The Path in the Force

Reunions

Master Luminara Unduli was in the elevator,on her way to the prison.She wondered why Senator Amidala wanted this from her but she wasn't complaining.She wished to see her Padawan once again,no matter all that had happened.She had thought,she had been having a nightmare when Barriss confessed being responsible for the bombing.A week after her confession and sentencing,the Miralain master was still in slight shock.She didn't let anyone bother her except Master Kenobi,her childhood friend and Master Skywalker.She talked to them and they griefed both for Ahsoka and Barriss.Skywalker was still a bit angry with her apprentice but even he was sorry for her.He had said that he had always considered her a talented healer,not a murderer.,,I did also.What happened that I missed?"She had apologized for criticizing him on being too attached to his apprentice.,,I am the same"she thought.She wondered how can a Master fight and train with a Padawan and don't form an attachment.When she had realized how much Barriss meant to her,she wasn't sure that the Code was right.She had been restraining herself from loving although she had feelings for Obi Wan and she knew he had feelings for her.She knew also of his attachment with Satine Kryze,the Duchess of Mandalore.Obi had told her everything.He had tried hard not to fall in love but the Duchess had claimed his heart.Luminara had been there when he came back from Mandalore after Maul had killed Satine and had sensed his grief.She wondered what it would have been if there was no attachment rule.She could have been with him or he could have been with the Duchess.She hadn't felt jealous after he had told her about the blond woman.In her opinion the rule has to be for jealousy,not for love.Even the initiates,who were taught to let go from very little,were often crying when a friend didn't pass his tests and had to leave.She remembered that Barriss had been in love with Commander Cody,Obi's troops commander.Troops.The clones were considered no more than a resource by most Jedis.She knew that Barriss had been right.It was her actions that were wrong.

The path ended and now she was standing before the prison building.She entered and a group of clones greeted her.

-Come,General we will show you her cell.-the Miralain nodded and followed them to the platform.After a few minutes they stopped in front of a large cell and the clone leader turned the ray shield off.-Here she is General.

-Thank you,commander.Leave us.-he looked like he wanted to protest but instead he left a transmitter and turned on the ray shield.Then the platform floated away.Luminara left the transmitter on the bed and sat beside her sleeping apprentice.She looked in peace and Luminara once more began wondering how could this young teen had done the bombing and the accusation of Ahsoka.She knew Ahsoka was Barriss' best friend and Luminara still didn't believe she wanted to frame her.,,Soon I will know". Suddenly Barriss' face adopted a terrified expression and she began to yell.

-No,no,leave me be!-her body jerked upright and Luminara sat worried to her side,shaking her hand.Barriss opened her eyes and seeing her,buried her face in the Miralain master's robes. -Master,are you really here?

-I am Barriss.What happened,why were you yelling?-she asked concerned.Barriss shook her head and continued crying.Luminara hugged her tightly,sensing her fear and pain.They stood there,Master and Padawan,just like the old times.A few tears escaped her eyes and she prayed to the Force that Barriss was forgiven,despite the Chancellor's words that her sentence was not to be cancelled.

After some time the Miralain apprentice calmed down.Then her Master felt her tense and she pulled away.-What do you want?-asked Barriss harshly,her voice cold.She wanted to say something else rude but Luminara cut her off.

-Don't try to deceive me,Barriss!You can't lie to me as you lied to the others!-she grabbed her hands.The young Miralain tried to free herself but the grip was strong.Her Master drawed her next to herself and glared at her eyes.The gaze was cold and Barriss shivered.She had rarely seen her that way.Unable to look her in the eyes anymore,she bowed her head but a hand softly took her chin and raised it.When she looked in the blue eyes there was no coldness.Instead they radiated deep sorrow and warmth.-Come here.-she didn't think,she just edged forward and hugged her Master.

-Why did you come,Master?Is my sentence moved?-Luminara shook her head and answered:

-No,don't worry.You still have a day before.....-she couldn't say it.Tears appeared in her eyes and she turned to the wall.-Why did you do it Barriss?Look what you are doing to me!I loved you and still love like a daughter and you bombed the Temple and got yourself sentenced!-she didn't mention the framing but her apprentice understood it.She started crying and continued until Luminara finaly hugged her tightly.In desperation,she thought she could kill herself and grabbed her Master's saber.But before she could use it and finish her life,Luminara dashed forward and gripped her hand.Barriss tried to break free but like the first time,she couldn't.-Stop it,Barriss!STOP!-her Master yelled.-Drop my saber!Don't dare,making me take it!-the years of living together cut through Barriss' mind and she dropped the weapon.To prevent her from other rash actions Luminara put an arm around her waist,locking her hands and used the Force to get the transmitter.

-Commander,I should take Barriss Offee because the Council wishes to see her.Tightening her grip,Luminara walked to the ray shield.Moments later,it disappeared and she climbed on the platform.A clone grabbed Barriss' arm rudely but Luminara frowned at him and shook her head.She turned to the commander and whispered something.He nodded and she exited the building,her Padawan beside her.

Anakin opened the door and smiled.They were just on time.They both had cloaks and Ahsoka had a mask.This was necessary if they wanted to keep her secret till the discussion,due to her appearance on the Holo news when she was framed.Lux didn't need but his hood was drawn low to cover his face and prevent curious eyes.

-You look like criminals.-he smirked and added:-Married criminals.-Ahsoka punched jim in the shoulder.

-Master!-she yelled.-I wonder what will you and Padme look like!

-Just friends.-answered Padme behind Anakin.She was ready and the group exited the Senate bulding,headingfor the Jedi Temple.She grinned.-Besides,Ani and I are already married and you can't scare us.

-Yeah but she isn't the one who will have a kid.Actually,neither am I.-Ahsoka laughed and Anakin frowned.

-Watch your words,Bonteri.-he then smiled.-However,we are already prepared as you are definitely problematic kids.-Padme laughed and both teenagers crossed their arms.

-I knew you wouldn't disappoint me,Skyguy.-Ahsoka said and grinned herself.-But as you say there is no fun in growing up.

Anakin smiled but then his face became serious.

-Okay,now let's leave the jokes and get over with this.-they approached the temple guards and Anakin acknowledged them.The leader approached him.

-Can i have the identity of your friends,Master Skywalker?

-My name is Padme Amidala and these are Senator Bonteri and his girlfriend.-the guard nodded and bowed.Then he stepped away and they entered the elevator.A minute later,they stood before the Council Chambers.Anakin closed his eyes and stood still for a few moments.Then the Grandmaster's voice sounded:

-Enter you can,Master Skywalker.-they entered and Ahsoka saw Barriss and Master Luminara were already there.She felt the Daughter inside her and her mental shields stregnthened.She also felt her Master creating a Force globe around her to prevent recognition.She bowed with the rest and faced the Council for first time since her leaving.Their gazes were mostly fixed on her,surprise and curiosity in their eyes.