Faith is chosen, not imposed.

Homecoming! After the so-called "tour" of the galaxy, Santal Sabura arrives on Coruscant with Master Yoda to begin training and embark on the path of the Jedi. Meanwhile, her aunt, after a scandalous conversation and refusing to help Cad Bane, loses hope for the return of her niece. Can anyone's life be the same?

Elina could not find a place for herself. O Strength, O Strength ... Well, where is her niece? After all, since that degenerate pissed her off by asking one question, no more calls came. Twi'lechka even began to think, what if the man was offended by her and made it so that no one could help her, call her or something else worse. Elina herself could not go either. First, she was afraid of the outside world. Secondly, there was no necessary transport. Not necessarily super modified, but at least so that you can fly from one planet to another and not stall halfway.

Maybe we can call the Jedi? - suggested Nobi, probably for the hundredth time. And for the hundredth time, his wife replied:

No! Even if they find it, they will not return it back.

Why are you so sure? They are kind, disinterested and noble. They'll understand if you say you don't want Santal to become a Jedi. And they will lag behind.

I can tell, but you know, they can easily brainwash our girl about the paradise Jedi life. And she is still quite small with us, does not understand anything, does not know what is best for her. This cruel world does not know at all. We know. Because Santal is safer with us. And I am afraid that she will believe in their stories and inventions and want to stay with them. Will learn to be a Jedi and end up like her late parents. After all, the guardian of the world is a very dangerous profession. You never know when you're going to die! Many of the Jedi live a little. Few people live to old age. The rest - someone, probably up to fifty, or even less, if they are killed earlier. In general, it is too dangerous. I do not wish my niece such a fate, even if she is not my own.

And I also wish her well. But you must also understand that we cannot keep her chained forever. Santal herself wants to know the world. Will run away from home more and more often. It will end with the fact that she can leave us altogether. So maybe let her go right away? Earlier to start accustoming yourself to independence?

But not at three! Santal is still small.

In matters of independence, it is better sooner rather than later. And rejoice if she gets to the Jedi. Better going there than being in bad company. Imagine, we will not let her become the keeper of the world now, we will return her home. And she, as you said, is very curious. Santal will still be drawn to study the world around him. Now she's running to the backyard. But then he will start running to the neighbors. Then to the next street or just across the street. And then, one fine day, Santal will take and fly away as a hare on some first oncoming ship to conquer space. One. Of course she will visit us, I hope. But she will have her own life. And, most likely, outlawed.

Elina thought about her husband's speech and issued a decision:

"I don't want Santal to be a Jedi anyway!" No matter how noble this profession may be, the option is not the best!

Okay, what do you suggest? - Nobi even got angry. - And in general, if you don't want Santal to become the Jedi, why did you yell at that "degenerate"? Well, he asked for money, so what? Maybe an urgent need for loans? I would ask how much he wants to get, and together we would scrape.

Yeah. How is it. We scattered. To hire a good mercenary, you need to have at least a hundred thousand in your pocket. And we don't have that amount. Even if we collect it, there won't be any left for food and other important things. And it was clear from the tone of his voice that even if he found our niece, he would then pull off his underwear. Will not take little from us. This is his business! O Strength, O Strength

...

The Letan mentally imagined how the man with whom she spoke on the comlink brings them Santal, but at the same time says:

I just don't do anything. I will return only for the money.

Maybe at least I will pay you? - With fear in his voice and pulling his hand aside, asks Nobi. The man smiles and answers:

I want a million credits.

The comlink suddenly rang. Elina, emerging from the world of dreams, accepted the challenge with lightning speed.

Yes?

Hello. Are you Elina Sabura?

Yoda's ship successfully exited hyperspace. Santal's gaze opened up an amazing planet, which became larger and larger as it approached. All streaked, covered with strange lines, circles. The girl was breathtaking. And when we entered the atmosphere, Santal was just in shock. In a good way, of course. A huge galactic city stretched for millions of kilometers, both here and there. The never-ending dense streams of myriad traffic, lost among skyscrapers and stretching far beyond the horizon, - from small private speeders to Airbuses and large cargo ships.

It took, in Santal's eyes, about an hour or an hour and a half before a building appeared that stood out from the others not so much in size as in five thick sticks sticking up, called spiers. The ship, having found the desired site, went to land. Door opened. Yoda came out, followed by a girl. At first she wanted to run out first, but changed her mind. I decided that it would be more correct to let the elder go ahead.

In the fresh air, her head began to spin. The staircase seemed too high to her. If the girl was alone, perhaps, she would have retreated, but in front of a new friend I did not want to show weakness. Therefore, during the ascent Santal silently looked ahead and tried to keep up.

Going inside, she felt that the dizziness increased. It got even worse. Sabura has never been in a building with such high ceilings in her entire life. Apparently, the fear was so strong that even Yoda felt it.

You're scared, youngling.

Very high. Ooh. Even creepy. - Santal, shivering, looked around.

You will get used to it. I'm too small in stature, so what? The Jedi must overcome fears. Fear opens access to the dark side, fear gives rise to anger, anger gives rise to hatred, hatred is a guarantee of suffering.

Santal was surprised:

Wow! The other follows from one. The whole chain. But I'm afraid I won't be able to do it quickly. Need time.

You will have it. Moreover, there are no absolutely fearless people.

Is everyone afraid of something? And you too?

Yes. But it's too early for you to know. Everything has its time.

I will remember these words well, - Santal smiled, gradually calming down. And suddenly, she gave a long yelp. The feet made themselves felt again.

What happened to you?

Legs.

The green master led the girl down the corridors. On the way, Santal tried to remember the route. At least visually.

We have a medical corps here. Yoda pressed the button.

There was a sound. Almost immediately the door was opened by a blue twi'lek woman in brown clothes.

"Master Yoda," she greeted. - Anyone need help?

Hello, Vokara. I don't need help, but she. - The head of the Order pointed to Santal. The woman gazed at the girl, which made the latter uncomfortable.

I don't remember that she studied with us.

I'm new. - Sabura dared to answer.

Oh, I get it. Follow me. Do not be afraid. What's bothering you? - The healer smiled affectionately and gently led the girl by the hand into the room. I must say that when Santal saw the woman, she immediately felt at home.

There Santal received first-class medical treatment. They examined everything. The bacta patch came in handy. But first, the girl was waiting for the first time in recent days, a real bathroom. Santal was washed properly, combed. Then they again took, as it turned out, to her private room. It turned out to be quite spacious, in the eyes of a three-year-old. Nice large single bed, table and chair, even a window that was hung with rectangles. In general, everything you need to live.

Rest. Today you are to meet with the Council. They will tell you whether you will study or not.

Santal lay down on the bed and immediately realized that she was very comfortable, despite her unusual appearance. And a minute later she passed out. The girl has been very tired over the past few days. I sent a sarcastic thanks to the uncle who arranged this trip for her. Although it all ended well enough, Santal suffered a lot of stress. But she was thinking about all this, already falling asleep.

After a while, Sabura woke up because someone carefully poked her in the side with a stick. The girl sat up and calmed down. It was Yoda.

Get up. The council has met and is looking forward to meeting with a possible youngling.

The girl got up, washed (there was also a bathroom in the room) and began to hustle after the green master. From strong feelings in the stomach became cold.

I feel a strong excitement in you, - turned to Santal Yoda.

Yes, I'm really worried. How else? We're going to the Jedi Council! - said Santal in such a tone that it

immediately became clear that these are words with a capital letter. - He's the most important here?

Yoda explained that there are only four councils, and they go to the Highest. It is he who runs everything, so to some extent she guessed.

Approaching the door, Santal almost calmed down. After all, she hadn't done anything wrong.

In a large and spacious room with large windows, there were twelve different armchairs in a circle. In them sat eleven Jedi, among whom were not only people. Looking around everyone, Santal even noticed a creature similar to Yoda, who sat down in his place. Now everyone was assembled, and twelve pairs of eyes focused on the three-year-old girl, which made her uneasy. And then, oddly enough, her uncle's instructions came to her aid. He always said that you should greet your elders when you meet. This is what she decided to do.

Hello, gentlemen masters. - Santal tried to speak loudly to be heard.

Hello dear. - The first to answer was a man with a very thin and long neck. Sabura even wondered how she didn't break. - And let's get started.

What is your name? Asked a woman with brown skin and a strange headdress on her head. "I am Santal Sabura," the girl answered confidently.

"I found the child on the planet Corellia. It is marked by force. You can become a Jedi, - added Yoda.

"That's why we are here," replied a bald black man of the human race. - Where did you find her, Master Yoda?

Zeleny calmly told the whole truth about the meeting. How, where and under what circumstances. He told everything. Then they flew. Even told the story of Santal herself. Here the black bald man raised his hand.

- Sorry, I have to interrupt the story. I think it's worth listening to the girl herself.

And Sabura told Yoda the same thing. Almost word for word. She also lied about the hunter's appearance. She kept silent about vomiting. The Jedi listened to her without interrupting. Additional questions were occasionally asked. Basically, the bald man did it.

Finally, the questions ended. More precisely, Santal thought so. The bald man took out a device that reminded the girl of a hand mirror.

"We'll do a little test," he explained. - There will be an image on the screen of the holo-tablet, the screen is turned away from you. You have to say what is drawn.

Santal nodded and concentrated. The check turned out to be simple. The only problem was that the girl did not know the names of some of the things. Therefore, I simply described them as accurately as possible.

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When the bald man lowered the holo-tablet, Yoda asked:

What do you feel?

Hard to tell. At first I was very worried, but now I feel more confident. - Santal tried to answer honestly.

The Master nodded in satisfaction. Sabura realized that she was honest not only with the adults, but also with herself.

Why are you worried? Because of relatives? Asked a man with an elongated head and a white beard and mustache.

Not only. The main reason is quite different. It's just that until recently I was an ordinary woman. She lived quietly, rejoicing every day. And now I am standing here surrounded by adults, very serious and important adults. I've never been to places like this. And I certainly didn't know that there were midchlorivans in me ...

"Midi-chlorians," the same Jedi corrected. Santal just nodded and continued:

Then on Devaron I first applied it, saving the life of another. That's when I began to think: what else can I do by Force? More than anything in the world, I am afraid of harming someone, even unintentionally. So I agreed to become a Jedi. Yes, Master Yoda offered to take me home, but I refused. I already told him why, and now I am telling you too. I think it would be better for me to learn how to manage such power so as not to hurt anyone. What if I can still do something so mechanically? What if someone innocent were injured? You never know what else can happen?

Since childhood, I loved to study the world. I ran to the backyard and watched everything. But, after what happened, I realized that I wanted more. I want to fly across the galaxy, study planets, and win friendship with other peoples. So I decided. I will go to the Order and study to be a Jedi. My parents will be proud of me. I feel it. And my aunt ... I hope she understands.

"You say your parents were Jedi. What were their names? - asked the restless bald man.

Aunt never called their names, only said that my wonderful mom and dad died at the hands of some hunters, but I don't believe in it. I think they just disappeared. Embark on a journey across the galaxy to help others and explore uncharted worlds. As soon as they finish, they will immediately return. All I have from them is my mom's Padawan braid. - The girl covered her mouth, realizing that she had said too much.

Can we look at her?

"I forgot her at home. "She really was there.

The girl was very upset that the thing dearest to her heart was so far from her. How could Santal have forgotten about her ?!

Masters, can I call your aunt?

Why do you need? Do you want to return the pigtail?

Not only. I want to warn my aunt not to worry. She is very emotional. I suppose you've already searched me.

We need to think. Go out the door for now. We will hold a meeting.

Good. Thanks.

As soon as the door closed behind the girl's back, Yoda asked a question:

What do you think?

"I'm a little shocked," said Adi Gallia. - I've never seen this. This is the most reasonable and eloquent child of all that I have seen!

So shall we take her? - asked Ki-Adi-Mundi.

I think why not? A normal girl, polite and well-mannered, speaks well. She is not deprived of strength.

And most importantly, she realizes that being gifted is a great responsibility. Conscious, then. Strives for knowledge. Inquisitive. Have you heard? She is afraid to hurt others. Thinks of others first. And this is a very important point. And the age is perfect for learning, "Yaddle pointed out.

I agree. But do you understand where fear can lead? She is worried about her family, afraid to hurt. If she does not curb her fears, then this can lead to sad consequences, Windu doubted.

You can teach how to deal with fears. Moreover, the girl's eyes show that she will try. We need to see her in action, then everything will become clear, "said Adi Gallia.

"Your intuition never fails, Master Gaul. So what have we decided? - Ki-Adi-Mundi turned to the others.

Who is in favor of accepting Santal into the Order? Mace Windu asked. After a moment it became clear that there was no point in voting anymore.

Santal stood by the door for a long time, slowly beginning to lose patience. How much time has passed? What are they talking about? Do they take it or not? And if not, why didn't they like her?

They say, as soon as you remember something, it immediately appears. A minute later the masters came out, and Yoda said:

The Council made a decision. You are accepted into the Order. Santal was ready to jump for joy.

Hooray! Hooray! So can I tell my aunt about this?

I think you can. What's her number?

Then Sabura realized that she didn't know him. However, the Jedi were able to solve this problem. Thanks to the computer, we managed to find an ad with a photo of the girl. Adi Gallia dialed the number.

Yes? Santal's chest pinched at the voice he heard.

Hello. Are you Elina Sabura?

Yes.

We found your niece. She is with us.

With you?! Who are you?

"We're Jedi. I am Master Adi Gallia.

Yes, I don't care who you are! Let Santal talk to me! Do not test my patience! And leave us! I had to give in.

Aunt, I'm here! - Shouted the girl, realizing that this is a kind of signal.

Santal! Where have you disappeared? The two of us almost went crazy. What happened to you? You never ran away!

Frankly, Santal is a little tired of retelling the same thing. Therefore, she shortened the story a little, removing special details. But even without them, Elina was terribly angry:

Santal, you ... - She could not find words from indignation. - What were you thinking when you went to look at the lights? If only she woke me up! You could have died! And that hunter ... Do you realize what

he could do with you ?! He would have butchered you like a nunu for dinner! Or he killed and then buried somewhere! You would never be found! Or take it somewhere, like Tatooine. Would sell them into slavery to the same Hutts or for organs! Do you know how much they pay for people like you? And what do they turn into after purchase? Power knows what! You don't recognize yourself. The nightmare is simple. You'd better not know what terrible things such "buyers" do.

Santal did not say that the uncle, apparently, wanted to do this. And then it will start yelling even more. Like, you see, I was right.

Aunt shouted a little more and calmed down. It was evident that she was very worried about Santal. And now, when she was found, she began to come to her senses.

In general, I am glad that you were found. But at the same time, I am very unhappy with you. You could have died. And all because of your curiosity and disobedience. I was scared. I was scared that I could not keep my promise to your parents. I was scared that I might lose you. Even if you are not dear to me, I still love you.

Santal remembered something then.

"Aunt, I think it's time for you to tell me the names of my parents. The woman caught herself.

Yes! Yes! Yes! I will definitely tell you, but then. I'm afraid someone will hear. I'll tell you later. Are you coming home?

Sabura fell into a stupor: for the first time in the entire conversation, she did not know what to answer. Lie or tell the truth in a softer way?

Well, you know ... I can't ... I made a choice ... I can't go back ... I'm sorry, aunt.

Elina's eyes widened. The woman blinked and passed out. Santal did not understand what had happened. But the arrival of the Jedi did not allow her to speculate on this topic.

We heard that the conversation is over. How did everything go?

Aunt will not bring a pigtail, - the girl dismissed.

It's a pity, we would like to talk to her, - said the white-bearded man. - Anyway. Are you ready?

Santal underwent a kind of initiation ritual. They cut her hair, making her hair short like a boy's, but braiding a small pigtail at her right ear. Then they gave out a clean set of overalls. It consisted of a gray tunic, trousers, leather boots and a belt. The girl was helped to dress.

Now she looked like a youngling. Then Santal Yoda arranged a full-fledged excursion, showed where and what. Only the girl remembered almost nothing the first time. Why did I think: "I'm here for a long time, in any way I will gradually remember everything". On the way, Santal met several members of the Order. At parting, the master said that tomorrow he would come for her and take her to other younglings, with whom she would study for several years before someone would take her as a student. And if they do not take it, then she will go to the service building. So far, she has become part of the clan.

Finally the tired girl returned to the room and went to bed, because tomorrow, early in the morning, her training began.