A/N: Yes, I am aware this chapter is short, but I did that by choice, so reminding me of it is not going to change anything. If I have time, chapter 28 should be up tomorrow.


Chapter 27: Yoda's Farewell

It seemed that the entire galaxy stood still the day of Master Yoda's funeral. Several people converged on the Jedi Temple, and those who could not gain entry watched the ceremony on the holonet. Master Yoda was widely respected in the galaxy, and it showed with the well wishes the Temple had received over the last few days after the announcement of the great Jedi's passing.

There was no body to burn, but a funeral pyre had still been set up. The robes the Jedi Master wore on the fateful day of his death would be burned as per Jedi tradition. Jedi Masters Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker led the funeral procession. All seats in the Temple were filled except one. Senator Padmé Amidala was not at the Temple, but home in her Coruscant apartment, watching the events on the holo. Her two newborns, Luke and Leia Skywalker were too young to go to the funeral, so Padmé watched the events from home with her two infants sound asleep in her arms.

"Master Yoda, lived a long life in the service of the Republic he loved. He was the consummate Jedi and a mentor to everyone in the Order. He will be missed, but not forgotten. The ideals he set for the Order will live on. We only hope that we can make him proud." Obi-Wan stated as he led the funeral. "Master Yoda was my teacher and a good friend. He touched the lives of many during his long life. He freed the galaxy from the Sith and helped to rebuild what we had lost. His death is tragic, but he is not truly gone. He lingers in the Force, continually watching and guarding us from afar."

With the end of Obi-Wan's statement, Anakin was left to say a few words. He placed his hands behind his back in preparation for his speech; his prosthetic limb had been replaced the day before. There were a million things he wanted to express, but that was not possible, instead Anakin let his heart speak for him.

"Master Yoda took me in when most people in the Republic would have shunned and rejected me. I had been foolish in my youth, but Master Yoda gave me a second chance." Anakin paused for a moment before continuing. "A few days ago, I had been willing to give my life in service to the Republic. I was prepared to give up my future for what was right, but Master Yoda had other ideas. He sacrificed himself so that I can continue my service. Not only did he give me another chance at life, but a chance to nourish the young lives of my children. For this I will be eternally and humbly grateful." Anakin paused again before closing his statements. "I was granted the rank of Jedi Master with Master Yoda's passing. There is no way I could ever fill the void he has left, but I promise him and the galaxy that I will do the very best that I can. I will serve the Republic to honor the Jedi who gave me a chance to live."

When Anakin finished his speech, the funeral pyre was lit and quickly consumed by flames. As the pyre burned, the entire galaxy was silent to honor their fallen hero.