Master Kurn gasped. "Myra!"

She closed her eyes and took a moment to compose herself, taking in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I'm sorry, Master Kurn.," she started. "But just because I can use the Force doesn't mean I have to be a Jedi."

"Myra," Master Takarae started. "We're merely concerned about your future, and that of the Order. Just think of what could happen should you follow the path that leads to the Dark side."

"With all due respect, Master Takarae," Myra replied. "Do you really believe that just because I choose not to become part of the Order, that I would become one of the Sith?"

"You show signs even now, young one," Master Torlin replied, shifting in his seat. "Ignorance, anger, passion. All lead to the Dark side."

"This child must complete her training, Master Starkiller," Master Takarae addressed Myra's father, who had been silent until now.

"She is like her mother," he muttered quietly, more so to himself than to the rest of the Council.

"It is not fair to her," Master Shan spoke up for the first time, "to compare her to her mother." She smiled sympathetically at Myra before continuing. "Myra is not her mother, nor will she become like her."

"I beg to differ, Ignacia," Master Takarae opposed. "But if Myra continues down the path she is on, she will become like her mother. Her mother was irrational, always acting before thinking."

The way Master Takarae talked about Myra's mother annoyed her. "With all due respect, Master Takarae," she interrupted before either of the Jedi Masters could continue, "but could we please leave my mother out of this?"

Her father sighed, as if he was contemplating something, and adjusted the sleeve of his robe. "Yes, I think dropping the matter would be best."

She had never been so happy to have her father agree with her. "Father," she started. "You didn't force Jeremiah or Jerek to train with the Order. I don't see why you're making such an effort to make me train."

Her father sighed again. "You are not like your brothers, Myra."

She raised an eyebrow at him. "No, I'm not…" she hesitated. "But just because I'm girl doesn't mean—"

"You've acquired abilities even the greatest Jedi Masters have not yet mastered. This raw power cannot simply be ignored. You have to understand that."

"I'm not the only kid in the family who can do stuff like that!" she protested. "Jeremiah can understand things without even trying!"

He nodded. "True, but Jeremiah has chosen to develop his gifts within the growing environment of the Order. You have not."

"What if my sight doesn't need to be developed?" she retorted, referring to her unique abilities of Force Sight.

"Not many beings aside from the Miraluka race have such an ability, Myra. You can see things in a way most others can't. You can see life differently than any one of us." He gestured with a wave of his arm to the rest of the Council.

"Father," she replied. "Forgive me, but I don't see any reason why I have to finish my training if the only thing that's different about me is the way I see things."

Her father sighed, and decided to take a different approach on things. "Myra," he said. "You know there's a war going on outside these temples."

"Yes, I know…" she hesitated, not knowing what her father was going to say next. "It's been going on for nearly half a century now."

He nodded. "Yes, it has. Many brave Jedi are sacrificing their lives for the safety of the galaxy."

"Father, I know—"

He raised his hand and cut her off. "Suppose one day you need to defend yourself against a threat. You'd need proper training and guidance in order to protect yourself and others."

Myra was already tired of everyone thinking she couldn't take care of herself, but when her father made it a point that even he thought she couldn't, it set her over the edge.

"I can take care of myself!" she shouted, surprising most of the Council with her resolve. "I don't need to be a Jedi to know how to do that!"

"Myra, I—"

She took a step towards him. "Just because I'm your daughter doesn't mean I have to do what you do, father. I don't have to be a Jedi, I don't have to use the Force, I don't have to be part of the Order!"

"Master Starkiller," the Jedi Master Shan voiced. "Forgive me, but Myra is merely a child." She gave her an apologetic look. "No offense to you, Myra," she smiled.

Myra couldn't help but smile back. She always knew she could count on Master Shan to support her.

"There is no law saying that she must join the Order," Ignacia continued, addressing the rest of the Council. "She is her own person, capable of making her own decisions. If she does not choose to be part of the Order, I think we should allow her to remain in a neutral position. She's not a Sith, nor do I believe she will become one."

"The girl is clearly misguided, Ignacia," Master Takarae replied. "Already she is lashing out at us for only trying to keep her on the right path."

"What if I want to follow my own path?" Myra demanded.

"You have not complete your training, you are not ready to command the Force on your own, child," Master Takarae responded.

"You make it sound like I can't take care of myself, Master Takarae."

"You have yet to receive proper guidance, Myra," Master Kurn interjected.

"This is ridiculous," Myra muttered under her breath. Then she addressed the rest of the council. "How can I prove to you that I'm ready to take on my own challenges, not as a Jedi, but merely as a sentient being?"

"Well…" Master Takarae pondered. "If the child is so determined to follow her own path," she addressed Master Shan, "there is one way I can think of…"

Master Shan's eyes widened. "No, Lonna. She is only a child!"

Myra looked from one to the other. "What?" she asked both of the Masters. "What do I have to do?"