Chapter 27

In the council room

Anakin and Laetitia entered the council room. All masters were present, and not just through holograms. They were all here. Which meant something big was about to happen.

Father and daughter bowed to everyone.

Plo Koon spoke first "We have heard about the incident you had. Are you alright?"

"Yes, master. It was nothing I couldn't handle."

"Could you identify the person who attacked you?" Mace Windu asked.

"No. I have only met him before once outside the Temple but before I could confront him, he was gone. He is a Force-sensitive, and a powerful one at that. The way he used the Force, it was obvious that he had been trained by someone powerful who used the dark side."

There was silence in the room.

"This is not good. We still do not know who the Sith lord is. The only time he has shown himself was almost 5 years ago on Malachor." Said one of the masters.

Laetitia twitched. Anakin could feel his daughter's hurt through their bond. What happened on Malachor was still a touchy subject for her. It was for all of them. He had sworn to find the Sith lord who did this to Leah and make him pay but he was nowhere close to finding out his identity.

"We thought Count Dooku was his only apprentice but it is clear that he has others. That changes everything."

"We must be more cautious. Especially you, Padawan Naberrie. You seem to be his main interest."

"Yes master."

The masters exchanged a look. It was they wanted to say something but had no idea how to say it.

"Reached a decision, we have. Not in total agreement, we are." Yoda finally said.

"What is it, master Yoda?" Anakin asked.

"Padawan Naberrie, you have been tested by the dark side since before you were born and, yet, you have managed to stay in the light and follow the steps of a true Jedi."

Leah shook her head confusingly. She had no idea where this was going.

Windu continued "The council has decided to consider your duel with the Sith lord's apprentice as your last trial as a Padawan. Padawan Laetitia Naberrie, by the will of the Force, you are hereby ready to be a Knight."

Anakin gasped. He was considered the youngest Knight in the history of the Jedi. Well, until now. His four-year-old daughter is now a Knight.

Laetitia was speechless. If it wasn't awkward to pass out, she would. She couldn't believe this was happening. She didn't even try to hide her happiness.

The room was dark. All the masters got up from their seats and ignited their lightsabers. Laetitia kneeled down in front of the grand master. Yoda cut her Padawan braid, using his green lightsaber.

Anakin, Obi-wan, Cin Drallig, Plo Koon and Shaak Ti were present as her masters. Laetitia could feel the pride her father felt through their bond.

When they were alone, Anakin sat on the ground to level with his daughter and held her in his big arms.

"Congratulation, Little. I am so, so proud of you."

"Thank you, dad. I love you."

"I love you too, kid."

Anakin gently broke the hug. "Come on. There are some people you have to meet, general Naberrie."

Leah smiled at her father's reply. She still couldn't believe she was a Knight now.

Anakin explained what was going to happen as they were walking.

"Since you're only four years old and the youngest Knight ever existed, you won't have a Padawan for at least another ten years."

"Thank god."

Anakin laughed "You're no longer a commander and as a general in the Grand Army of the Republic, you are supposed to have a legion to command."

"I'm gonna have a legion? Isn't that a bit early?"

"You think you're not up for it?"

"No, I can do it. It's just … I don't think the clones think the same."

"If that's what you're worried about, don't. The clones love you, Little. Besides, we didn't have clones, so master Ti ordered Kamino to make more, specifically for you." He said as he opened the door.

"Meet your army, general. Legion 502nd. Commander?"

A clone trooper came closer and saluted Leah.

"Commander Raven, at you service, general Naberrie."

"Same here." She whispered looking at Anakin "Commander?"

"You're not allowed to have a Padawan, remember? Commander Raven will fill that job for you. I have to go now. Take care of each other." He said as he walked away.

"Uh huh. Who are you?" She asked the clone behind Raven.

"Caption Chuckles, kid. I mean sir. Well, ma'am."

Leah smiled "'Kid' will do."

Raven stepped in "With respect, sir, he's not allowed to call you that. You are our general and superior."

"Well, consider it your first order. You can call me 'general' or 'kid'. Up to you."

"As you wish, general."

Leah sighed. "Raven, can I talk to you privately?"

Other clones took the hint and left them alone.

"What is it, general?"

"What are you loyal to?"

Raven was confused. "General?"

"The Separatists or the Republic?"

"The Republic, of course."

"And who are you loyal to?"

"I don't understand, sir."

"If you had to choose one person to be loyal to forever, who would you choose? Say, between me and the chancellor."

Raven took a moment to think. "Permission to speak freely?"

"Always."

"Well, from what I hear, you are trustworthy but I haven't seen that myself. And it's in my design to be loyal to the chancellor although I have no reason to. So I have to see for myself which one of you is the right person to be committed to but I will follow your orders because you are my general."

Leah raised her eyebrow. She definitely wasn't expecting to hear that. She could tell that Raven meant every word he said.

"Well, commander, I have your first mission."

"At your service, sir."

"There are inhibitor chips in your heads. I want you to gather all the clones and take them out without anyone knowing."

"Sir?"

"You weren't created then but a clone friend of mine discovered something about those chips. My friend, Rex, confirmed it. Those supposedly inhibitor chips take away your free will and make you do things you don't want to. Remember Raven, no one can find out about this. Not the chancellor, not the senators, not the Jedi and not even your friends outside of the 502nd. If you tell them, you will be framed and sentenced to death because they know they won't be able to control you."

"I understand, general."

Done :)