Regrowth

[Bandage]

Bandage, after going though some tests, such as his midi-chlorian count, virus scans, and "bug" device scans, was escorted cautiously into the very bowels of the GJO by clerks. They led him to a set of double doors. As they opened, Bandage was amazed to see the sun setting on the very upper sections of Coruscant. This was the council's chambers! He was amazed, and stunned. They let him in, he, who was massively scarred and bandaged up tighter than a mummy. This was excellent. Perhaps people here could answer his questions, or at least, steer him in the right direction. Looking around the room, he saw no one, but felt it necessary to speak aloud, as if announcing himself.

"Hello?"

[Yog]

"Hmmm.. looking for someone are you?"

The voice came from a corner of the room. An old tiny green midget sized alien creature stood there, studying the visitor with curious eyes. He approached Bandage to take a closer look, allmost limping with his gimmerstick walking cane.

"An unusual sight you are indeed. But some would say that about myself. Never judge upon looks I always said. I am Yoghurt, Jedi Master. The Council has reviewed your application."

Yog stopped to ponder, "why wish you to become Jedi?"

[Bandage]

Bandage looked down at the creature. Because of his stature, a well-weighted six-foot-four, he had to look down at the two or three feet tall creature. He answered, forming the words carefully, so as not to miss any important points.

"My name is Bandage. I'm not so much here to become a Jedi as I am to finding the answers to some questions that I have. You see, before the unfortunate accident that created me into the mass of scars and bandages that you see now, I was a burn specialist, a doctor. You see, I don't think I should be alive right now. During my botched recovery, I was induced into a coma, and during that time, I actually flatlined. It never occured to me that I had an unusual midi-chlorian count, a high one. After I regained consiousness, and fairly early in accordance to the amount of drugs they used, I looked at my own charts. I was Doe, John. Aparently my name had been deleted from the lists, and the standard methods of identification were useless, for my DNA scans were deleted as well. It would not help my situation to remain in the hospital, so I checked myself out unofficially. This brings me to my question: is it possible for one's midi-chlorians to keep them alive, even after one's body has suffered so much trauma? And if the MCs can keep me alive, just what else are they capable of?"

[Yog]

"Hmmm.. midi-chlorians. Despite what you might have heard, all living things have them, just to a different amount. Forget what the computer, biologists and scientists say. The Force is not really about midi-chlorians. Its an energy field which surrounds us and binds the galaxies together.. its a cosmic power, invisible to instruments"

The Jedi Master had a distant look in his eyes.

"For thousands of generations, we Jedi have studied, trained and explored to understand the Force. The midi-chlorians are are merily an indicator and traces of potential. True ability of the Force comes through knowledge, serene meditation and dedication to learn."

"The Force is strong in you. That much I have sensed. That may very well have saved your life. Any normal human being would expectedly be dead after being exposed to the kind of heat and trauma you were exposed to. Although, most wounds, maybe even yours may in time be healed. It just takes time. Some Jedi have a natural talent for healing.."

[Bandage]

"Hmmm, I see. So all MCs do is indicate the potential of the usage of the Force. And perhaps it is that potential that saved my life. I feel sure of that. And this place, joining the Jedi, perhaps it can help me to become a better person, perhaps even better than the person I was before. As I said, I was a burn specialist, I helped people cope from accidents, and even helped them regain and resume their lives. Perhaps as a Jedi, I can do even more than that....."

Bandage looked at Yoghurt.

"I think becoming a Jedi is the next logical step. Can you help me, so that I may one day help others?"

[Yog]

"Help you I could, but you must be aware, the life of a Jedi is not an easy one. Like you say, its a life dedicated to help others. We are guardians of justice. We think of others well being before our own needs. The only need of a Jedi is a serene state of mind and knowledge. Learning the ways of the Force is a long road paved with endless dedication, patience and determination. Some Jedi spend their whole lives learning to use the Force. Others are tempted by the Dark Side."

The Jedi Master peered out the windows of the Council Chamber, then stepped out on the balcony. The warm rays of the Coruscant sun reflected through the glass, and lit up the chamber in a spectacle, like it was a jewel.

"Its a beatiful day today, but there will be cloudy days ahead. There will good and bad times. Do you accept the responsibility and duties of becoming a Jedi Padawan? I will show you the ways of the Force, but you must abide the Jedi Code, and strive to preserve the life of others. To serve and protect, to train and learn. With time, you may find the inner peace to heal the most difficult wounds, the wounds inside yourself - the ones in your mind"

[Bandage]

Bandage felt obliged to bow, and he did just that. Kneeling to his knees, he bowed his head, and spoke reverently.

"I accept both the responsibilites and duties of becoming your Padawan Learner, and will strive to follow the Jedi Code. But you must teach me the Code, for I do not know it. Already have I worked to preserve the lives of others, and I will continue to do so until my lungs have breathed their last, and my heart beat no more. I will learn the patience, show the dedication, and work with the determination of a Jedi."

Done with his promisory, Bandage stood up.

"So, what is next, Master Yoghurt?"

[Yog]

Yog raised his long pointy ears attentively as Bandage accepted his duties. He returned the bow in respect

"Good. Next is your training. Meet me at the training chambers in half an hour, and you will take your first few steps into a larger world. However, you will need this.."

Yog delivered to Bandage an electronic key card and a datapad

"This key gives you access to most of the temples areas. I recommend you get acquainted with the other members of the Jedi Order whenever you have the chance."

He then pointed at the datapad

"The datapad includes some basic information about the building, including the way to your personal quarters, the training chambers, the Jedi Library and the Bar & Grill. Whenever you need rest, food, company or need to study, you will know where to go. It also includes some rules and important information particulary relevant to Jedi Padawans"

[Bandage]

"Ahh, I see. I'm already familiar with the Bar and Grill. I went there before. That's your bar, right?"

[Yog]

"You might call me a patron of the Bar & Grill They named it in my honor, for my cooking abilities. Nothing like a hot bowl of root stew!"

Yog licked his lip dreamfully, allmost as if he tasted the stew at this very moment

"That place got some long traditions. Some people think its as old as its creator, although that would be hard. 900 years.."

The old man chuckled amused.

[Bandage]

"Wow! Nine hundred?! You look old, but not nearly that old....."

Bandage chuckled, the composed himself.

"Um.....sorry 'bout that.....uh, the orange juice in your bar is great. Probably the best I've had. Speaking of which, between now and the beginning of our training, I'm heading over there to get some OJ. You want to come along?"

[Yog]

Yog nodded, "Yes, by all means. I have been up here all day. A Jedi needs time to rest and eat"

They walked out the Council Chambers, and headed to the Bar & Grill..