Author's Note: Not much action in this chapter, just a lot of talking and .... more talking.

Chapter 8:

Eliza entered the Jedi Temple following Kit. He stopped quickly and looked at Eliza. 'I'll go and speak with the Council,' he said quietly. 'I suggest you get some rest. I'll see you later.'

Eliza nodded her head slowly and she watched as Kit walked away. Once he was out of sight Eliza moved and returned to her quarters. She showered before lying down on her bed. She rolled onto her side and closed her eyes though they opened quickly. It wasn't a good idea. She brought her knees up and sighed as she thought things over. Many questions ran through her mind.

Had I been too brash?

Was there another way I could have done things?

Was Kit angry with me?

Did he need to speak about me the way he did to the Senator?

Would the Council take the Senator's side and expel me from the order?

Eliza sighed in frustration and rolled onto her back and stared up at the ceiling. She slowly turned her head and glanced towards the window. She looked outside. Right now it was beginning to turn dark and Eliza could see a couple of stars slowly making their presence known in the sky. She sighed again. How long was this going to take? Eliza felt unsure of how much longer she could wait.

Eliza's anxious feelings didn't leave and she soon got off her bed and returned to her sitting room. She sat down at her small kitchen table and fiddled with her lightsaber, making sure it was still in one piece. She smiled faintly when releasing it was fine. It hadn't been damaged when she dropped it and the person that retrieved it hadn't done anything to it.

After a few minutes more had passed there was a faint knock at the door. It was Kit. She knew it was. He gave her a serious look and gestured for her to follow him. She silently nodded and without speaking she followed him to the Council chambers. Maybe there was something going on after all.

Once outside the Council chambers Kit silently turned to Eliza. 'The Council wish to speak to you alone,' he started quietly. 'They want to hear what happened in your own words. Now, take your time and do not forget anything along the way.'

'Am I going to be expelled?' she asked fearfully.

'I am not sure,' said Kit quietly. 'Senator Organa has already spoken with the Council. They wanted to speak with me first and I can tell they are not impressed but before making a decision they want to speak with you alone.'

'Why did they want to speak with you alone?' asked Eliza slowly.

'They wanted to know what I thought of your actions and how you handled things,' he explained. 'I have done all I can for you. It is now down to what you say and what they think.'

Eliza nodded and she walked into the Council chambers when the double doors opened. Kit watched until the doors closed again before leaving. He knew this wouldn't be a quick talk like all her other ones with the Council. They were genuinely concerned about her actions and Kit couldn't blame them but he couldn't imagine any other Padawan wouldn't do the same thing.

Eliza bowed to the Council and waited for them to speak first. At the moment she wasn't sure if her voice was going to work. Mace Windu leaned forwards in his seat and his gaze seemed to pierce Eliza and looked straight through her.

'Tell us what happened, Padawan?' said Mace slowly.

Eliza took a deep, shaky breath and avoided the stares of most people here. 'I'm sure Master Fisto has told you most of what happened. We arrived in Crevasse City escorted by Tolas Eldin and he took us to meet an old friend who told us about activity happening within the city although he willingly admitted that the Sith weren't the problem. Master Fisto and I discussed about it being a trap and-'

'You accused Olivier Kalar of assuming and Master Fisto warned you when you did the same thing,' interrupted Mace quietly.

'I never meant to,' said Eliza slowly. 'I just-'

'Please continue, Padawan,' said Luminara Unduli gently.

Eliza felt even more shaky from hearing Mace's tone but lightly licked her lips before continuing. 'We went to a club called The Fountain and we were ambushed immediately. Master Fisto disappeared. I am not sure how they captured him and I was surrounded by people and shot with a stun blaster. When I awoke I was in a small room restricted by a chain. I was eventually taken to another room and tied to a table and they brought Master Fisto into the room and the woman in charge there, Taska Ziraach, told me to answer her questions and if I didn't she would torture him. She asked questions and tortured Master Fisto a couple of times and-'

'There is more to that, Padawan,' said Ki-Adi-Mundi languidly.

Eliza gave him a confused look so he wasted no time in elaborating. 'Master Fisto told you not to answer Ziraach's questions but you disregarded his instructions for you to stop talking.'

'I tried to obey,' said Eliza desperately. 'But ... for some reason I had trouble seeing him suffer and-'

'And that excuses your actions of giving away information?' asked Agen Kolar roughly.

Eliza looked to him, surprised by his tone but she quickly hid her feelings. 'I know nothing excuses me telling Taska anything. I know I made a mistake but I hadn't realised it at the time. I panicked. I believe I have learnt from my mistake and I know there shall not be a repeat.'

She took another deep breath and continued telling her story. 'After Taska was finished both Master Fisto and I were placed back into the cell room and held by chains, we conversed for a little while before Master Fisto was able to break the chain holding him. He then freed me and we went searching for a way out. We were trapped in another room by Darth Desaevio. He and Master Fisto exchanged words before he came into the room, gave our lightsabers back and I was told to go and get help.

'Master Fisto engaged Desaevio and I ran from the room. I struggled to find a way out and I eventually caught Taska, getting her to show me the way out and-'

'Threatened her, you did,' said Yoda quietly.

Eliza hesitated and all Jedi Masters in the room felt it. Eliza faltered with her speech for a moment before she made any sense.

'Y-yes, I suppose I did,' she eventually admitted. 'I was panicking and I couldn't find a way out and I feared for Master Fisto.'

'You did not believe he could handle the situation?' asked Luminara softly.

Eliza looked to her. 'No, I know Master Fisto is more than capable of handling a Sith but I still feared for him. I have already lost one Master and I worry about losing another. All I wanted to do was help him but I am not sure I accomplished it as I should have.'

She paused for a moment, wondering if there any other questions but none came. 'I managed to get out though I consider myself lucky and I went straight to see Olivier Kalar. I was impatient with him and I lost my temper. He eventually admitted what he had done and he took me to a residential apartment and they sent a message to the palace. Several royal guards arrived and I took them to The Fountain. We managed to get in and I eventually was able to lead some of them to where Master Fisto was. Desaevio escaped on a small ship but it seemed like the best option.

'The place was cleaned out and before we got to discuss anything we received word that Senator Organa wanted to speak with us. We went straight there and I ... lost my temper again.'

Eliza finished talking and slowly placed her hands behind her back and entwined them together. Her palms were slightly sweaty but she ignored them and her eyes fell onto Yoda several times before anything else was said.

'You lost your lightsaber as you escaped The Fountain, am I correct?' asked Obi-Wan in a kind voice.

Eliza nodded slowly. 'Yes, it slipped from my hand and I was unable to open the door again to recover it. Master Fisto was able to recover it for me however and I thanked him.'

'Senator Organa, complained about you, he did,' said Yoda sternly.

'I know,' said Eliza nervously. 'I am sorry Masters.'

'How do you think you did on this mission?' asked Obi-Wan as he stroked his beard nonchalantly.

Eliza shrugged slowly and she held Obi-Wan's gaze. 'I ... am not sure. I do believe I tried to do things right even though I panicked and didn't think things through.'

'Not once did you stop to consider your actions,' said Mace Windu slowly.

Gradually, Eliza shook her head. 'No,' she said simply. 'At the time I didn't believe there was any other way to achieve the goal that I was asked to complete.'

The Council exchanged glances and most of them looked Eliza over again before more was said. 'You may leave, Padawan,' said Mace quietly. 'We shall discuss more and recall you when we are ready.'

Eliza nodded and bowed to the Council deeply before leaving the room. She immediately returned her quarters and walked out onto the small balcony. She leaned over the edge and breathed deeply and heavily. She couldn't imagine that that could have gone any worse. Eliza ran her hands over her face as she worried about her future with the Jedi.

Eliza didn't stay in her room long. She quickly left to find her Master. He was sitting in one of the gardens surrounding the Jedi Temple. She regarded him for a moment before approaching and sitting beside him. He greeted her with a smile and she managed to faintly return it.

'How did it go?' he asked turning to look at the small waterfall in the corner of the garden.

Eliza shrugged for what felt like the thousandth time. 'It could have gone better but I am hoping it will work out alright.'

'I'm sure it will,' said Kit positively. His eyes studied her carefully. 'Something troubles you, Padawan.' It wasn't a question, it was a statement.

Eliza sighed and looked down at her hands which rested in her lap. She wasn't really sure if she wanted to ask the questions she had for fearing that Kit wouldn't want to answer them. After all, they didn't really have anything to do with her.

'Master, how do you know Darth Desaevio?' she asked softly. 'You never mentioned it before.'

Kit kept his eyes on her. 'Yes, I know him, well, I thought I did,' he said softly. 'I am sorry for not telling you earlier. I guess a part of me didn't want to admit that it was him.'

'So, who was he?' asked Eliza softly.

'Darth Desaevio was once a man named Tobias Thek,' said Kit quietly. 'He came to the Jedi a bit later than others but he was accepted nonetheless. He was placed into the same bear clan as me and we quickly became friends. We seemed to grow with our powers together but I was a little unsettled by Tobias sometimes. At odd times he would become angry for no apparent reason.

'When Master Yoda took me as his apprentice Tobias verbally attacked me. He said I wasn't worthy of being Yoda's apprentice. He felt as though he should have been given that honour. He felt as though he was the more powerful one.

'Many Jedi condemned his behaviour but it never seemed to leave him. He eventually made it to the rank of Jedi Knight not long after I did, to the surprise of many. He quickly took a Padawan, against the Council's advice. They thought he wasn't ready for that responsibility but he disregarded their words and took one anyway.

'On their second mission together his Padawan was killed and the only person Tobias was unable to blame for the loss was himself. He stayed with the Jedi though I doubt whether he believed in what he was doing anymore. One of the last times I saw him he was leaving for Dantooine. The Council got word that he had murdered countless of settlers and others on the planet. He was arrested and brought back to Coruscant. He stood before the Council and was expelled from the order.

'I managed to see him before he left. I could feel the anger within him. I had never felt anything so strong and hateful. I tried to speak with him but he obviously had nothing to say to me. And until learning of him recently I didn't know what had happened to him but ... now I know.'

'I'm sorry, Master,' said Eliza quietly.

'So am I,' said Kit, as he finally looked away from Eliza.

'Do you believe there is any redemption for him?' asked Eliza after a few moments of silence.

Kit looked at her swiftly and remembered that she had asked the same thing about Dooku but this time his answer was a bit more grave. 'No, I do not think so. Tobias is a stubborn man and extremely arrogant at times. He won't regret his choices.'

'Why does he believe his path was forced upon him?' asked Eliza remembering what Desaevio had said.

Kit leaned back against the wall behind them and watched the waterfall once again. 'As I told you, he thinks Master Yoda should have trained him. He believes no one else could have trained him and I think in some way he blames me. If I had not been there then Yoda may have trained him.'

'Why couldn't we feel his presence on Alderaan immediately?' asked Eliza, a small frown appearing on her face.

Kit shrugged softly. 'It is possible for one to hide on a planet and on one as calm and peaceful as Alderaan, a Sith Lord would be the last thing you'd look for there.'

Silence fell between them and Eliza thought things through. She wasn't upset by Kit not telling her about Desaevio but she was happy that now she had a few answers at least. Eliza quickly wondered how much Kit was willingly to share with her about himself at this moment.

'Was Master Yoda your only Master?' asked Eliza curiously.

Her curiosity didn't go unnoticed but Kit overlooked it this time. He nodded his head slowly as he was deep in thought. 'Yes, he was,' said Kit slowly. 'Although you do learn things from other Masters while you are a Padawan. I am sure Anakin taught you something.'

'To try and be more patient,' said Eliza bitterly. She looked to Kit as he showed surprise at her. 'I'm sorry,' she said again. 'I just seem to have to learn that lesson over and over again.'

'So do many Padawan's,' said Kit with a small smile. 'Even some of the Master's need to learn that lesson again.'

'Such as?' asked Eliza curiously.

This time Kit shook his head though his smile widened on his face. 'I don't think so Padawan. I think you should concentrate on you being patient.'

Eliza smiled and remained sitting with Kit in the garden.

When Eliza was recalled to the Council chambers she bowed to them and waited with abated breath. They all stared at her for a long moment before speaking though Eliza was slightly grateful when it was Luminara Unduli that spoke. Eliza had come to see her as nice and she didn't seem to worry about hearing something from her.

'Padawan,' she said gently. 'We have decided not to expel you but you are to personally apologise to Senator Organa and your apology will be broadcasted to the rest of the planet. You will also be going alone. This is something you must do yourself and you shall leave immediately.'

'May I ask what happens after that?' Eliza said almost inaudibly.

'You will return here and we shall discuss your future more,' said Mace slowly. 'May the Force be with you Padawan.'

Eliza bowed her head to the Council and she left the room. She walked down to a small Jedi starfighter which was a pale purple and white Delta-7B Aethersprite-class light interceptor. When Eliza got into the small cockpit she noticed a droid had already joined her and she recognised it as R6-H5, her Master's droid.

'Come to join me R6?' she asked in surprise.

He beeped in reply and went back to what he was doing. Eliza read the small screen in front of her and rolled her eyes. 'I'm sure he did,' said Eliza under her breath. At least Eliza now knew that Kit wasn't completely sure of her being able to do this alone.

They left quickly and reached Alderaan sooner than Eliza would have liked. She still wasn't sure what she was going to say when it came to apologise but she only hoped it came to her soon. They landed at the Aldera spaceport and the droid followed her. Eliza paused and stared at it but then she realised Kit must have given it orders and she wasn't really in a position to tell it otherwise.

They walked straight to the palace and she was quickly greeted by a guard. He smiled at her. 'Hello, Master Jedi, welcome to Aldera. I am Captain Wilas Porton. How may I help you.'

'I am Eliza Linth, Padawan of Jedi Master Kit Fisto,' said Eliza, straight to the point. 'I have been asked to return here and speak with Senator Organa.'

'Yes,' said Wilas happily. 'He is expecting you. Please, follow me, is he waiting for you.'

Eliza faintly bowed her head to him and he led her through the palace. Once again, Eliza found herself unable to look away from the architecture. It was still just amazing. Eliza was led back to the same place where she had spoken with Organa last time. Wilas stood to attention as the queen was there also. She was seated on an outdoor seating that stretched along the balcony and Organa was once again overlooking the lake with his back to Eliza.

'Your Majesties,' said Wilas in a polite but firm voice. 'Padawan Eliza Linth is here to speak with you.'

Senator Organa turned and Eliza's eyes locked with his. They didn't move when he spoke. 'Thank you Captain, you may return to your post.'

Wilas bowed deeply and left, leaving Eliza alone with them. She opened her mouth to speak but R6 made his entrance and stood to the side. Organa noticed Eliza's confused look.

'He is here to record your message,' he explained shortly.

'I see,' breathed Eliza. She looked at Organa and the queen and bowed to them gently. 'I will get straight to the point and not waste your time further, your majesties. I am greatly sorry for my actions on this planet before. I meant no disrespect to you or your people. The only thing running through my mind was helping my Master. I will admit that I did not take the citizens of Crevasse City into consideration and I am sorry.'

Organa stepped forwards and held a hand out to Eliza. She took it and they gently shook hands as he spoke to her. 'Your apology is accepted, young Jedi,' he said, his voice firm but kind sounding. R6 ended his recording and Organa let go of Eliza's hand.

'Walk with me,' he said politely.

Eliza nodded her head once and they left the balcony together with R6 following behind. Eliza placed her hands together behind her back and decided to wait for him to speak first.

'I cannot imagine you have a positive opinion of me as this moment,' said Organa with a small smile.

'I could say the same thing,' replied Eliza.

There was a small pause. Eliza hoped what she was about to say wouldn't be taken the wrong way. 'At first I thought you had overrated with the way I handled things but the more I thought about it the more I know I was wrong.'

There was another pause but this time Organa spoke. 'I had a private talk with Master Kenobi before you arrived. I am good friends with him. I do not know Kit Fisto very well though Kenobi has told me he is a good Jedi.'

'That he is,' said Eliza quietly.

Eliza took another pause before something came to mind. 'May I ask what will happen to Tolas Eldin?'

Organa raised an eyebrow but he didn't question her. 'Yes, we had Crevasse City searched and he was found. He is currently being held in a holding cell.'

'And what will become of him?'

'He will receive a fair trial,' said Organa gently. 'I would not have it any other way.'

Eliza smiled at his words and they continued on their small walk. Organa and Eliza eventually walked back to the spaceport, small talk lingering between them for longer than Eliza thought possible. R6 was placed into the Jedi starfighter and Eliza said a quick and polite goodbye to Organa, giving him a small bow before getting back into the cockpit. Eliza sat back for most of the trip as R6 took over the flying of the ship.

When Eliza returned to Coruscant she went straight to the Jedi Temple. The first person she ran into was Plo Koon. Eliza smiled at him politely and she slowed her walking, knowing he had something to say to her.

'Master Fisto is not within the Temple,' he said. 'He is in a small diner near here. He said for you to meet with him there when you returned.'

Eliza's smile grew and she nodded her head once to him. 'Thank you Master Koon,' she said politely.

He returned the head nod and Eliza quickly found her way to the small diner Kit was in. She entered and looked around. She instantly spotted Kit. He was sitting alone, looking out one of the many windows. He glanced in Eliza's direction when she entered but then returned to looking out the window.

Eliza approached him and sat down opposite him in the booth. There was a sense of calm between them. Eliza gave him a small smile which he eventually returned.

'I take it that it went well on Alderaan,' said Kit slowly.

'Yes,' she replied simply. 'It went better than I thought it would.' Eliza paused and wondered if she should ask Kit a question she had but Kit quickly sensed it.

'You can ask me questions Padawan,' he said slowly.

'It's not really a question but I wondered why you sent R6, your droid, with me,' she started slowly. 'At first I thought he was there to make sure I got to Alderaan and then I thought he was there because maybe you didn't trust me and then I realised that he was there to record the message.'

'And to look after you,' added Kit casually.

'Master, you're talking about a droid, to protect a Jedi...'

'You'd be surprised Padawan,' said Kit quickly. 'Do not underestimate them just because they are machines.'

'Yes, of course, my apologies,' said Eliza abruptly. She thought for a moment. 'Have you spoken with the Council again?'

'Yes,' said Kit casually. 'They informed me that they were not expelling you but that you should be careful with your actions from now on.'

'Would they really have expelled me for that?' asked Eliza suddenly.

'Yes,' repeated Kit in the same tone. 'Padawan's have been expelled for less.'

Eliza nodded her head slowly. Maybe she should be counting herself lucky then. 'Why wasn't I expelled then?' she asked slowly.

'I think my words and the words of Master Kenobi had some impact on their decision,' he said calmly.

'So ... what did you say about me?' asked Eliza curiously.

Kit's eyes connected with hers and he smiled faintly. 'I said that you were a good Padawan. That you were learning well and that your actions were only done because you felt trapped and that you felt you had no other options. I said it would be a one off thing.'

'Why did Master Kenobi speak for me?' Eliza asked after a moment.

'He reminded the Council about how you handled things on Endex,' said Kit unhurriedly. 'He thought you did well even though some of your training seemed to come undone on Alderaan. Obi-Wan seems to believe you have great potential in becoming a reputable Jedi and I agree with him. He didn't want to see it wasted and he strongly argued that you should be given a second chance.'

Eliza felt stunned and she was lost for words momentarily. 'Master ... I don't really know what to say to that ...'

'You are my Padawan,' said Kit, smiling. 'There is no reason I would not stick up for you. Besides, I only spoke the truth. I do think you will make a fine Jedi Knight, soon,' he added quietly.

Kit and Eliza shared a meal within the diner together, silence lay between them for most of it, and for the first time Eliza felt relaxed and very comfortable around her Master. Once she finished eating she agreed to meet Kit later for a combat training session and she walked towards the Jedi Temple and her only thought was to find Master Kenobi and thank him.