of the speeder picking up a twin each.

Anakin bowed. "Masters," he stated with respect. He could tell instantly that the whole council were investigating Luke and Leia and he was surprised when they all, even Mace Windu, broke out into a smile. "May I present my new born twins, Luke and Leia Skywalker?"

"Two more Skywalkers," Master Windu muttered. "Force help us."

For once, Anakin resisted the obvious comeback. He was in too good a mood to take that bait. His amusement was interrupted however my Master Yoda. "A gift from the Force, your children are. Sense their strength I do. Powerful Jedi, they will be. Congratulate the two of you, I do."

"Thank you Master Yoda," Padmé replied smiling.

"I trust you are well, Chancellor?" Shaak Ti asked as she eyed the two children with a smile.

"I'm exhausted but otherwise, yes I'm well. Thank you for asking Master Ti," Padmé answered. She was surprised about how well this was going even though she knew that it would. After all, the Jedi code had been altered for over five months now.

Obi-Wan stepped forward. He was still mesmerised by his former Padawan's twins but, determined to get some form of payback, he smirked and added, "Well, you might find out what I had to go through with you now, Anakin."

"Hey!" Anakin exclaimed as everyone started to laugh which caused Obi-Wan to grin at him.

"Here to pick up your Padawan, you are, yes?" Master Yoda asked.

"Yes Master Yoda," Anakin replied. "Where is she?"

"Katooni will be here shortly Anakin," Obi-Wan replied. "I contacted her when we got your communication. Ahsoka is around somewhere as well."

Anakin smiled. "Yes, we want to say goodbye to her before we go. Er, masters, Padmé and I have asked Ahsoka to join us after her mission. Are you ok with that?"

The council members looked at each other before Master Yoda smiled. Remembering a conversation that he had had with the young Togruta earlier in the day, he answered, "Ok with that we are, but a development regarding Knight Tano, there is." Everyone instantly looked at the grandmaster; development? What development? "Spoke with me earlier, she did. Chosen a Padawan, she has. Take her officially tomorrow, she will."

Padmé grinned with delight. "That's fantastic. Oh Ani, our Ahsoka is going to teach."

Anakin burst out laughing immediately. "Now she'll find out what it's like. Who is her Padawan? I'll have to give him or her a few tips about worrying her senseless. That's what Ahsoka did to me."

"Young Eleesha Altari, Knight Tano has chosen. Matched the two girls, the Force did."

Obi-Wan's eyes widened; Master Yoda was right? Oh well, it was lovely to see. He decided to ask Ahsoka if she needed any help. After all, Ahsoka was still only seventeen and incredibly young for a knight. After everything she had been through, Obi-Wan felt that he owed her that. "I'll have to congratulate her then."

Master Yoda chuckled, "Keeping it a surprise for young Altari, Knight Tano is. An evil streak young Tano has; learnt it from you she did, Skywalker."

Anakin was about to reply, before they were interrupted by the door into the docking bay opening. Katooni walked into the bay carrying a small amount of luggage. Anakin's smile got even wider as he noticed Ahsoka walking next to her. Both girls walked up to Anakin and Padmé. The husband and wife hugged both girls in turn. "Hey Snips. Hey Katooni," Anakin stated. He then laughed. "Master Yoda has just told us something about you, Ahsoka. Is it true?"

"Is what true, Skyguy?" Ahsoka replied in a deliberately innocent voice. She knew that she was going to get some teasing off Anakin now.

"That you've picked a Padawan," Obi-Wan cut in before Anakin could say something slightly crude.

Ahsoka smiled and nodded. "Yes I have; well, I haven't technically until tomorrow."

Anakin burst out laughing again. "I'll enjoy watching you fall to pieces Snips. Now you'll know how I felt with you."

Ahsoka glared at Anakin. Before anything could be said, Obi-Wan asked, "Is it true that you're letting Eleesha believe that she is still being assigned to the Educational Corps, Ahsoka?"

Ahsoka smirked and nodded. "Yeah, I can't resist. The look on her face will be priceless."

Anakin was in complete agreement. "That a girl."

"That is not very Jedi like," Master Mundi stated.

Shaak Ti laughed, "Lighten up Ki-Adi. You have to admit, it will be nice to see the girl's face light up."

Katooni had been listening quietly. She was delighted that Ahsoka had picked a Padawan and she was keen to meet the girl; whoever she was. "I hope you'll let me meet your new Padawan Master Tano."

"Of course I will, Katooni," Ahsoka answered with a smile.

"I can't wait to meet her either," Padmé said. "Fetch her to Naboo for us to meet Ahsoka."

"I will Padmé." Ahsoka then turned to Obi-Wan. "Master Kenobi. I'll need some advice from you; I'm new to being a master."

"I'll help you with a few ideas," Obi-Wan replied.

"Thanks master," Anakin answered for Ahsoka. He was delighted that Obi-Wan had agreed to aid his former Padawan. He then turned to Katooni. "Put your stuff in the ship Katooni. We will have to go shortly."

"Yes Master." Katooni bowed and then carried her baggage to one of the Jedi shuttles.

Anakin pulled Ahsoka into an embrace. "See you on Naboo, Snips. I hope your mission goes well and make no mistake, I'm going to give your new Padawan some tips when I meet her."

Ahsoka groaned; she knew what that meant. "See you master."

"Goodbye Anakin. See you in two weeks," Obi-Wan stated as all the other council members waved their goodbyes.

"Goodbye everyone," Padmé stated as her and Anakin carried their twins onto the Jedi shuttle, closing up the loading ramp behind them. As soon as they were on board, Anakin passed Leia to Padmé and sat in the pilot's seat. As Katooni joined him in the cockpit, he powered up the ship's engines and guided it out of the docking bay. He climbed up and out of Coruscant's atmosphere and made the jump into hyperspace.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Jedi Initiate Eleesha Altari was sombre. It was her fourteenth life day and just she had expected she had been called to see the council. She was a little surprised when she was told to report to the High Council chamber rather than the Reassignment Council chamber but she wasn't thinking too much of it. A couple of Reassignment Council members also had seats on the High Council, so it was not unheard of for the Reassignment Council to meet in the High Council chamber; it just depended what the masters had to do that day.

As she walked, the Pantoran tried to calm her mind. She had told herself many times that this was the will of the Force and she had accepted it, but it still stung. No Jedi Initiate liked ending up in the Jedi Service Corps but she would accept it with grace. After all, as she had told herself many times, there were advantages to the Educational Corps. She was far more likely to live a normal life span for one, not to mention that she wouldn't have to meditate quite as often, nor would she have to get up quite as early. None of this mattered, however. No matter how often she had told herself those things or how practiced she had become at hiding her true feelings, she couldn't help but feel a little sad.

She couldn't help but wonder exactly where she would be assigned or what she would be doing. She already knew that she was wanted around the temple but do what exactly. She sighed as she realised that there would almost certainly be some time studying ancient archives and teaching young Jedi Initiates. Ultimately, however, she reasoned that she would be sent to some of the under-privileged schools in the Coruscant Underworld. She smiled slightly at that thought; science was something that Eleesha loved and she would love teaching science to children.

No matter no hard she tried, however, she still couldn't escape the thought that it was second best, even though she had been told that the Service Corps were just as important. She shook her head and released her emotions to the Force as she knew concentrating on them would do her little good and she was nothing that she could do anyway.

At least one good thing had happened. She had met and become friends with Ahsoka Tano. She really liked the Togruta and was especially impressed with her since, like everyone else in the temple, she had heard about what Ahsoka had gone through. Just like everyone else, she was initially slightly angry with the council but it had passed after Ahsoka came back into the Order and she was knighted. Eleesha had also grown to like the strange, but warm feeling in the Force that she had started to sense around the young Togrutan Knight even though she had never felt anything like it before.

Eleesha's thoughts came to an end as she reached the doors of the High Council chamber. As instructed, she politely knocked on the door and waited. There was a definite fear that arose from approaching the high chamber. Like many young Jedi Initiates, Eleesha could never quite understand that; especially since fear was not supposed to be the Jedi way. She was certain that that effect was quite accidental. But it was true all the same.

As she had been told, she had arrived at the chamber slightly before nine o'clock in the morning, so she wondered why she had been waiting for a few minutes. Eleesha reasoned that the masters must be debating the final details about where they were going to send her and that thought made her feel slightly nervous. It was not often that you would stand outside a door whilst your future was debated inside. Eleesha called on the Force, quietened her mind and continued to wait; it's wasn't as if she could do anything else.

After a few more minutes, she was eventually called inside. Eleesha entered the chamber and was immediately surprised to see Ahsoka Tano standing in front of the masters and she was even more surprised when Ahsoka smiled at her. Eleesha reasoned that the council must be giving Ahsoka some more information about her coming mission before dealing with her. With that in mind, Eleesha did what was polite and waited at the side of the room, fully expecting the council to continue dealing with Ahsoka. To her surprise, Master Yoda addressed her, "Greetings Initiate Altari. Trust you are well, I do."

"Thank you Master Yoda, I am fine." Eleesha replied. At that moment, she had no idea what was going on. This was not what she expected at all.

"Do you know why you are here, young one?" Master Windu asked in a rather direct voice.

A trace of sadness washed through Eleesha as she nodded. "Yes Master. I've known about the Educational Corps for a while."

Making sure that Eleesha couldn't directly see her, Ahsoka smirked. Just as she had planned, Eleesha had no idea of what was about to happen. Ahsoka couldn't wait to spring the surprise on her. She had been studying how to form someone's hair into a Padawan braid for a large part of the night. As Ahsoka herself had no hair, she had had to learn how to do it.

To Eleesha's surprise, Master Yoda chuckled. "So certain are you, young one. Thought of alternatives, you have not." Eleesha swallowed in response; surely not the Agri-Corps. Sensing her thoughts, Master Yoda chuckled again and then turned to Ahsoka. "Know what to do, do you, Knight Tano?"

"Yes Master," Ahsoka replied as she quietly walked behind Eleesha.

Eleesha stood there wondering what Ahsoka needed to do and what it had to do with her. She racked her brain trying to figure it out. All of a sudden, she felt her hair being formed into a braid. Her eyes widened and she stood in shock.

Master Yoda stood up and hobbled to the stunned girl. "Ahsoka Tano, Eleesha Altari, master and Padawan you are. Serve each other and serve the Force, you will."

Eleesha slowly turned around, completely stunned. As a smile formed on her face, happiness flowed into her Force signature. She saw Ahsoka smirking at her. "Surprise," Ahsoka stated.

Eleesha had to use all of her control to stop herself from throwing her arms around Ahsoka, but she could do nothing about the stunned and delight filled expression on her face. Ahsoka burst out laughing as soon as she saw it. "Th….th….thank you, master," Eleesha eventually managed to utter out.

"Knight Tano, tell your new Padawan about your mission, you should. Go with you, she will."

Ahsoka nodded. "Yes, Master Yoda."

Eleesha's brain was struggling to process what had just happened. She raised her hand and felt the newly twisted braid in disbelief. This had to be a dream. She had given up all possibility of ever being a Padawan, but now, after everything, Ahsoka Tano had picked her.

Obi-Wan sat in his council chair and chuckled in amusement. He could see that Eleesha had been stunned by Ahsoka's surprise. He was happy that he was wrong. He could sense the raising level of joy in Eleesha and Ahsoka. For once, he was genuinely happy with a development. He decided to show his support but also give some advice at the same time. "Padawan Altari, remember, you must work on your lightsaber skills now."

Eleesha was overwhelmed by being called "Padawan," but responded anyway, "Yes Master Kenobi."

Master Yoda felt distinctly amused with Eleesha's response. He had to admit that he now understood why Ahsoka decided to keep her decision a secret from her. The sight of a Padawan being taken had always pleased the grandmaster, but for some reason, Ahsoka picking Eleesha had really pleased him. "Knight Tano, Padawan Altari, get to know each other you both should. Dismissed you are."

Ahsoka and Eleesha both bowed with respect. "Yes Master," they both replied.

"Come Eleesha, I'll show you where you're going to stay," Ahsoka stated as she turned and headed out of the council chamber.

"Yes Master, "Eleesha finally replied. She could sense the amusement in her new master and she knew at that moment that Ahsoka didn't want to be serious at all. She followed Ahsoka out of the council chambers. She was still in a state of shock as she continued to follow Ahsoka through the temple. As she walked, Eleesha tried to make sense of what had happened. Why had Master Tano picked her? No other Knight or Master had even considered her, but for some reason, Ahsoka had looked beyond Eleesha's lack of lightsaber skill and had given her a chance. Even though Eleesha wasn't going to complain, she still shook her head with confusion.

Eleesha found herself wondering about the mission on Kiola. It was going to be her first mission outside the temple and she was worried; would she do ok? Could she keep up with Ahsoka? Despite her worries, Eleesha was delighted. Ahsoka was widely loved by all of the younglings within the temple and Eleesha knew that many of them had hoped to be picked by her after she had returned to the Jedi Order and was knighted.

After a five minute walk, Ahsoka stopped outside the door of her quarters. As she opened the door, she turned to her new Padawan and said, "Come in. These are our quarters." As Eleesha followed her inside, she pointed to the second bedroom and continued, "That is your room Eleesha. You can move your stuff into it in a minute, but you can sit for a bit if you like."

Eleesha smiled at her new room and sat on the sofa. She glanced around the quarters and was delighted immediately with the few plants and ornaments that brightened them up. She also instantly saw the things from Onderon. She knew why Ahsoka had those; Ahsoka's relationship with Senator Lux Bonteri was widely known and was often given as an example, along with Anakin Skywalker and his wife, of the new attitude regarding relationships within the Jedi. "Thank you, master. I…..I…I don't know what to say…..thank you."

Ahsoka burst out laughing again as she sat next to Eleesha. Ahsoka's blue eyes glinted with amusement as she stated, "Still shocked, I see."

"Yeah, only a lot," Eleesha replied with a smirk. "Er, Master, can I ask why…..?"

"Why did I pick you?" Ahsoka completed. Eleesha nodded in response. Ahsoka smiled and answered, "Eleesha, you are the exact opposite to me. I have always been about action and practical matters; it's how Anakin taught me. You are about theory. I want to be a peacekeeper, but know little of politics. You know politics. With Master Yoda's help I realised that I could learn as much from you as you could from me."

Eleesha beamed at her master. That was the nicest thing anyone had ever said to her. "I won't let you down, Master."

"I know you won't." Ahsoka, of course knew it for a fact, but she wasn't yet ready to tell Eleesha about her future-self. Ahsoka noted that Eleesha didn't carry a lightsaber. It didn't really surprise her, but she had to enquire about it. "Do you have a lightsaber, Eleesha?"

Eleesha sighed. "I did build one Master, but I don't carry it on me. There wasn't really any point with how poor I am with it."

"We will work on your lightsaber skill; starting later today. I'm not letting you skip it now and I want to see your lightsaber." Ahsoka flashed a smile, "Now, go and collect your stuff from your dorm. We need to settle you in. Oh, happy Life Day, by the way"

Eleesha smiled and stood up. "Thank you. I won't be long," she stated as she left the room. This was going to be both the happiest and saddest task that she had done within the temple. Happiest task because she was starting a life as a Jedi Padawan; to Ahsoka Tano no less but saddest because she would be saying goodbye to her best friend, Seko. Still, she would have been anyway, even if she had have gone to the Educational Corps.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Eleesha approached the room in the female youngling dorm that she and the other female members of her clan had spent their childhood in. She couldn't help the few tears in her eyes as she sensed the presence of her best friend. She would be saying goodbye, but as sad she was, a smirk came to her face as an evil thought crossed her mind. One last trick, plus it would be payback for all the tricks that her best friend had played on her throughout the years.

Taking advantage of the few tears in her eyes, Eleesha swung her Padawan braid behind her head, knowing that it would be hidden by her long hair. She deliberately let some sadness seep into her Force signature and forced herself to keep a straight face. Slumping over in a dejected style, she walked into her former room.

She was met immediately by her best friend, Seko Jiliah. Seko was a female yellow skinned Twi'lek. She had brown eyes and was a year younger than Eleesha. Eleesha knew that Seko had already been picked as a Padawan, but was waiting for it to be confirmed once her new master returned from his current mission. Seko took one look at her best friend's demeanour and her heart sank slightly. "Eleesha," she started. "I take it that it was as you expected."

Eleeshe had to work extremely hard not to grin, but she kept her fake sadness up and nodded her head slowly. "Pretty much Seko, yeah it was. I knew it was coming but…" Eleesha let her head drop, allowing herself a slight grin once she knew that Seko couldn't see it.

"It still hurts doesn't it?" Seko completed. Eleesha nodded. Seko sighed. She felt terrible for her friend. "You've come to collect your stuff then?"

"I'm afraid so. I've got to take them to my quarters." That, at least, wasn't a lie, Eleesha reasoned.

Seko smiled as she tried to cheer her best friend up. "Never mind, Eleesha. Hey, at least you won't have to meditate so much and you can stay in bed later." She was going to add "you lucky barve" but somehow, it didn't seem right. Eleesha was far from lucky in Seko's view.

"I know," Eleesha replied as she started to gather her stuff into a bag. As she was doing so, she took extra care that Seko couldn't see the back of her head. If Seko did, then her ruse would be over before Eleesha wanted it to be.

"So where have been assigned?" Seko asked. She hoped Eleesha would be around the temple at least so she could visit her.

"I'm not sure yet," Eleesha answered. That was also true; from a certain point of view. "My quarters are in the temple though."

Seko smiled. "I'll come to visit you Eleesha, I promise."

Eleesha flashed a genuine smile. She wondered what her friend would say when she found out the truth. "You better had," she replied as she picked up her lightsaber. The thought ran through her mind that it was the first time she had in months. She sighed and put on a display of sadness, "Well, I'm done; I suppose I'd better go."

Seko nodded sadly. With a few tears she stated, "Goodbye Eleesha. I'm sorry things didn't work out better for you."

"Thank you Seko, Goodbye. I'll keep in touch when you're in the temple." Eleesha slowly turned around and slowly headed for the door. As soon as her back was to her friend, she broke out into a smirk. She knew that her Padawan braid was now visible to Seko, so all she had to do was wait for the inevitable.

Seko watched in sadness as her friend walked slowly towards the door. She was surprised however, when she started to sense hints of amusement break out in Eleesha's Force signature. She frowned as she studied her friend, and then, she noticed a braid in Eleesha's purple hair. Her eyes widened immediately. "ELEESHA! STOP RIGHT THERE!"

Eleesha silently giggled briefly, before she slowly turned back around. In an innocent voice she asked, "What?"

With an upset look on her face, Seko walked up and gave her friend a playful slap on the arm. "Don't give me that, Eleesha who is it?"

Still in an innocent voice Eleesha asked, "Who is what?"

Seko shook her head, reached up and grabbed Eleesha's braid. "Educational Corps, my lekku. Who is your Master?"

Eleesha started to laugh, "I'm sorry Seko, I couldn't resist. I was called to the council this morning, but I was stunned when I found out that Master Tano had picked me."

Seko's eyes widened again, "Ahsoka Tano?" Eleesha nodded. Seko continued, "You lucky sons 'so. You did get a Life Day gift didn't you? So, it that where you're really taking your things."

"Yeah, she told me to take my things to our shared quarters. In fact, she's probably waiting for me."

"You'd better go then," Seko stated. "You don't want to keep your new master waiting. One thing, don't think I'm letting you get away with this. You WILL pay for your deception."

Eleesha grinned. "I'll be watchful." She turned around and headed out the room. "See you. Maybe we'll have a joint mission someday." Eleesha saw Seko smile back at her, before she carried her things out of the former room and headed to the new quarters she was sharing with her master. She couldn't believe that her destiny had altered so much in the last hour. She knew that her life would never been the same and she was looking forward to every bit of it.

Well that's chapter 38 and Eleesha is finally Ahsoka's Padawan. I hope you all liked this chapter as, I admit, the first section was strange but I hope you can all see why I wrote it like that. I wrote the final section of this chapter so you all get to see some of the playful side of Eleesha's character and to prove how good a match as a Padawan she is for Ahsoka.

This chapter was the end of the "Padawan Mini Arc" and now things will again start to happen. Of course, the mission on Kiola is the immediate issue. That will be in three chapter's time and of course; Obi-Wan meeting Bo-Katan will set off some fireworks that will end up on Mandalore so there will be some action now.

Anyway, next chapter; Anakin, Padmé, Katooni and the twins reach Naboo. What do Padmé's family have to say? Ahsoka starts to train Eleesha and the two of them discuss Kiola and the council also discuss Ahsoka and Eleesha's mission and see an opportunity.