Meranda oversaw the unloading of the wounded Republic soldiers, as well as the rescued slaves, though she really couldn't think of them as that anymore. She was given the Jedi's assurances that they would be housed and cared for until they could find their place in the galaxy. The outlook was grim for her fellow soldiers, but at least she helped some people gain their freedom. She and Carth were just about to talk when Bastila walked up to them.
"I have spoken briefly with the Jedi Council; they request an audience with you. We should go at once." Both Carth and Meranda went slack-jawed. Carth was the first to collect himself enough to speak.
"An audience with the Jedi Council? That's pretty unusual for someone who isn't even a Jedi. What's this about, Bastila?"
"I'm sorry, Carth, but I cannot tell you. All I ask is that you trust in the Force and the wisdom of the Council."
"Well, I don't like being kept out of the loop, but I'm not looking to get you in trouble with the Jedi Masters. We'll do things your way for now."
"Come, their expecti-" Bastila stopped mid-sentence. She didn't need the Force to see that Meranda was terrified. Ever since Bastila told her she was Force-sensitive, Meranda knew that the rush she felt in battle was the Dark Side. She knew the Masters would sense it in her. Considering what little she knew about the Jedi, she doubted that she would leave the Council chamber alive. She flinched when she felt something on her shoulder but calmed down timidity when she realized that it was Carth's hand.
"Hey, don't worry. It's not like they're going to execute you for having bad vibes. Right Bastila?"
"Y-Yes, Carth's right. You are safe here. You have my word."
"Ok... Sorry. I just... I know how the Jedi feel about... Let's just get this over with." Meranda said as she followed Bastila closely. As the three of them walked into the Enclave, she instinctively grabbed Carth's hand. To her relief, he held it back. They passed someone who looked like they were going to say something to them, but a look from Bastila thankfully made them reconsider. Carth had to wait outside the Council chambers. Waiting for her inside was two humans, one fair, the other darker-skinned, a pinkish-red Twi'lak, and a strange tiny green lifeform she couldn't identify, but he was a member of the Council.
"Ah, so you are the one who recued Bastila. It is appropriate you are here." The Twi'lak Jedi said calmly. We have been discussing your rather special case. I am Zhar, a member of the Jedi Council. With me are Master Vrook, Master Vandar, and of course, the chronicler of our Academy, Master Dorak. Padawan Bastila, I'm sure you are already familiar with."
"Hello..." Meranda didn't look any of them in the eyes. She felt pathetic, cowering before a group of feeble old men. But she saw what Bastila was capable of first hand, and these were her betters, for all Meranda knew, they could strike her down with a glare.
"We sense your fear, young one." Vandar said, not in a taunting way, more concerned. "You are not here to be sentenced or judged, and your life is in no danger."
"Bastila tells us you are strong in the Force. We are considering you for Jedi training." Meranda went slack-jawed yet again. Of all the ways things could have gone, she didn't predict that.
"Master Zhar speaks out of turn, perhaps." Vrook said, again not unkindly but sterner than his counterparts. "We need indisputable proof of your strong affinity with the Force before we could even consider training you."
"Proof?" Bastila said in her usual annoyed tone of voice. "Surely, the entire Council can feel the strength of the Force within this woman... And I have already related to you the events that took place on Taris."
"Perhaps it was simple luck."
"We both know there is no luck. There is only the Force." Zhar pointed out. "We all feel the power within Bastila's companion, though it is wild and untamed. Now that this power has begun to manifest, can we safely ignore it?"
"Jedi training is long and difficult, even when working with a young and open mind. Teaching a child is hard. How much harder will it be to train an adult to learn the ways of the Jedi?"
"Um... If I may speak?" The Masters all turned to look at Meranda. She took a hard gulp before continuing to speak. "I understand why you would hesitate to train me, even if no one is saying it. But if I have the power to help people the way that only a Jedi can, then I am willing to try and learn."
"Then let it no longer be unsaid. This one has already touched the Dark Side. Training her to better master it is folly."
"As have many who are not given proper training, Master Vrook." Vandar said. "Only through our guidance can we hope to lead those who have strayed back to the path of the light."
"Traditionally, the Jedi do not accept adults for training, though there are rare exceptions in the history of our Order. But you are a special case."
"I agree with Master Dorak. Many of our own pupils are leaving the Jedi Order to follow Sith teachings, we need recruits to stand against Malak!" With Revan dead-"
"Are you certain Revan is truly dead? What if we undertake to train this one, and the Dark Lord should return?" Meranda locked her eyes on Master Vrook, and the air of the room became much tenser.
"We should discuss this matter more fully in private. Bastila, you and your companion must go. This is a matter for the Council only."
"As you wish, Master." Bastila said as she bowed. "We shall return to the Ebon Hawk and leave you to your deliberations." Her and Meranda then walked out of the room and got some well-deserved rest.
...
They stood in the ruins, Malak basking in the power it held and Revan pacing before the great door.
"The Dark Side is strong in this place, I can feel its power!" Malak said with euphoria before seeming to come to his senses. "Is this wise? The ancient Jedi sealed this archway. If we pass beyond this door, we can never go back. The Order will surly banish us." Revan then opened the way, and Malak continued prattling on. "Are the secrets of the Star Forge so voluble? Can its power really be worth the risk?"
"Malak, I will only tell you once. Quit your whining, or I will rip your jaw off with my bare hands." Revan said in a cold tone. However, their voice was distorted, and their body seemed a bit fuzzy in the vision. The two stepped before a star map and looked at their destiny.
...
Meranda woke up in a cold sweat, trembling and almost sick. She needed to tell the Council!