//------------------------------// // Chapter 2-Jedi and Clones // Story: Star Wars - Hope In the Force // by Mkchief34 //------------------------------// As Kyris settled in, Gale listened with half-interest and half-confusion as Twilight explained Equestrian magic. About halfway through, Gale excused himself and headed outside. He noticed the buttercream Pegasus called Fluttershy followed him. "Gale?" she asked. "Are you alright?" "In all honesty, ma'am…" Gale said. "I wish I could say yes." Fluttershy looked at him with slight concern. "What's wrong?" she asked. Gale sighed and sat down against a window. "You wouldn't understand." he replied. "You know the Jedi?" "The beings that Mr. Marchen told us about?" she replied. "Why are they important?" "Because we served them." Gale said. "I'm a soldier, Fluttershy. Born and bred for nothing but war. My brothers fought with the Jedi for years, and to learn that they just...turned on them and killed them in an instant...It doesn't seem right." "I'm sorry." she said, sitting next to him. "It must've been hard." "Hard?" Gale laughed. "They're my brothers, Fluttershy. Brothers. And my brothers betrayed everything I thought I knew. "Hard" doesn't cover it. Not one bit." Fluttershy rested her hoof on Gale's shoulder plate. "I know." she murmured. "If you need somepony to talk to, talk to me, okay?" Gale could only nod. Fluttershy gave him a warm smile as she headed back inside. Gale stood up, and followed her. ==== "Glad you could rejoin us, Commander." Kyris said. "Princess, your magic is fascinating." "Thanks." she said, blushing. "Anyway...seeing as that's all taken care of, I'm not sure where we go from here." "I think I do." Kyris said. "I, along with my Troopers, would like to settle here and bring down our Cruiser, the Sentinel." "I'll have to ask Princess Celestia if there's any land available…" Twilight thought. "But you have my full support." "Many thanks." Kyris said. As everyone stood up, Twilight led the way outside. ==== As the Jedi and Clone Commander exited the hospital, several ponies stopped and glanced at them with curiousity or apprehension. The presence of Twilight and the Elements did alleviate some of their fears… ...But Kyris and Gale could hear the whispers. As they headed towards Twilight's castle, Gale whispered to his General, with some concern. "Do you think they'll attack us, Sir?" "I do not know." Kyris replied. "If anything, they haven't attacked us yet, which is good. On the other hand, Princess Twilight's presence may be deterring them. Remain on your guard, but be careful." "Yes, sir." Gale said. They entered Twilight's castle, and they all sat down once more. "Spike?" Twilight yelled. Then, a small, lizard-like creature appeared. He looked at Twilight with a rather drowsy appearance. "What?" he yawned. "Can you send a letter to…" Twilight started to speak. Then there was a flash, a blast of golden light, and Celestia appeared. "Never mind." Twilight finished. Celestia turned to an astounded Kyris and Gale, and she bowed. "It has been too long since I have met a Jedi." Celestia said. "Way too long." "How did you know that I am a Jedi?" Kyris said. Celestia lifted her wings to their fullest extent, and a concealed belt appeared, bearing a silver and gold cylinder. A lightsaber. Celestia ignited it, and a searing golden blade appeared. She eyed the completely astounded Clone and Jedi, and began to laugh. "You're a Jedi?" Kyris asked. "Master, to be precise." Celestia replied, sheathing her blade. "My sister as well. Though her Lightsaber is kept locked in a drawer in her nightstand." "To keep it close by?" Kyris asked. "To keep it safe." Celestia said. "From herself. She has a tendency to use it as a food-knife, letter opener, and a great many things that require cutting. You didn't hear that from me, though." "My lips are sealed." Kyris said. "Does anyone else on this planet know?" "No one else." Celestia said. "But we have much to discuss in private, Master Jedi. I request that you come with me to Canterlot, to a private area. Your companions must stay behind." "Gale?" Kyris asked. "We'll be fine, sir." The Clone Commander replied. "We'll have a post set up by the time you're back. That's a promise." "Thank you." Kyris replied. "Shall we be off?" Celestia nodded, and teleported the two of them away. Gale and Twilight decided to leave, and see what needed to be done in town. ==== "Commander, sir!" a Clone Sergeant came forward as the two of them approached. "Where's General Marchen?" "He's in a meeting." Gale replied. "We're setting up an outpost outside of this town. Get supplies down here asap." "Yes, sir!" The clones saluted before heading off. "They seem well-trained." Twilight observed. "We're brothers." Gale said. "We have to be." "How?" Twilight asked. "We're Clones." Gale replied. "All of us, down to the last hair." "Impressive." Twilight said. "Shall we discuss this over a light snack? I take it you could be hungry." "A little." Gale obliged. The two of them headed for Sugarcube Corner, and Gale had to admit he felt a little more relaxed.