Eye Of The Needle (Star Wars)

Chapter 59: Star of Coruscant

Once we landed in the hangars of the Jedi Temple, R3 and I were greeted by Mocax, Nova, and Gida. Mocax immediately gave me a salute. "General, I'm glad to see you alive and well."

"Glad to see you too, Mocax." I replied. "It's good to be back."

I gave him a hug, which surprised him yet he returned the hug. I then embraced Nova and Gida, who were relieved to see me. 

"Glad you're back from your final Sentinel mission." Nova commented.

I then furrowed my brows. "You knew I took one last job as a Jedi Shadow?"

"Yeah, Master Yoda mentioned it to Kina and she told us." Gida explained.

"Of course she did. I wouldn't expect anything less from her." I replied.

"Well, the Jedi Council is waiting." Nova reminded me.

"Of course. R3, go to my room." I advised.

R3 let out a few low beeps, making me feel bad. I wanted him to come, but the Jedi Council only wished to see me. Despite R3 being one of my best friends, they didn't want any droids in a private meeting. They were worried of another droid falling into Separatists' hands like the incident with R2-D2. Fortunately, Ahsoka and Anakin were able to get him back.

"I'm sorry R3, but you can't come with me." I mentioned. "The Jedi Council wishes to only see me, R3."

R3 lowered his head but let out a beep, saying he understood. He left the hangars. I then made my way to the Jedi Council chambers. As soon as I entered the room, I bowed before greeting them. "I'm back, Masters."

"It's good to see you alive and well, Storm." Master Koon commented.

"Yes and we are glad that you have disposed of the holocron." Master Windu mentioned.

"And in awe of how you befriended the Talids." Master Tiin chimed in.

"We believe you have come far, Storm. And we know you have not failed us." Obi-Wan added.

"Yes, you've endured more trials than most your age. But you have proven your loyalty to both the Jedi Order and the Republic." Master Ti stated.

"It seems you were right, Storm. You were truly brainwashed." Master Kcaj said.

"Soon the Republic will believe you like we do." Master Rancisis assured me.

"You think so?" I inquired.

"Give it time, Storm. Things will not change right away, but they will get better." Kina commented.

"Right Master Ha is. Be patience and wait, we must." Master Yoda confirmed.

"This meeting is dismissed." Master Windu concluded.

I then turned to leave, when Master Mundi stopped me. He approached me with a gentle look on his face. Ever since I had freed of the brainwashing Dooku did, I couldn't look Master Mundi in the eyes. I still couldn't forget the screams of his family.

"Master Mundi." I greeted with a bow, keeping my eyes towards the ground.

"Storm, I wish to talk to you. Why don't we go out to the gardens?" Master Mundi offered.

I nodded. "Of course, Master Mundi."

With that, Master Mundi and I left making our way out to the gardens. I followed Master Mundi until he stopped by a garden with a sandpit of white sand. Above the sandpit stood a giant assari tree filled with pink stones which were neatly stacked up one another. A small pond lied near us. Master Mundi sat in the sandpit before closing his eyes. I couldn't understand why he wished to speak to me or bring me here. But I knew that I should try to apologize. I knew nothing I could say could bring them come back, but he had to know how terrible I felt.