AN: In vain hopes of clearing up any confusion before we start here, this part is going back forward, picking up shortly after that scene where Leia speaks to the Council.
Memily was an apprentice now, a proper student, and apprentices were no longer small children, waving around artificial blades that blinked out at the first sign of danger. Even the students of the ancient order would cut off their recognizable padawan braid at this point, leaving their youth behind to join the ranks of the Order.
Her cousin Ben had already long ago cut off his braid. The tradition of the braid had fallen out of practice with Master Skywalker's New Order, but the young Skywalker child had picked it up anyway, keeping his until his childhood had gruesomely ended, until Jacen-
Simply fascinated by Ben's insistence, Memily had maintained mostly the same hairstyle whenever in a session of training at the Jedi academy, keeping up a mock of the old honor braids that young Alderaanian princesses had worn long ago, before they were of age. She was no longer a child, however, and her days of fake swords and childish hairstyles were best if left behind her.
She rocked on her feet, fingers twitching nervously as she waited outside the Council room. The Jedi Masters of the council were in session, no doubt discussing diplomatic relations between the Order and the Galactic Alliance. Usually, Memily liked to stay updated on the news; she would sit with her mother every morning and scan the Holonet for the latest updates, but she'd been caught shamefully behind in the past week, a nervous wreck in the anticipation of receiving her assigned master.
Her mother laughed softly at her from a few feet down the quiet hall. Memily looked up, nearly startled. "Honey, you're going to do great. There isn't a thing to be nervou about."
"I know you know who my master is," Memily skipped the formalities and spoke directly, purposefully. She held her mother's gaze firmly.
Leia's face split into a beam, and her eyes sparkled with that mischievous that was all too familiar on the face of the former politician. "Yes, I do."
"Why can't you just tell me now?"
"Because that would ruin the fun." She laughed again. "Besides, I think your own master would like the honor of introducing herself to her new apprentice."
"Her," Memily tried the pronoun on her tongue, though it was neither a particular surprise or helpful indication. It could still be Jaina, she thought, and tried her hardest not to think the thought with any contempt. Jaina or Master Sebatyne, Master Ramis, Master Solusar, or-
"Stand up straight, darling. At least try to look like you're excited."
Immediately, Memily straightened and allowed her guilt to eat at her. She muttered, "Sorry, Mom."
"Where's all that confidence I know you've got? You don't have to smile, but you don't have to pout either. Lift up your chin, be proud."
Memily made an effort to appear bold, filling her lungs with air in one breath and lifting her shoulders until her back cracked."There we go," Leia smiled at her daughter, holding her chin with two fingers. "Stand up and stay proud. You should be happy about today."
"I'm just nervous."
"I can't blame you for nerves, but you can be nervous and excited." Leia stroked Memily's cheek, then withdrew her hand. She turned to face the end of the hall, pointing at the young students who would all be assigned to their masters along with Memily. They lined the hallway, every bit as nervous and fidgety as the Solo child. "See that? You aren't alone."
"Bhixen said that Jaina's harsh."
"First of all, what else would you expect of your sister? Second-" Leia acquired a strange smile. "I wouldn't worry about that."
Memily sighed, letting her shoulders fall just the slightest.
"I suppose I should leave now."
"Already?"
"Honey, it's nearly your time. The Council will be calling you in any minute now."
"You can't just- take a chair with the Council?"
"This isn't a meeting for me to sit in on. This moment is for the new apprentices. Not like the gymnastics showcases your dad and I used to sit front row in when you were five."
Memily managed a genuine smile, humor momentarily defeating grief. Leia reached out and pulled her daughter into a hug. "You'll be just fine. I just know you'll do great." With one last all-too-sure smile, Memily was left alone. Then, minutes later- or, maybe just seconds- Memily heard her name get called from across the hall, and her stomach lurched. It was with heavy steps that she went forward, forcing herself to stand up straight with broad shoulders just as her mother had instructed her. Tall and proud. I am neither. Here lies my destiny, here lies my path. Everything that my grandfather accomplished, my uncle accomplished, my sister accomplished. And now it's all up to me.
The wide doors to the conference room were already open and Memily entered without hesitating. Once she passed, the heavy doors closed behind her, a soft thud in her ears. And my fate is sealed.
"Jedi Memily Solo," her uncle spoke her name boldly, with such pride. A brilliant beam lit up his face. "Come in; don't be afraid. Take your spot."
Her spot was in the center of the oval that the council formed, the center of a light, pasted red carpet surrounded by lighter hues of dark yellow. She marched to that center, daring a glance at her sister who smiled broadly at her, pride brimming in her eyes. Memily turned away from Jaina, stood in the center of the room, and faced Master Skywalker. The Council members all looked upon her."
Jedi Solo," he spoke. "You have completed your basic training in the arts of a Jedi. You have explored the Force, becoming familiar enough with it that it is now your best ally. But your training is far from over. Jedi Solo, do you wish to continue your training?"
The room was cool, air-sensitive cooling and heating units keeping the temperature of the room just right to please the humans and keep the Bith comfortable. Memily broke in a cold sweat. "Yes, Master."
"And do you remain loyal to the New Jedi Order, the Jedi Council, and all the values and code of the Jedi?"
That one was easier. She answered more confidently, "Yes, Master."
Her uncle spoke no more, and Memily stared at the blank wall ahead of her until Master Horn cut through the silence. "Jedi Solo. Your path- was harder for us to see. There was much to consider when contemplating your future within the Order. For you, it was critical that the Council think beyond the walls of this academy. That isn't easy for us. But when we were able to look past our expectations, past the shadows cast before you, it became very clear where you belong.
"Jedi Solo, if you might agree with us, and find no reason to protest, the New Jedi Order Council has decided that it is in your best interests that you are led down your own path by Master Cilghal."
Memily turned her head sharply, her posture straight to a fault. Did she hear that right? He couldn't have told her- but he just said-
She swallowed her surprise- or tried to, fingers fumbling for the pendant at her neck. No, she was stronger than that, more mature than that. Memily dropped her hand to her thigh and turned to face the Mon Cal Jedi master who looked every bit as surprised as Memily felt. She was- she was to wait to speak. Her new master should have the first word, to welcome her and-
Cilghal glanced briefly at Master Skywalker before speaking to Memily. "Jedi Solo," she nodded. "I must admit that I was just as surprised when this notion was first brought up in the Council, but I think I recognize a bit of myself in you. I am quite excited for this, and I hope that you are too. Now, you are dismissed. I will return to you as soon as the Council is finished here."
Nervously, Memily curtsied, answering in a rush, "Yes, Master," then flushed in embarrassment as she recalled the correct response. She tried to pace herself as she left the room, scorning herself. Did you really just curtsy before a Jedi Master?
She risked one last look over her shoulder before leaving the room to see Cilghal smiling back. For once in her life, Memily felt like the Force was with her too.
