The Dark Academy on Korriban

Nunki steps forward. "I am Nunki Malyna. I was a Padawan of Master Iov Bos'lia before his unfortunate death. When he was defeated, I was not with him, and was captured by Imperials." She pauses to gauge their reactions. "I bided my time, looking for the opportunity to escape. I eventually managed to get a message out to Nar Shadaa about a trip of the Aspirants to Yavin IV. There me and Baesal escaped with the assistance of Thy Yulani and Master Raji Xen."

"As to why leave, well, I can not speak for Baesal, but I am a Padawan. Until I am Jedi, I will always be a Padawan. It does not matter if I am on Korriban."

Another pause, this one perhaps more for dramatic effect.

"And if the Jedi Council decides I am no longer fit, then I shall serve the Republic to the best of my ability."

The old Master is quiet and then says, “I knew your Master, his passing was felt by many of us. What happened to you was a terrible tragedy, but the Force has brought you back to us unharmed and whole. I sense honesty in your words and a willingness to continue your path.”

“Padawan Nunki, you have never left the Order and the Order has never abandoned you. We welcome you. If you wish to continue your training, then you have our blessing to do so,” she says from her two mouths.

Baesal was unsure of what to do...so she simply waited for an indication to speak

How can things be so calm and stressful at the same time?

"Go ahead, we are listening," Satele says with a serious face.

"I graciously accept, and hope to resume my training as soon as possible."

She now backs up, letting Baesal take the floor.

''Why did I leave?''

Why? Because I had to.

She crosses her arms

''Because I saw firsthand where the Dark Side would lead me if I followed its lure and wanted none of it. Truth be told, I still am torn over my decision: I have the impression that I have betrayed the few who I could have called friends. That I have betrayed them because I am not there to lend them support against either the monsters that would endanger them or the monsters they would become themselves.''

She frowns

''I left because, despite my guilt over this, I understood I could not help them where I was.''

“You wanted to aid your friends, this is an admirable quality but ultimately you cannot save them from themselves. There are many stories of individuals being corrupted but the truth is that we all must choose for ourselves and live by our actions. It is noble to want to aid them, to help them but in time that darkness would lure you as well,” she replies calmly from her two mouths.

“You made a wise decision, young Baesal. Do you believe you can help them from here and if so how?” she asks.

''I do not know'' she simply states

''I am here to give it a shot and see where it goes''

“To be a Jedi is a commitment a bit more demanding than seeing where it goes. If you are unsure we can work with Republic agencies and seek asylum for you. I would not wish to push you to any path you are uncertain of,” the aging Ithorian replies.

“The demands of the Jedi are not for everyone.”

She raised an eyebrow at that, realising something

"Thank you for your concern...but I just realised I don't truly know what is a jedi. The Empire and the libraries of the Sith do not exactly present things with a great deal of objectivity."

The Master is thoughtful but Satele speaks, “If I may Master, a Jedi is a selfless defender of the people. It is a calling and a journey to be part of the greater whole and aid others in their time of need. We are not soldiers but keepers of the peace, that message has come under scrutiny but our primary purpose is to bring knowledge where there is ignorance, peace where there is conflict, and understanding where there is hatred.”

“There is no universal meaning of what a Jedi is but we do not force our beliefs on others. We are servants of the people and the Republic, but we try to serve all people as best as we can. We do not act out of ambition or power but to aid others and better the lives of all people.”

“It is not perfect and a Jedi is an evolving concept, you will be called to be a diplomat, a defender, a teacher, and a guide. You will be part of a community of likeminded allies and friends. It is a commitment but one that I believe does a great deal of good for the people.”

She listens carefully and nods ont the way

"I don't know how much of a guardian of the peace I can be...but that is indeed a noble goal."

She scratched her chin

"I view myself more as an engineer and researcher then warrior. I think I have potentiel with that regard so...if you would allow me to continue and help me with that path then I would be glad to join and work with the Jedi."

“Not all defenders need ignite their lightsaber and wade into battle, the need for scholars; especially engineers working to a better future is greatly needed. We have quite a few engineers within the Jedi working on a variety of issues from civil engineering to computer systems and networks. If you are willing to devote yourself to the Jedi then I am sure you can find a place with these Jedi,” Master Fu’dal says in what seems like a gentle tone from her two mouths.

She shakes her head

''I can do that but I will not hide from combat. I still need to help those who I left behind''

She takes a deep breath

''I don't mind tense situations and I can make and bring the tools needed for them''

Her hand was put to rest on the hilt of the Ionsaber

“I believe the Force guided Baesal to me on Yavin IV, she has a curious intellectual spirit I would like to nurture and guide,” Master Raji says.

“With your permission I would take her as my padawan.”

The rest of the council confers briefly and then Master Fu’dal nods in agreement and says, “We agree with you, Master Raji.”

She turns to Nunki and says, “I believe that Padawan Nunki will learn much from Satele. Both have been touched deeply by Korriban. This will be a good journey for both of them.”

Satele nods though she does have a look of surprise in her eyes.

Baesal felt relief and gratitude towards Master Raji. She had to realise that Korriban might have have affected her more than she'd would have estimated.

Learning under Satele... Wow.

Nunki shared the same surprise as Satele, but wasn't quite as capable at keeping it quiet. She took a moment too long to speak.

"I am honored." was all she could think to say.