Little Wolf Pup

Chapter Six

A few days earlier

The Council Meeting had been held on the day after their rescue from Kadavo: Alzena's first all nighter in making dog tags for the clones.

"Decide Alzena's fate we must. Know the Force, she does." Master Yoda had declared from his seat, his old, thoughtful eyes looking around the Council chambers. Obi-Wan wouldn't have been surprised if the gremlin had already made up his mind. Yoda did not like to reveal his cards so early, if at all.

He cleared his throat, wanting to have the first word. Everyone on the Council knew that Kadavo had been a massive blow to his spirit. Obi-Wan's gut twisted with unease.

"Master Yoda, I understand that Alzena has shown a connection to the Force," he paused, forcing himself to meet the Grandmaster's gaze. "But we must also consider the traumatic experiences she's had as a former slave. She has been through unimaginable hardships, and I fear that forcing her into the Jedi Order will only compound her pain."

He felt his voice crack on the last word, a wave of embarrassment quick to wash over him. He was calm and measured: he couldn't be this broken, anxious thing. He clasped his hands in his lap in the way Alzena often did, fiddling with his fingers.

"I have spent time with her during our time in the mines, and it is clear that she possesses a strong spirit and resilience. But, in my interactions with her, I have also noticed a deep-rooted fear of men. It is a fear born from the trauma she has experienced, and it would be unfair to ignore it."

Mace, ever his adversary in these meetings, spoke next. Obi-Wan felt a pang of annoyance: he hadn't met the girl yet. He didn't know her. Obi-Wan did.

"Masters, while I understand Obi-Wan's concerns, we cannot overlook the unique circumstances surrounding Alzena's upbringing. She was raised by Loth-wolves and survived in the wild for years. Such experiences have undoubtedly shaped her in ways we cannot fully understand."

Wait...she'd been raised by Loth-wolves? Weren't they extinct?

Mace leaned forward, his gaze focused and intense, fixed on Yoda. He was the one to convince on the Council, after all.

"The Loth-wolves are powerful creatures, deeply connected to the Force. If Alzena has spent significant time with them, she may have acquired knowledge and abilities that could be of great value to the Order. We cannot dismiss her potential lightly," Mace paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in. Unlike Obi-Wan, he was smooth and calm, unshaken in his belief in himself. "Furthermore, Alzena's parents were once Jedi. She belongs with us."

Obi-Wan opened his mouth to speak, but found himself interrupted by none other than Master Plo-Koon.

"I agree with Master Windu. Alzena has displayed a remarkable capacity for empathy, a trait that is highly valued in Jedi. Her ability to connect with the Loth-wolves suggests a deep understanding of the Force's balance and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Commander Wolffe has already seemed to develop a soft spot for her."

Plo-Koon and Mace Windu, agreeing on the same thing? The galaxy was ending.

Obi-Wan glanced down at his lap, trying to find words to explain his point. For the first time in his life, his voice ran away from him, and would not come. When he finally managed to find them, he was interrupted by Master Ki-Adi-Mundi.

"While I understand the potential benefits that Alzena's unique background may bring, we must not lose sight of the risks involved," he began, his brow furrowed. "Her traumatic experiences as a former slave cannot be dismissed lightly. We must consider the toll that training and integrating her into the Jedi Order may have on her well-being. Additionally, her fear of men is a significant issue that cannot be overlooked. The Jedi Order is predominantly male, and Alzena's fear could hinder her ability to fully engage and grow within our ranks. It is crucial that we prioritize her emotional healing and ensure that any decisions made are in her best interest."