In the days that followed the remaining Jedi returned to Coruscant where they prepared for the next engagement. The Clone Wars had begun. The Jedi and the newly formed Army of the Republic would be stretched and scattered across systems far and wide as they battled Count Dooku and the Separatists.
Many days had passed since the battle on Geonosis and the dead had been honored while the living coped with the loss. Amira stood in the center of the council chamber. She felt the Force coursing through her stronger than ever, but she was worried. She was about to find out if she could once again assume the title and duties of Jedi Knight.
Rarely has anyone returned to the Jedi Order once they have left. At the very least she might have to complete her trials just as she had done as a Padawan. The council was assembled in a special session. Obi-Wan was there and he sensed her uncertainty. She felt his mind touch hers, "You have nothing to worry about. The council will see that you are still worthy."
Master Yoda addressed her, "Amira Organa four years ago the Jedi Order you left. Relinquished your knighthood to become Queen of Alderaan you did. Fulfilled your obligation asAlderaan's sovereign; request admittance back into the Order you do."
He briefly made eye contact with the other members of the council, "To accept one who has left, back into the Order, common is not. A second set of trials required for you to be knighted." Amira remained motionless and stared straight ahead as the Council determined her future.
Yoda turned to Master Windu and asked, "Master Windu, what say the Council on this matter?" He addressed her, "Your efforts on Geonosis were selfless and your willingness to sacrifice yourself for the good of the Republic and the Jedi demonstrates to us that your worthiness as a Jedi Knight was never in question. No additional trials are necessary."
Yoda nodded his acceptance, "Amira Organa please kneel." She did as he asked kneeling down on one knee with her head bowed. Yoda spoke, "Confer on you once again the title of Jedi Knight the Council does; rise Jedi Knight Organa."
She stood up and bowed to Yoda and the council, "I am grateful for this honor and for you confidence in me. I am ready for what ever may lie ahead." She was dismissed and she turned and strode out of the council chambers.
Before Obi-Wan could follow Yoda stopped him, "Sure of her knighthood you were, Hmm?" Obi-Wan suppressed a smile, "Under the circumstances Master, I believed the Council would see the benefit and importance of retaining a Jedi as talented and dedicated as Amira." He added, "We will need all the help we can get." Yoda nodded, "Right you are Obi-Wan, right you are."
He caught up with her in the Temple gardens. She stood by the lake looking out across it at the waterfalls. She knew he was there before he spoke, "I can't believe I'm back, just like that."
He stepped up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders, "You didn't doubt it did you?" She nodded, "I didn't know how my leaving would be viewed. I walked away from the Order so easily. No one does that and comes back."
He gently squeezed her shoulders, "Many things have changed Amira. The Jedi will have to adapt. That means new interpretation of the Code from time to time. In your case, allowing a former Jedi back into the fold. You risked everything to fight courageously with the rest of us on Geonosis."
She shook her head slowly, "Why no trials? Not that I want to go through that again, but I don't feel worthy Ben." He said, "What you did on Geonosis was a trial. The Council realizes this. They also know that greater trials lie ahead, for us all. We will be required to fight for the preservation of the Republic and there will be more sacrifice, much more before this is over. You are needed, plain and simple."
She lowered her head and sighed, "Not all my intentions were that lofty Ben, much of what prompted me to go to Geonosis was my own desire to help you. It wasn't courageous it was selfish."
His hands slipped down her arms and back up to her shoulders, "You fought in the arena with the rest of us. You were drawn there by your dreams, you knew the Jedi were going to need you and you came. You gave up your crown and you came. It was not just to help me."
He turned her around to face him she found herself staring into his compassionate blue eyes. He smiled, "You draw courage from your heart; you always have. I am one of the fortunate who dwell there. I know your heart and I have seen the depth of your courage."
He gently stroked the side of her face with his hand, "I love you." She closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. She whispered, "I love you Ben, so very much." His hand slipped slowly from her face to the back of her head and he drew her to him and kissed her.