“So, how long do you think they are going to be in there?” asked Hider with his back against the wall.
“I do not know,” Lyra answered. “If I had to guess, they are probably telling my mom everything she needs to know about me and what I’ve been doing the past decade. Well, that and a full lecture on Jedi philosophy.”
“You think she’ll take the news well?”
Lyra shook her head. “I don’t think so. Back on the ship, she told me that it has been her personal goal to find me for the past ten years. It’s very unlikely that she’ll agree to leave me behind.” The Padawan paused for a moment and looked at her captain, who had been standing on the courtyard grass for some time. “Hider can you please get out of the grass. That plot of grass is used for meditation.”
“Wait, seriously? Jedi meditate on this grass?” Eyes widened; Hider immediately jumped out of the patch of grass. In response, T3-G4 gave the human a snarky bleep. “Jeez, cut me some slack, tin can! I didn’t know this plot of grass was considered sacred.”
“It’s not sacred… aw, forget it.” Lyra let out a sigh. It had been some time since she had left the Council Chambers. Her companions joined her, with the exception of Private Sweetie Drops. However, they weren’t alone.
“Honestly, Louhun. Can you at least show some dignity while you are here? This is a sacred Jedi temple,” said Lieutenant Dodonna. “And while you’re at it, do something about that potty mouth droid of yours. Hearing such foul language from a machine is shameful.”
T3-G4 bleeped right back at the Lieutenant, who immediately scowled at the droid. “You better watch that tone of yours, droid. Or else I will personally wipe your memory myself.”
“Settle down, you two. The last thing we need is to cause a ruckus in the Temple courtyard,” said Chessk as he quickly got in-between Geefour and the Lieutenant. He then shot a glare at the droid. “Put that weapon away now, droid. She is not going to wipe your memory nor are you going to set her on fire!”
Lyra groaned as her companions and the Lieutenant began to create a scene, catching a few onlookers. Even a few passing Jedi grew curious at the sight of a rather unusual group arguing with each other.
“Guys, seriously! Stop arguing or else the Council Masters are going to hear us!” said Hider as he separated the Lieutenant away from Geefour. “Jeez, what’s the point in having a military title if you aren’t acting professionally in public?”
“You do not have the right to lecture me, Louhun!” rebuked Lieutenant Dodonna.
“And why not? You still haven’t told us why you’ve followed us out in the first place!”
“I came here to see you, Captain Hider Louhun. Your crimes against the Republic have to be answered!”
Lyra rolled her eyes. “Lieutenant, can you please put your grudges against Hider aside for now? I know he’s done a lot of bad things during his smuggling career, but can’t you just let it go? He’s not a bad person.”
“I’m not here because of his smuggling career, Padawan Heartstrings. I’m here because he needs to answer for what he did as a Recruit of the Republic!”
“Excuse me?” asked Lyra.
“Whoa, settle down there, Lieutenant. There’s no need for you to tell them that part of my past, okay,” said Hider as he put on a weary smile, to which Lyra immediately took notice. “C-Come on, take the advice of the kid Jedi here and just leave the past behind, will you? There’s no need for you to tell them what I was.”
“What you were?” asked Chessk, who quickly grew suspicious of the ship captain’s sudden change in attitude. “Human, what is the Lieutenant referring to?”
“Hider Louhun is a former Recruit of the Navy,” answered Dodonna. “Before his career in smuggling, he briefly served the Republic on the planet, Corellia. He served for a year, but he abandoned his post and left the planet by stealing a Republic star-fighter.”
For the first time in a while, Lyra did not know what to say. Sure, her journey had a chalk full of surprises, but this one was just topping on the cake. Hider Louhun a former member of the Republic Navy? The mere thought of it was unthinkable.
Hider groaned. “Ugh, when did you figure it out?” he asked.
“I had my suspicions when we first met on Ord Mantell. Your name threw me off, but I was able to figure out who you were after some digging,” answered the Lieutenant.
T3-G4 spun toward Hider and gave a soft whirl at him. “Yes, tin can, I know. A person like me can’t possibly be military,” Hider said while rubbing his forehead in frustration. “As if I needed to be reminded of that fact.”
“You were part of the Republic Navy?” asked Chessk.
“I was, yes. But I hated the military lifestyle, so I bolted away from Corellia as soon as I got my hands on a ship.”
“Which you stole,” said Lyra.
“Yes, I did. But to be completely honest with you, stealing that ship was the most exhilarating thing I’ve done in the Navy.”
“Then why join the Navy in the first place? Becoming an officer of the navy would require a strong commitment from the individual. If you never intended on becoming part of the Republic’s military, shouldn’t you have at least put more thought into it before you enrolled?”
Hider breathed in and out through his nose as he placed both hands on his hip. “Believe me, kid. There were many things that I wanted to do with my life besides join the Republic Navy. But you gotta understand, it was never my choice to make.”
“What do you mean?”
“It all goes back to the family, kid. You can’t really make your own decisions in life when your entire family tree is filled with nobody but Republic officials. Whether it be representatives in the Galactic Senate or officials in the Navy itself. My lineage is nothing but servitude to the Republic.”
“And what’s wrong with that?” asked Lieutenant Dodonna. “Serving the Republic is the greatest honor that anyone in this galaxy can hope to achieve. You should be proud that your family has such a rich history.”
“Maybe for you, Dodonna, but pride and honor never meant anything special. To me, it was all a ruse.” Hider stopped talking for a moment as he let out another sigh. “All my life, I was surrounded by hypocritical politicians and sleazy military generals. Some may take their work seriously, but most either take their positions for granted or use it to earn extra credits.”
“Louhun! Are you accusing your own parents of exploitation in their line of work?” rebuked the Lieutenant in disbelief.
“No, I’m not. I’m just saying that I didn’t enjoy my upbringing. Although I am grateful for my parents, I never liked how they always made decisions for me. From the moment I could walk, the only damn thing they had on their mind was to make sure I followed in their footsteps. Sure, I may sound like some whiny brat, but I never was given the opportunity to make my own decisions. The Republic was the only thing that was on the table.”
“Judging by the tone of your voice, one can clearly assume that you dislike your family and their chosen lifestyle. Not that I can blame you of course. That kind of lifestyle is not the path for everyone,” said Chessk.
“But is a smuggling career that much better? You literally put your life in danger several times in your career as a galactic thief. Why chose that reckless lifestyle over order?” Lyra asked.
“What can I say?” Hider said with a shrug. “The solidarity, the thrill of living on your own, earning credits through deeds of ill conduct or persuasion, and the rush of standing in the middle of a shootout, not knowing whether or not you are going to survive. It’s the exhilaration that made me want to throw everything away and not care about heritage or standings. Sure I could’ve died a couple times and I did eventually give up that lifestyle, but I do not regret it. Those were the good days for me.”
Lieutenant Dodonna frowned. “You bring shame to your family name, Louhun. If Admiral Karath would see you now, he’d be disappointed in you.”
“Wait, Karath? As in Admiral Karath of the Republic Navy?” Lyra asked.
“Yup, that’s him. He’s my uncle from my dad’s side,” Hider acknowledged. In response, T3-G4 bleeped at him. “Hey, I’m nobody important, tin can. I’m just a guy who’s a former smuggler trying to make a living off a deadbeat industry. Nothing special about that.”
“You could’ve had more than that, Louhun. Even though you gave up the criminal lifestyle, your past will come back to haunt you eventually,” said Dodonna.
“Maybe you’re right. But I’d rather just live in the moment rather than worry about what’s gonna happen in the future.”
“Keeping your concentration here and now where it belongs,” replied Lyra. “Master always told me to be mindful of the future, but not at the expense of the moment. As worrying as the future maybe, it’s equally important to keep your head straight and focus on the things that are already happening around you.”
“Huh, wise words. Guess they don’t call the old man a Jedi Master for nothing.”
“It’s a lesson that he’d always instilled upon me during my training. Even before I became his official Padawan, he took the time to berate and lecture me for every second I thought about Equestria. I admit, I didn’t take his lesson to heart at first, but I understood what he meant eventually. And I became a better pony for it.”
“He is a man worthy of the title of Jedi Master. I’d assume a lot of people in the galaxy would appreciate his lessons. Including a few of us right now,” said Chessk as his head shifted toward Geefour.
In response, the droid bleeped in confusion. “Of course he’s talking about you, tin can. What, given your fear of getting memory wiped. Aside from the kid, you’re the only one here who’s constantly concerned about the future,” said Hider.
Lyra gasped. “Oh my gosh, you’re right!” she said as her eyes widened in shock.
Immediately, T3-G4 whirled back at the ship captain. Though Lyra did not know what it said, she could tell right away the droid seemed upset. To her disappointment, the conversation between Hider and Geefour ended up in an argument as the droid’s beeps became more aggressive, causing the ship captain to shout back.
“Oh no. What did Geefour say this time?” asked Lyra while facehoofing.
In response, Chessk looked at the mare and shook his head. “Be grateful that you do not know droid binary, little Jedi. For it is best that you do not know.”
“Such strange behavior for a droid. It’s almost like the machine is capable of emotion,” said Lieutenant Dodonna. “Do all T3-Utility Droids act like this?”
“From what I’ve learned, these machines are so advanced that if no periodic memory wipe is performed, they begin to form their own emotions. Disturbing if you really ponder about it, but intriguing nonetheless.”
“And you are comfortable with this?”
Chessk nodded. “I have sworn a life debt to the little Jedi. If she does not want to have the droid’s memory wiped, then I will respect her decision. Though I have to admit, seeing the human argue with the machine occasionally is quite humorous.”
“Excuse me?” asked Lyra. “Chessk, you actually find their arguments funny?”
<And you don’t, little Jedi?> Chessk replied in Dosh. <For me, it’s classic humor. Seeing a man and a machine argue with one another is like watching a comedy sketch on the holo-network.>
“Really? I didn’t think you were into comedy.”
<There are a lot of things you don’t know about me, little Jedi. But perhaps I should tell you at another time. We have some company.>
“What’re you talking about?” Lyra asked. Her answer was quickly answered though as she noticed her companion was looking directly at the Council Chamber entrance. Then she could hear it. The sound of hoofsteps.
Emerging from the Council Chambers were the group of ponies. Their expressions were… grim for the most part. Earlier, everypony showed a mix of enthusiasm, happiness, and curiosity. Now it seemed like all that enthusiasm was sapped.
“Hey, kid. I don’t mean to be the bringer of bad news but is that your mother over there?” said Hider as he pointed his finger at the group of ponies. Immediately, Lyra followed her captain’s direction and spotted her mother.
Captain Platinum Impact, as well as a few other ponies by her side, were the last to leave the Council Chambers. Despite giving no eye contact, Lyra could see the sour expression on her mother’s face. And the Force gave her clear indication on how the mare felt right now.
She wasn’t happy. And Lyra knew right away the reason for her unhappiness.
Led by Cotton Swirl, the ponies trotted toward the Enclave’s guest rooms. They didn’t even bother to look at Lyra, much to the surprise of her companions. When they disappeared from view, T3-G4 let out a series of beeps.
“You said it, tin can,” said Hider. “Jeez, talk about a mood swing.”
Chessk nodded in agreement. “Indeed. Their attitude has completely changed. And the little Captain was the most distraught out of all of them. Strange, it’s almost as if their emotions were all tied to the little Jedi’s mother.”
“You are correct, Chessk.”
Lyra’s head jerked up as a familiar voice rang into her ears. She looked back at the Chamber entrance and found her Master standing beside Master Kavar. “Hello, Padawan,” greeted Master Darran. “I hope we didn’t keep you waiting.”
“Waiting is the last thing we should be worrying about, old man,” Hider replied. His rebuke earned the scowls of both Lieutenant Dodonna and Master Kavar. “Tell us already! What the heck happened in there with the kid’s mom?”
“We told her everything she needed to know. And in turn, she told us what we needed to know,” answered Master Kavar. He then turned to Lyra. “Padawan, forgive us. We didn’t mean to upset your mother.”
“No need to apologize, master. I knew this was bound to happen,” replied Lyra.
“Oh? Are you not concerned about your own family?”
“Of course I do, Master. She’s my mom! No matter what dangers the Code tells us about having attachments, that doesn’t mean I can’t sympathize with her. Just as I was obsessed in finding my home planet, she was obsessed in finding me. It’s completely relatable.”
Kavar folded his arms. “Hmm, there is honesty in your words. Commendable, yet you violate the Jedi Code itself. If Masters Vrook or Atris heard you say that, they’d throw a fit at you, young Padawan.”
“For kriff’s sake, Master Kavar. Do not bring them into this” snapped Darran, whose rebuke caused his fellow Jedi Master—as well as everyone else—to stare at him with wide eyes.
“I’m… surprised, Gizar. It’s very unlike you to lash out like that, let alone encourage your own student to defy our teachings.”
“You of all people should know that I hold Jedi Code in high regard, Kavar. And I would never let my student stray from it. However, our meeting with the equines did not show our teachings or our way of life in a positive manner. And the stubbornness of Masters Vrook and Zhar did not benefit us.”
“Then what do you suppose we do, my friend?”
Master Darran sighed. “It is a problem that no Jedi Master or Council members can solve. The only way we can clear any misconceptions out guests have about the Jedi is to have one of their own speak to them. Or better yet, allow a daughter to spend time with her mother.”
“Wait, so you want to use Lyra to get the ponies back to your side? Wouldn’t that mean you’re only using her to your end?” asked Hider.
“You have every right to doubt me, Hider. In fact, there is some truth in what you say. But the reason why I want my Padawan to see her mother is not to shed light on the Order. I want Lyra to speak with her because we owe it to them.”
“What do you mean?”
Darran sighed. “I’ve known Lyra for years, Hider. Not only as my Padawan, but as an Initiate as well. Aside from Kavar and Zez-Kai-El, I was one of the first masters she opened up to. And in that time, she told me more about her people. Her culture. And although I may disagree with their concept of a society; at the very least, my Padawan and Captain Impact deserve a moment together.”
Lyra’s jaw dropped. “Wait, Master. Are you admitting that there’s a possibility that I might leave the Jedi Order?”
“A possibility, yes. However, the decision is up to you, my Padawan. Not me, not the Masters, nor anyone else. Until that time comes, I will continue with my duties as your Jedi Master and train you as best I can. But I think we’ve spoke long enough. Go to your mother, Lyra. She needs you.”
Lyra smiled. “Thank you so much. I’ll go talk to her right now.”
“Wait!” said Master Darran just as Lyra was about to make her way to the guest rooms. “After you are done speaking with your mother, come see me at my dojo. Master Kavar and I must discuss something important to you.”
“Important, master?”
“We will tell you when the time comes, my Padawan. And before I forget, please bring your kin along as well. I’m certain that, after our little meeting, some of them might be curious to see how a Jedi approaches combat.”
“Uh, sure, I guess. I’ll check with them to see if anyone is interested.”
As her master nodded his head, Lyra immediately galloped to the Enclave’s guest rooms. She knew that part of the building well, as it was a common place where the planet’s locals go to meet with the Jedi and offer work. Though most of their requests involved driving away Kath Hounds or Kinereth on their farms.
Still, a job was a job. And at the beginning of her apprenticeship under Master Darran, she’d occasionally asked him to see if there were farmers who needed help. However, he often rebuked her over eagerness and preferred to train or study instead. On the occasions he’d agreed to a job, however, he insisted that he would go with her.
She smiled. The time she spent with her master were some of the greatest moments of her time in the Order, despite the harsh lessons he had for her. She wouldn’t dare forget the father who raised her through her most troubled times.
So would going home really be worth it all?
Lyra didn’t know. And perhaps it was for the best. It was too early for her to come up with a decision. Right now, she just wanted to focus on her mom.
When she finally arrived at the guest rooms, she saw the group of ponies standing outside several rooms, talking. Enough though she was on the other side of the hallway, Lyra could hear them gossip. And it wasn’t anything good. Most are flat out criticizing the Jedi while a few others pondered about her own wellbeing.
Deciding to ignore the gossip, Lyra scanned the hallway for the one mare she could talk to. And she wasn’t difficult to find. Despite the overwhelming amount of color, she spotted Sweetie’s creamy colored mane and coat from a distance.
Immediately, she galloped toward the mare. “Sweetie!” Lyra called out.
“Lyra?”
Upon hearing her voice, Sweetie—along with every single pony present—turned to look at the young Padawan. Seeing this, Lyra skidded to a halt. It was sort of creepy, having all these ponies stare at her. Nevertheless, she did her best to keep her poker face.
“Sweetie, there you are! Where is my mom? Is she okay?”
The mare frowned. “The Captain in that last room over there with Cotton, Stalwart, and her Sergeant. She’s really not in a good mood, Lyra. The meeting with the Council really hit her hard.”
“Yeah, I heard. But I don’t want to talk about that right now. Just let me through so that I can have a talk with my mom.”
“Why? So that you can tell the captain that you’re gonna abandon her over some wacko religion?” shouted one nearby stallion.
Lyra grimaced as she began to grit her teeth. Whoever that pony was, she wanted to strangle him for not only insulting the Jedi Order, but for getting in the way of a family matter. If it weren’t for her remembering the Code, she’d be at that pony’s throat right now. Nevertheless, she stood strong, glared at everypony present, and lashed out.
“I don’t know who said that right now, but my relationship with the Order is none of your business!” rebuked the young mare. Though her tone was louder than usual, she remained calm and poised. “This is between me and my mom So do me a favor and get out of my way!”
The ponies, including Sweetie Drops, gasped at Lyra sudden change in tone. Upon hearing her, some immediately did what she had ordered them to.
“Thank you!” Lyra politely replied as she trotted past the group of ponies. When she reached the room where her mother was, she was again stopped. This time, it was by the three ponies who Sweetie had mentioned earlier: Cotton Swirl, Stalwart Shield, and her mother’s trusty Unicorn Sergeant.
“Here to see your mom, kid?” asked Stalwart. The tone of his voice almost appeared as if he were threatening the young Padawan.
But without falter, Lyra nodded her head. “Yes, I am. This is between me and my mom, so please, stay out of the way.”
“Hey, you can’t talk to the Major like that!” replied the Unicorn.
“Stand your ground, Sergeant! You have no right in indicating what this mare can do!” barked Stalwart.
“But Major!”
Stalwart frowned. “Halberd, no! As your Major, I order you to wait outside along with the others!”
The pony known as Halberd wanted to object, but after getting a fierce glare from his superior, he relented and trotted out of the room. “I must apologize,” said Stalwart. “He’s been a bit tense ever since the meeting with your masters had ended.”
“That’s okay. Everypony is tense at the moment. But please, can I see my mom now?”
“Of course. Cotton, if you please?”
“Yeah, I know, Stalwart. You don’t have to tell me twice.” Without any arguing, the Unicorn mare trotted out of the room, but not before giving Lyra a smile. “Take care of your mom would you, dearie.”
Lyra nodded as the two ponies leave the bedroom. Once the automatic doors slam shut, the young Padawan gaped at her sulking mother. For a moment, she hesitated. And with it, came doubt and insecurity. How on earth was she supposed to comfort the mare at a time like this?
“Lyra?”
The Padawan let out a sharp gasp as her mother called out to her. But again, she hesitated, fearing that she may be yelled at or rebuked. However, her fears were all but erased when she saw her mother’s face, who apparently wasn’t crying anymore.
“Sit with me, dear,” Platinum said as she patted her hoof onto the cushion next to her. Immediately, Lyra complied and sat next to the distraught mare. “I’m sorry for troubling you like this, honey. I must’ve worried you for a bit there.”
Lyra shook her head. “No, mom. It’s no trouble at all!” she cried out. “It’s just that… when I saw you leaving the Council Chambers, you looked really sad and… well, I wanted to see how you were doing!”
Platinum gave her frantic daughter a heartwarming smile. “I appreciate it, dear. Thank you,” she said as she dried the last of her tears away. “At the very least, you still remember to be respectful to your parents.”
Hearing this, Lyra lowered her head and frowned. “Mom, do you… hate the Jedi?” she asked, albeit hesitantly. Much to her surprise, however, her mother did not show any signs of malice, nor could she sense any negative emotions thru the Force.
“No, honey, I do not hate them. In fact, I’m actually grateful that they had raised you into a fine mare. However, that does not mean that I’m disappointed or upset with them. It’s a bit complicated to explain, but I guess I should start from the beginning.”
“Beginning of what, mom?” asked Lyra.
“Your disappearance,” answered Platinum. Closing her eyes, the mare lowered her head, and breathed in and out through her snout. “Ten years ago, shortly after you went missing, your father and I weren’t in the best of terms. We fought for days and nights, arguing about who was to blame for your disappearance. It was a grim moment of our marriage, and each day felt more dreadful than the last.”
“That sounds horrible.”
“It was. At one point, the fighting to so bad that our neighbors had to call the guards and arrest us.” The mare’s ears drooped as Platinum became visibly weary. “I remember reaching my lowest point when I was being taken to my cell. My anger was still at its boiling point. So, when my guard was distracted, I stole a nearby weapon and charged at your father.”
Lyra gasped. “You tried to kill dad!” she asked, horrified that her own mother would commit such an atrocity.
“I did,” Platinum answered, shamefully nodding her head. “I would’ve done so too if it weren’t for Princess Celestia’s well timed stun spell.”
Lyra was appalled. To think that her own mother would admit to nearly killing her husband in cold blood. And all because of her untimely disappearance. It was at that time she remembered the lesson her master had taught her years ago. “Fear is the path to the Dark Side,” she said unwittingly. “Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”
Her comment made her mother smile. “Oh? Did your master teach you that phrase?” Platinum asked, to which Lyra nodded her head. “Well, he’s not wrong. If I would’ve hurt your father that day, I probably would’ve been suffering alone in a cell.”
“So, what happened after the Princess cast that spell on you?”
“Well, after Princess Celestia subdued me, she berated your father and I with the most verbal scolding I’ve ever received in my entire life. Not even the revile remarks I received back at the Royal Guard Academy could compare to what happened that night. She even used the Royal Canterlot Voice on us too.”
“But was it enough to stop you and dad from arguing with each other?”
Platinum shook her head. “No, not at first. We still had to be separated; but overnight, all of my anger had been extinguished. So, in the morning, Princess Celestia reunited your father and I before taking us to the second spacecraft that was left behind at your father’s dig site.”
“The Celestial Sun,” Lyra replied. Closing her eyes, she recalled that fateful day, when she went along with her father’s excavation site. “As soon as dad found those two Old Republic ships, my curiosity got the better of me. So, when nopony was paying attention, I boarded one of the vessels and started to play around inside. Little did I know, I ended up activating the ship’s main engines; and eventually, I ended up in outer space.”
“Did you ever try to pilot the vehicle back down?” asked Platinum. Immediately, Lyra shook her head.
“No, I couldn’t. Even if I knew how to control the ship, I was so scared that I couldn’t think. Next thing I knew; I activated the ship’s hyperspace controls and made a one-way trip to Coruscant.”
“Who ended up rescuing you, dear?”
“The Republic Navy did. One of their vessels was orbiting the city-planet when my ship finally dropped out of light speed. When they saw my ship, they used a tracking beam of some sort to haul the craft in.” Lyra frowned as memories from that fateful day began to resurface. “I was so scared when I saw humans for the first time. If Masters Kavar and Zez-Kai-El, I don’t know what would’ve happened to me.”
“Kavar? You mean that person who was in that room with the other Masters?”
Lyra nodded. “They were on board that ship at the time. Upon learning that the Force was strong in me, they took me to the Jedi High Council, where I was eventually inducted as a Jedi Apprentice after some… convincing.”
“What? They didn’t want to take you in?” Platinum asked, sounding very bewildered.
“More like they were reluctant,” Lyra explained. “The Masters knew the Force flowed through me, but a lot of them didn’t know what to do with a scared little filly. There was even one master who was completely against me becoming an Apprentice because she believed I was untrainable.”
Platinum scowled. “Ridiculous! Who was this Jedi?”
“Her name is Atris. And trust me, you do not want to meet her. Out of all the Jedi Council Masters, she is my most outspoken critic. But enough about the masters or my past. Mom, we need to talk about what happened in the Council Chambers.”
“I suppose we should get to the point,” Platinum said, letting out a sigh as she lowered her head. “The Council told me everything what I needed to hear. The Jedi religion, their practices, and the tenants that they preach.”
The mare opened her eyes and stared directly at her daughter. “Lyra, do you really believe in the lessons that they teach? That emotions are terrible and that children should be separated from their families?”
Lyra frowned. “The Jedi philosophy is a very complicated thing. There are a lot of tenants in the Code itself that I don’t agree with, nor am I particularly fond with. And I am not going to make excuses over the fact that the Jedi separate kids from their parents. I don’t like it and I never will.”
“If that is the case, then why follow them? Why stay true to a philosophy that you don’t even agree with?”
“Because as controversial as some of their teachings may be, there is wisdom in it. The Jedi Code, to me, provides a sense of clarity.”
“Oh, really?” Platinum asked. The tone of her voice made it seem that she was skeptic of her daughter’s claims. “Is that something your Master taught you, or is that something you came up with on your own?”
Lyra shook her head. “Master taught me many things. I owe him a lot for being there for me these past ten years. But when it comes to the Jedi Code, he told me that it was important that I form my own perspectives.” She paused for a moment, allowing the memories of her master’s lessons to come about. “The Code itself may not provide all the answers, but it is the very backbone of Jedi philosophy. Always seek wisdom from it, but don’t be afraid to learn from others as the galaxy is a vast place.”
“He sounds like a wise sage. Much wiser than those stubborn old masters. Especially that old geezer wearing those red robes,” Platinum said as a scowl to form on her lips. Her reaction, however, caused Lyra to frown.
“Please don’t take Master Vrook’s stubbornness personally. I know he’s a bit of a pain to deal with, but he means well. It’s just that he doesn’t exactly show it most of the time.”
“Is that because of the Code he follows?”
Lyra nodded. “Out of all the masters in that room, Master Vrook follows the Code very dogmatically. He believes that any action that goes against the Jedi way is a path toward destruction and leads to the Dark Side. I… may have gotten into some disagreements with him over the years; but despite his rigid beliefs, my Master says to always heed the words of the Jedi Masters as there is always wisdom in them.”
Looking at her mother, Lyra noticed that the look on her mother’s facial expression did not change. It appeared her words about Master Vrook did not sway the mare at all. “I still don’t like him,” Platinum said. “And it’s not just that geezer either. Aside from your Jedi Master, I just can’t seem to trust the others.”
“I understand. Really, I do. Jedi philosophy is really confusing and completely different than the ideals that ponies follow today. If anypony back home would’ve learned about the Jedi, they’d likely deem them mad. Heck, you should’ve seen Sweetie before the meeting. When my master informed her about the Jedi teachings, she got pretty upset and sort of took her anger out on me and my friends.”
Platinum sighed. “Darn it, Private Drops. I’m going to have a word with you when I’m done here.”
“Don’t take it personally, mom. She’s just a little confused, that’s all. Like I said, the galaxy is vast, filled with all sorts of different cultures and beliefs. And to be perfectly honest with you, learning about it is fascinating.”
“Oh, great. Now you’re starting to sound like your father,” said Platinum with an irritated groan. “Well, it can’t be all too bad. You have your father’s intellect and my desire to protect others, so I can’t exactly complain.”
“Oh, yeah. You never finished explaining what happened between you and dad. What happened? Did you two make up?”
“We did, actually. After Princess Celestia showed us the Celestial Sun, we made it our life’s goal to find you. It took us a decade to do it, but we did it. We accomplished our mission.”
“What about dad? Why didn’t he come along with you?” asked Lyra.
“Well… um, your father volunteered to stay behind,” answered her mother, albeit somewhat hesitantly. “You see, he had something important he had to deal with back home, so he told me he wanted to stay behind. I insisted that he’d come with me, but he told me that there were some things he needed to take care of.”
Lyra frowned. “Mom, I appreciate it that you didn’t lie to me.”
“Ugh, you read me like a book, didn’t you? Well, to answer your question, I didn’t want your father to come. Mainly because I believed he’d only put himself in danger if he came here. And two, there is this really mandatory… event that I needed him to take part in.”
“Event? What’re you talking about?”
“I’ll tell you more about it later, dear. But first, there is one final thing that we must address. Regarding your status as a Jedi.”
“Are you asking me if I’m choosing to stay with the Jedi or go home with you?” Lyra interrupted. Her abrupt response caused her mother to frown.
“Lyra, I know how much the Jedi mean to you. And don’t get me wrong, I am grateful that they took good care of you these past ten years. But I do not want my mission to go to waste. It took me ten years to find you, and I am not going to just let you go.”
Lyra said nothing.
“However, you are a grown mare. And as much as I want to see you come home with me, that decision is yours to make, not mine.”
Lyra’s jaw slacked. She couldn’t believe it. What she heard was something that she’d never expected to hear. The very same words her master said to her just moments ago. “You’re letting me decide?” she asked, albeit hesitantly.
“Honey, you are seventeen years old. Just a year ago you had reached adulthood in terms of pony standards. And may I remind you of your Cutie Mark?” Platinum pointed her hoof at her daughter’s flank as she let out a hearty chuckle. “Granted, your Cutie Mark has nothing to do with your current occupation; but nevertheless, you are an adult mare. And though it may be a difficult decision to make, it is up to you to decide what your future will be.”
“Mom I… I don’t know what to say!” Lyra replied, who was struggling to contain her emotions. However, before she could say anything else, Platinum embraced her again. Lyra did the same in return and the two shared their bittersweet moment together.