New Chapter up. Thanks for reading and things are about to get interesting for Vala!
Vala sat meditating in her chambers on Tython. She's spent almost a full month on Coruscant, being interviewed by various people. No matter how many times she told her story, they always seemed to want to hear it one more time. It was frustrating. She understood why they were handling her case carefully, but the time it took seemed very unnecessary.
When she was finally allowed to return to Tython, she was eager to get back to work. She was a Jedi Knight and wanted to get back to being one. Her only assignment after earning the rank had been Balmorra. She desperately wanted to get back to doing what her rank entitled.
Unfortunately, come to find out, the Order had other ideas.
She'd been back on Tython for over two months and she'd yet to have a single assignment offworld on her own and when she did get an assignment, she was accompanied by a master. She was very rarely left alone, even on Tython. She felt like she was a padawan again.
Vala was scheduled to leave with Master Jaric Kaedan in a few days. They were going to Ilum, where they'd be protecting Jedi ruins against the Empire. She was looking forward to the trip, finally being able to do some good. True, she was being accompanied by a master, but Master Kaedan knew what she could do and she was confident he'd let her work independently. She was also looking forward to learning more lightsaber techniques from him.
The door to her chambers chimed and Vala was pulled out of her meditation as her grandmother entered.
Satele had been very open minded with Vala since her return. The grandmaster's interview had revealed the Sith who had taken her captive was speculated to be Darth Marr. As far as the council knew, Marr was the only dark council member who dressed as Vala described. This new information, for some reason, made a few of the council members uneasy.
"How are you feeling, Vala?" Satele asked.
"I'm fine. I've been fine. I'm just eager to do something besides meditate."
Satele sighed and gave Vala a sympathetic look. Vala's heart dropped.
"About going to Ilum with Master Kaedan. It's been decided by the council that you shouldn't take on the assignment just yet."
"Why? I'm fine. I've jumped through every hoop to get back to normal. I've spoken with dozens of people, going over the details of my capture over and over. I don't understand why I'm not being allowed to get back to the business of being an active Jedi Knight."
Satele took Vala's hand and led her to the sofa along the side of the wall, taking a seat and pulling her granddaughter down with her. It was a very grandmotherly thing to do, very unlike the Jedi grandmaster.
"You must understand, the Sith are masters at manipulation, Darth Marr in particular. It's not that we don't trust you, we just need to reintroduce you to your place in the Order slowly. Captivity can have long lasting effects. Effects you might not even be aware of. It would be irresponsible for us to throw you into the thick of things too quickly."
Vala nodded, not trusting her voice to not sound defensive or angry.
"You'll get there, Vala, I promise you. I do have an assignment for you. One that is just as important as defending ancient ruins. There is a newly identified group of younglings on Coruscant who need to be escorted back here. I'd like you to take a shuttle to Coruscant and accompany the children back. Instruct them as you have in the past. Younglings have always responded well to you."
Vala nodded, but she couldn't help the disappointment she felt. Yes, she'd enjoyed playing escort and initial advisor to younglings. And Satele was right, it was an important job. The Jedi needed any new member it could train. It was just disappointing to be passed up for an assignment which would thrust her back into the life of a true Jedi Knight. The life she wanted and had before she had been captured.
"I know you're disappointed." Satele said softly.
"No, it's alright. I am disappointed, but I do like escorting younglings. I'll do as the council wishes and leave for Coruscant as soon as possible. At least I might get a chance to see Dad and Grandpa while I'm there."
"Good. I'm very proud of how you've handled everything and I promise you, you won't be stuck on Tython or with simple assignments forever. The Force will point you to your destiny in due time."
"I know."
Satele pulled Vala into a hug, then stood and left the chambers, as Vala held in her frustration.
To Be Continued...