Chapter 13: The Jedi Knight Ceremony

As the two newlyweds got dressed and ready to watch the ceremony, the other Jedi Knights got things ready for the surprise that was in store for Master Jedi Nights Nomi and Brandon Bowers. The entire ceremony had to do with them then naming Emily, Ben, and Jack as Jedi Knights. It was Sam, Nomi, and Brandon that trained these three to be Jedi Knights in the first place. As Thor stated, Nomi and Brandon connect the ancient past of the Jedi Knights to the present to Earth and all the Jedi Knights of today.

It was Sam that was the first to find Brandon in a very large city and trained him to be a Jedi Knight. The Elite forces that will be attacking Emperor Palpatine's strong hold and Emperor Palpatine himself will be these six Jedi due to the fact of how important Sam, Nomi and Brandon are to the Jedi Knights and Earth. Yes, Sam is still a target to be a new host for the Dark-side of the Force, but Sam is also the one of the six that will not only defeat the host now, Palpatine, but keep the Dark-side from ever taking another host again.

Retired General George Hammond did not just come to Sam to get her to got to Coruscant. Senator Mon Mothma wanted to give Sam a special ceremony by naming her Grand Duchess Jedi Master for all that she has done for both galaxies and the universe. Sam will be the highest ranking Jedi under the Grand Master Jedi, Luke Skywalker. Sam will be the head Jedi Knight of Earth. All this for Sam was suggest my Master Jedi Anakin Skywalker.

The special training that both Sam and Barbara will be getting from Anakin will be part of Sam's special training to be this special Jedi Knight. Barbara Bowers will not a padawan learning under Sam, but something a lot more. With the strong love that Barbara has for Sam and the love that she has used to protect and nurtured her family since their house has been destroyed, Barbara will be a special guard for Sam.

It is true that Sam can protect herself. This special guard is more then a simple body guard. With Sam personal training, she will learn how to use the Force not only to fight off the influence of the Dark-side now, but what all the Jedi Knights will be facing in times to come. Defeating Emperor Palpatine and the Dark-side of the Force from ever taking another host will not eliminate the Dark-side of the Force. Neither the Light nor Dark-side can be eliminated. There will be balance in the Force, but this does not mean the end of the Dark-side.

As the new adventures that Thor has mentioned at the wedding ceremony will have its challenges for sure. New threats will be faced. The connections that both Master Jedi Nomi and Brandon Bowers has done is like using a key to open the lock. When the Force is balanced as it should be, then the door will open all the way. By the map that Master Jedi Nomi and Brandon Bowers will find, it will take the power of the Force of Master Sam O'Neill and soon be Master Jedi Barbara Bowers to travel to these other Jedi cities throughout time and space. Since Sam will be head Jedi Knight of Earth, she and Barbara will have the responsibilities of coordinating and managing the Jedi Knights from long ago to the present and beyond. This ceremony will be for the Nomi, Brandon, Sam, and Barbara.

When everyone was ready and took their places at the ceremony, it started out like all figured it would, making the three new Master Jedi Knights the top focus. After Emily, Ben, and Jack were named Master Jedi, Emily was asked to speak. Before she said her prepared speech, Emily asked for the ones that allowed them to be Jedi Knights in the first place to come up on the stage beside them.

Emily said, “Us three has a lot of love and respect for the ones that trained us to be Jedi Knights. A lot has been given to my brother and family in the results of being able to be Jedi Knights. We will always be in everyone debt that made it possible for us to be Jedi Knights as well for Jack. It was all three of us together that allowed us to have a special bond stronger then mere friendship and what I believe to be a special Jedi bond. I believe that when we three works together as Jedi Knight team there is nothing we cannot do. If it was not for the ones that I called up to the stage with us, this could not be possible.”

Everyone in the audience gave them a standing ovation. When cheering was over with, Emily continued, “The great things that happen to us three new Master Jedi Knights did not start there. To me, it all started with one person that made a difference for all of us. She was taken from us all many years ago and put into slavery. Spite all that she has been through, she never gave up on herself. In that positive result, Earth has recently been informed that the history of the Jedi Knights started about a trillion years in the past. Right now we are in that time and space on Earth.

Emily allowed everyone to comprehend what she said for only a moment. Emily continued, “I am sure that you also know that this one person that started it all for everyone on Earth, including my uncle... Master Jedi Sam O'Neill.” As everyone was cheering ever so loudly for Master Jedi Sam O'Neill, Sam walked closer to Emily and gave her a loving hug. Sam wanted to share all that praise with her, completely. After a very long hug, everyone was still cheering for Sam.

When the cheering finally ended, Emily continued, “As you all have heard from all the leaders around the globe in the 21st Century, Master Jedi Sam O'Neill is facing a unique and horrific battle with the Dark-side of the Force. This ceremony that has been kept a secret from Sam, Uncle Brandon, and Aunt Nomi. This ceremony is for them.” Brandon shown the big surprise on his face. Emily gave them all a big smile. She said, “Before I continue, there is something special that I has been bestowed upon me by Grand Master Jedi Luke Skywalker to give to Master Jedi Sam O'Neill.”

Emily and Jack were the only one that was told of this. After allowing everyone to build up with excitement over what that special thing might be for Sam, Emily stated, “By the power of the Jedi Council, I have the honor a privilege to ordain you as Grand Master Jedi Knight of Earth. Sam was just as excited as everyone else was. The cheering went wild. When Jack was first told this about Sam, he asked Luke, “Why was not Sam given this title earlier?” Luke answered, “We were about to, but I have to say I am happy that we waited. Presenting her this honor is more meaningful at the city of the Jedi. She will be honored by all Jedi Knights through time and space, now that the doors have been opened to this city of the Jedi once more.”

Sam was hugged by all on the stage with a whisper of “Congratulations Grand Master Jedi Knight of Earth.” When everyone calmed down, Emily explained that she will be ordained at Grand Duchess Jedi of all Jedi Knights. Emily said to Sam, “You will be the liaison of all Jedi Knights from Earth to elsewhere throughout the universe including time and space.” Emily paused for a few seconds and then said, “Grammy if you could come up here and be at Grand Master Jedi Knight Sam O'Neill. It only took a few moments for Barbara Bowers to be at Sam's side.

Emily gave her Grammy a big smile on what she will be telling both her and Sam. Emily explained about their special training that Master Jedi Anakin Skywalker will be giving them. Barbara has a lot of questions to ask, but she knew it was not the right time and place to ask them. It was Ben that made the next speech. He addressed them to both Nomi and Brandon. Ben said, “Aunt Nomi and Uncle Brandon you are in the ceremony for the fact that you have connected us all with the Ancient Jedi Knights and allowed us to realize that Earth had everything to do with the Jedi Knights. You will be having the responsibilities of bringing the Jedi Knights of yesterday to this city. Earth has a lot to thank you both for allowing us all to be here in this city.” Everyone cheered.

Ben continued after all the cheering, “You two will also have a new rank as Grand Chancellor Jedi Knights.” Again another standing ovation. Everyone on stage hugged and congratulated them with their new title. After that Ben talked more about what will be required of them. When Ben got through talking, Grand Chancellor Jedi Brandon Bowers asked, “How did you all know about all this?” Emily was the one that answered, “Grand Master Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker was given this from his father shortly after he talked to us about Sam.”

Emily knew then there were many more questions to be asked. Emily said, “After the ceremony for all of you, we can talk more about this, but please have a seat with the rest of the audience and allow Earth to given you all their thanks for all that you have done for us.” There was a standing ovation that would not allow these special Jedi Knight to do anything else. Grand Master Jedi Knight of Earth, Sam O'Neill, Barbara Bowers, Grand Chancellor Jedi Knights Nomi and Brandon Bowers all took there places in the audience with a great smile on their faces. Before they all sat down, they hugged their family and friends that was in the audience. Afterwards, they all sat in their seats beside each other and watched the show.

Another hidden aspect of the ceremony. This ceremony was just as grand as it was for the first two new Jedi Knights of Earth. In some aspects of the events that were done on behalf of all the special Jedi Knights, it was even better then the first ceremony. One event celebrated the marriage of the Grand Chancellor Jedi Knights, Nomi and Brandon Bowers. As Thor said, these two had bonded a lot more then their love for each other.

They have bonded a great deal. When the Force is balanced, a lot more will come to pass that will make all that has happened in the result of the Jedi Knights on Earth a grain of salt. Right now everyone on Earth is celebrating what they have now. With all the places that everyone has visited in the evacuation and afterwards, everyone on Earth has seen a great deal of the universe. When they have realized that they can see and experience more, everyone on Earth had something to really celebrate in this ceremony.

The love that both Nomi and Brandon did have for each other did grow. Every now and then they looked at each other. For the most part that is all they did. It is something magical about a wedlock that allows the love that Nomi and Brandon shares to grow far beyond anything else before. Both Nomi and Brandon were very happy to have gotten married now then later. The only thing they could think of other then each other was their honeymoon.

Finally since she was kidnapped to a galaxy far, far, away to the present day, Sam was starting to have all her horrific nightmares out of her system. She was wondering if becoming Grand Master Jedi of Earth allowed her to fell this way or was it talking to her friends recently. For some reason Sam knew that she was safe from all the horrors she went through. Knowing that that it was not over, she knew that she would make it in the end. Sam did not know why she felt this way, but she did not want to let go of these feelings either. Sam knew that her feelings were not a false hope, but a positive concrete reality.

In these wonderful positive feelings she had, she was starting to think more of the time she will be with Jack in Coruscant. After Sam told everyone recently all what she has been through, Jack has been constantly using the Force to monitor Sam's well being and feelings. Knowing that Sam was feeling and thinking, Jack quietly and gently put his right arm around Sam's shoulders. Jack used the Force to talk to Sam, “I love you Grand Master Jedi of Earth, and very happy for you.” Sam replied with the Force, “Thank you Jack. I would not have done so if you and the rest of SG1 have not found me when you did. I know I did not show it much then, but I was very happy to see you guys.” Jack fully understood. He gently and lovingly caress her right shoulder.

When the ceremony was over, Emily waited till everyone was gone before she talked more on what she saying on the stage. Emily said, “As I told you Luke's father told this to Luke after Master Anakin had a chat with us.” Sam asked, “Why did he not tell us this then?” Emily answered, “He could have told you this, but he knew that you first had to release all that you have told us first.” Sam replied, “That is true, and for once since I had been kidnapped, I am starting feel as I did before.”

Emily said with a big smile, “Great! You surely look it. When you have talked about this before we became Jedi Knights, I could see a lot of hurt in you still. For some reason, I think any influence that the Dark-side had on you is no more.” Jack replied, “It will stay that way.” Everyone made the same pledge.” Sam thanked them all for their love and support. Sam also said, “I know that the Dark-side will still pursue me, but he will not win.

Brandon stated, “Constantly remind yourself that Spring is here from a very long winter season.” Sam smiled at her padawan. She said to him, “I knew you could learn more then I could train you. With your new rank, it has proven that I was right.” Brandon replied, “With this new training that Nomi and I will have ourselves, it will set out to see what more we both can learn.” Nomi commented, “I first want to spend time with you my love.” Nomi then looked at the rest, “Thank you for keeping at us for getting us to marry now then later, and having us to have our honeymoon now then later.”

Emily said, “Aunt Nomi, we have seen the love you two have now, and the importance that you two should get married and have your honeymoon there after.” Nomi smiled, “I think we always have seen that love. We were too much looking at the situation that has been going all around us.” Brandon said, “We were so fixated on making things right for all then ourselves.” Sam responded, “Jedi Knights are to server and protect, but that does not mean we cannot have a life.” Brandon replied, “Thank you all for allowing us to see that.”

Barbara asked, “What does Master Anakin want us to do now?” Emily answered, “From what Luke has told me, he still highly suggest that you and Sam get started on your special training. I am sure he will allow Sam and Jack to take time off, but I would believe that you two can start on the training while in Coruscant. Since you are being trained with in the Force as Master Yoda did with Brandon, I am sure that you can stay here on Earth while Sam and Jack are on Coruscant.” Sam said, “Tomorrow I can teach you how to use the Force to contact me, Master Anakin, or anyone.”

Barbara replied, “Good idea. I would not mind going to Coruscant if I knew the place more.” Ben stated, “Grammy, look it this way, by training in a distant location, you will be able to learn something about the Force then if you were to be with Sam and Jack.” Brandon said, “Why not contact Bodo Bass now. We might even be able to talk with Master Anakin. I for one would love to get more information on all this.” They all agreed, and went to find a quiet secluded spot.

After they sat down, Sam told Barbra, “All you have to do is concentrate the Force.” Brandon stated, “That is all I did, and I was able to communicate with Master Yoda many of times before Sam taught more about the Force.” They all did just that. In a very short time, both Bodo Bass and Master Anakin came in the center of the human circle of their meditation. After the greetings were done, Master Anakin spoke, “Congratulations on all the promotions. You are the first Jedi Knight to have these titles. My son Luke was the first Grand Master Jedi for the new Jedi Order, but you two are the first to have the titles you have now.”

Master Anakin looked a Sam and said, “I wished I could have been the one to promote you when we first met, but I knew that you have to release all that had been put on you before you were given that responsibility.” Sam simply nodded with a smile. Master Anakin said, “I am very happy to see you have finally released all your negative feelings very quickly.” Master Anakin then looked at Barbara, “She might not have done so if it was not for the love that you shared with her when she was talking to all of you about this. Love is a very powerful ally.”

Anakin looked at Nomi and Brandon, “You two have done more for the Jedi of yesterday then any Jedi could have ever dreamed. What you two have done is nothing to what you both will be doing after you two will find this map that will allow you all to go to the many other cities of the Jedi.” Brandon asked, “There has to be more to it then going to these cities?” Bodo Bass stated, “Yes there is a lot more. That is why Master Anakin and I have stated that you and Grand Chancellor Jedi Nomi have done a great service to all Jedi Knights. All of that would not have come to pass if it was not for Grand Duchess Master Jedi Sam O'Neill.”

“Grand Duchess Master Jedi Sam O'Neill kept on fighting through all that she has been through. This allowed her to be able to bring her Jedi friends to Earth. Having her find you Grand Chancellor Jedi Brandon Bowers was a very important corner stone in all that has been going on. Now you all can be trained more of the Force then no other Jedi could.” Barbara asked, “What is expected of Grand Duchess Master Jedi Sam O'Neill and myself?”

Master Anakin answered, “You will be both trained to learn your new responsibilities. When you become a full Jedi Knight, you will be given a special title then. As you have demonstrated with your love and support for Grand Duchess Jedi Sam O'Neill, you have proven that you place is with her.” Anakin looked at the the two new Grand Chancellor Jedi Knights, “Your special training will be for your new titles, and to have that extra abilities to defeat Emperor Palpatine. As you all know, defeating Emperor Palpatine and keeping the Dark-side of the Force from ever going after a new host is very important. With the training you all will be getting will allow you to do this difficult task.”

Ben asked, “What is needed of my sister and myself?” Bodo Bass answered, “You two have the Force skills and Yoda and Jolinar. Those skills will always be with you. They did not give these abilities just for you to be come Jedi Knights. Your task will be to watch after Grand Duchess Jedi Sam O'Neill. The threat is still real even though Sam has recovered from her past. The host that is Emperor Palpatine is dying, and dying fast. The worse the health of the host makes the Dark-side more desperate to find another. Sam is still in his sites. Since Sam has gotten over all the hurt, it will make it harder for the Dark-side, but it will not stop going after her.”

Jack asked, “What strategies do we need to acquire to help Sam?” Master Anakin answered, “Jack, there is nothing special the rest of you needs to know. Your Air Force training will be more then adequate to do the job. For the others, they have their own understandings on how to deal with Emperor Palpatine and the Dark-side.” Jack replied, “What I was thinking is what can we do different then the host that is now Palpatine did before he was taken over?”

Master Anakin was quiet for a moment and answered, “The man that was taken over as a host did have a lot on his side. He was also a very powerful Jedi Knight. His failure was not that he did not fight hard enough, but he accepted this union with the Dark-side. The Dark-side tempted him with more power that he could ever want. If the Dark-side of the Force was looking for a new host, he could have picked me then. Instead, he only wanted an apprentice. That is why I was called by Bodo Bass to help train both Barbara and Sam to help prevent Sam in becoming a host. Now that Sam has finally gotten all the hurt out of her system, my training can be more geared to Sam's new responsibilities then helping her deal with the Dark-side's attack.

Master Anakin looked at Sam with earnest, “Sam, he the Dark-side did not want to destroy you, but get you to willingly to want to accept him as the first host did.” Sam responded with an understanding expression, “Wow! You are right. I see that now. By all the brainwashing tactics, I might have done so if SG1 did not come back for me with they did.” Sam then looked at Jack, “I was very happy to see you guys, but I was also scared for you. Now I know why. I was afraid he would have gotten to me if he attacked you all.” Jack replied, “I understand. I was there remember. I did not know who was attacking you, but I have seen the same situations many of times with others. Terrorist are the same no matter what planet or galaxy.” Sam gave Jack a big quiet smile.”

Sam asked, “As you may both know, Jack and I are going to Coruscant to spend time together. Will Barbara have to go with us to Coruscant for you to train us?” Anakin answered, “No. Since she can contact us or anyone by the use of the Force, she can be anywhere for me to train you both. There will be at times that I will be training you separately. You also can practice what I teach you without having me be there.” Barbara said, “It is interesting that one can be trained by the mind on something that needs the body to be there.” Master Anakin replied, “It is not all that hard. Once the mind is trained right, the body will follow. You will begin to see this in time.”

Grand Chancellor Jedi Nomi Bowers asked, “When do my husband and I need to start our special training, and to whom will be training us?” Master Anakin answered, “In time the person that will be training you two will find you in do time. For now please enjoy your honeymoon and spend all the time you can with each other in the love that you both share.” Bodo Bass said, “Thank you all for meeting with us. As Brandon said, “Spring is here once again. The cold winter of the Dark-side is melting. This does not mean to let off your guard. Good bye my friends.”