Solin, Keira, Elocin and Ngema stood before the Jedi Council in the Throne Room. A day had passed since the Battle of Ord Mantell and the capture of General Nute and Lieutenant Silas. As soon as they had surrendered, King Mobbs had contacted the Republic, which sent Senator Jear and the Council to the planet to oversee the leaders of the Army of Malastare being taken into Republic custody.
"You all have done well," Sabe said, sounding pleased. "Elocin, my dear, it is good to see the years have remained kind to you and that you can still hold your own in battle. I knew you could, but it was nice to see it through the Force."
"You're too kind, my friend," Elocin replied, smiling, as she took her seat in the Council.
"Now, because of your actions during this liberation, the people of Ord Mantell are indebted to the three of you," Sabe said to Solin, Keira and Ngema. "And because you took on this task and completed it as required, you are to be rewarded. Solin, my old apprentice, I am happy to tell you that you have been promoted to the rank of Jedi Master. Keira, you have proven yourself worthy as a Jedi. Therefore, we will grant you the rank of Jedi Knight and not subject you to the traditional Jedi Trials.
"As for you, young Ngema, we are proud to welcome you into the Jedi Order, and we are glad to inform you that Keira here will serve as your master."
Solin, Keira and Ngema bowed politely, all of them beaming. Once they had straightened back up, Sabe continued.
"Now, to the matter of utmost importance: The Senate has voted to create an Army of the Republic to counter any threat posed by Malastare or its allies," he said, sounding much more serious. "Shortly after you all left Coruscant, the Senate received intelligence that revealed plans were put into place before the blockade and invasion here on Ord Mantell to do the same to other planets. Because of that, the Senate voted to create the Army and its first priority will be to investigate the planets in the report and liberate them if needed."
"The Jedi Order will be tasked with advising the Army of the Republic," added Master Park. "Although we will serve the Army in that capacity, the Council has agreed for the Jedi Order not to directly insert itself into battle. The one stipulation will be if the Army determines that Dark Jedi, or these so-called Sith are on the planets being investigated. Do you all understand?"
Solin, Keira and Ngema nodded before Solin spoke.
"When will this begin? The investigation of the planets?"
"As soon as the Army has gathered enough troopers to successfully counter Malastare or its allies," Master Park replied. "The Army will be all-voluntary, but the Senate remains confident in its hope that enough soldiers will see the threat posed by Malastare, its allies and Dark Jedi and rise to the occasion. The Senate ended its session shortly after the vote and each member of Congress is returning to their respective planets in order inform their constituents of the pending conflict."
"And what of the leaders of Malastare?" asked Keira. "Not just the General and his immediate team, but their representatives in the Senate?"
"Their rights have been temporarily suspended until they can be tried by the Senate," said Sabe. "Malastare will not have a vote in the Senate as long as its leaders are on trial. Now then, if there are no further questions, we will adjourn for now and prepare to join King Mobbs and the rest of Ord Mantell in celebration of the planet's liberation.
Solin sat by himself at the bar, holding his drink in his hand. Though he felt pride in having been promoted to Jedi Master, he felt lost. He had not served in the Jedi Order without a companion, either a master or apprentice, since his days as a Jedi Initiate. He also couldn't help but have a feeling of dread, despite the happy mood of the victory celebration happening around him. Members of the Royal Palace were engaged in celebration, dancing wildly around the palace, while the Jedi Council stood by rather awkwardly, watching the dancing and nodding along to the music playing. Solin grinned at the sight, but could not shake his bad feeling.
Keira glanced over at Solin and could sense his thoughts. She turned to Ngema, who was wearing a brand new set of Jedi robes that were magenta, just as her battle clothes.
"I'll be right back," she said. Ngema nodded at her and turned to watch the celebration as Keira walked over to Solin.
"Hey, you OK, Master?" Keir asked as she sat down next to Solin.
"You know, you don't have to call me 'Master,'" Solin said with a grin. "Now that you're not my apprentice, Keira."
"Fine," Keira said with a snort. "Are you OK, Solin? Wow, it feels weird actually calling you by name."
"Join the club," Solin replied, chuckling.
"But are you OK?"
"I don't know, Keira." Solin sighed as he put down his cup. "I just can't believe what's happened to Vulcan. And after seeing him yesterday, I can't help but feel as if he is beyond redemption. It was like the friend I knew all those years ago was gone forever."
Keira put a hand on Solin's arm, trying to comfort him.
"You mustn't give up hope, Solin," she said soothingly. "Just yesterday you gave that speech about hope and how you can't just look for it in the sunlight. You've got to have hope that Vulcan can be redeemed. Besides, you've always told me that nobody is ever really gone. Vulcan is still out there, somewhere."
Solin sighed as he smiled at Keira. "You always know how to make me feel better, Keira," he said, patting Keira's hand. "You're right, of course. You always are, even when I tried to tell you otherwise when I was training you."
Keira grinned at him. "You see, Solin? If you just remember that, you'll be all right."